April 15, 2024 - 1 comments
From beer, to cider, to natural wine. Discover Pascal Treichler, a rising star in the German natural wine movement.
On the slopes north of Heidelberg in Badische Bergstraße, Germany, lies the domain of Pascal Treichler, a passionate natural winemaker carving his mark in the renowned wine region of Baden. Founded in 2021 during Pascal's winemaking apprenticeship, the domaine encompasses 1.5 hectares of vineyards and orchards, embodying a commitment to sustainable practices and terroir-driven wines.
Prior to venturing into winemaking, Pascal's journey traversed the realms of beer brewing and cider making. However, it was a revelatory encounter with natural wine that sparked his fervor for winemaking. Eschewing the conventions of industrial wine production, Pascal was drawn to the purity and authenticity of natural wines, a sentiment that now permeates his craft.
The domaine boasts a diverse array of grape varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Blauer Elbling, and Souvignier Gris, each carefully selected to showcase the region's terroir. With soils ranging from volcanic to limestone, Pascal embraces a hands-on approach in the vineyard, eschewing machinery in favor of manual labor and employing organic practices to nurture vine vitality and combat disease.
In the cellar, Pascal's philosophy remains unwaveringly natural, eschewing additives and filtration in favor of minimal intervention winemaking. Each bottle embodies the essence of its terroir, a testament to Pascal's dedication to preserving the integrity of his craft.
Yet, amidst the accolades, Pascal acknowledges the challenges facing natural winemakers today. The encroachment of industrialization threatens to commodify the movement, jeopardizing its essence and integrity. Nonetheless, Pascal remains resolute in his mission, urging consumers to support local producers and embrace the authenticity of natural wine.
Domaine Pascal Treichler stands as a beacon of artisanal winemaking, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between land, labor, and legacy. As Pascal aptly declares, "F*** the industry, drink more natural wine from your local producers." Here's to raising a glass to the purity and passion embodied in each bottle. Cheers!
