Domaine Etienne Simonis
ドメーヌ・エティエンヌ・シモニス
Family biodynamic estate since 1670, farming Grand Cru Kaefferkopf and Marckrain.
Domaine Etienne Simonis is a family winegrowing estate in Ammerschwihr, Alsace, whose roots trace back to the 1670s. Etienne Simonis took over from his father René in 1996 and, after discovering biodynamics while studying in Beaune, converted the entire 7-hectare estate to organic farming and then biodynamics by 1999 (Ecocert certified since 2008, Demeter certified since 2011). The vineyards span the communes of Ammerschwihr, Bennwihr, Kaysersberg and Sigolsheim, including prized parcels on Alsace Grand Cru Kaefferkopf and Alsace Grand Cru Marckrain. Guided by the principle of revealing terroir rather than forcing it, Etienne and his wife Katia use herbal preparations (yarrow, horsetail, nettle, willow) and lunar rhythms to nurture soil life. The range spans varietal wines, Crémant d'Alsace, Grand Cru bottlings, Vendanges Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles and an orange wine made from macerated Pinot Gris. The domaine has been recognized with multiple stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins and a star in the 2024 Guide Vert des meilleurs vins de France.
www.vins-simonis.fr/ ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
For wine lovers who want authentic, terroir-driven Alsace wines from a certified biodynamic (Demeter) family estate with deep roots and access to two Grand Cru sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Domaine Etienne Simonis certified biodynamic?
- Yes. The estate has been farmed biodynamically since 1999 and holds Ecocert (organic, since 2008) and Demeter (biodynamic, since 2011) certification across all 7 hectares.
- Which Grand Cru vineyards does the domaine work?
- Domaine Etienne Simonis owns parcels in two Alsace Grand Crus: Kaefferkopf (in Ammerschwihr) and Marckrain (spanning Bennwihr/Sigolsheim), producing Riesling and Gewurztraminer from these sites respectively.
- How long has the Simonis family been growing wine in Ammerschwihr?
- The family's winegrowing history in Ammerschwihr dates back to the 1670s. Etienne Simonis took over the estate from his father René in 1996, continuing over three centuries of tradition.
- What styles of wine does the domaine produce?
- Alongside classic Alsace varietals (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Muscat), the domaine makes Crémant d'Alsace, Grand Cru bottlings, late-harvest Vendanges Tardives, botrytized Sélection de Grains Nobles, and a skin-contact orange wine from Pinot Gris.
- Do these wines pair well with Japanese cuisine?
- Yes. Their vibrant acidity and pure mineral expression, especially in the dry Riesling and Sylvaner cuvées, pair naturally with sushi, tempura, and other delicate Japanese dishes, while the aromatic Gewurztraminer suits spiced or slightly sweet preparations.