MËRALLA

🍏 Mëralla – Michèle Ramponi & Christian Binner

• Background:
Mëralla is a side project by Michèle Ramponi, developed in collaboration with natural wine pioneer Christian Binner. Created in 2018, the project began as an effort to revive abandoned orchards in Alsace and create a circular economy built around wine and natural products.

• Region:
Ammerschwihr and surrounding Alsace Grand Cru vineyards, France.

• Altitude:
Typically 200–300 meters above sea level, depending on the Grand Cru parcel.

• Size:
Small-scale négociant project sourcing fruit from around 12 biodynamic producers across Alsace. Production is artisanal and cuvée-specific.

• Terroir / soil:
Calcareous and clay-rich Grand Cru soils, often with schist, from various small plots farmed biodynamically.

• Grapes:
Primarily Riesling and Gewurztraminer, but also Muscat Ottonel and occasional skin-contact cuvées (e.g., N°38 Skin Contact). Mëralla wines reflect the grape diversity and micro-terroirs of Alsace.

• Approach:
Strict “Nothing Added, Nothing Removed” (RARE) natural wine philosophy. The focus is on sustainability, minimal intervention, and circular production. Grapes are hand-harvested and handled with care throughout.

• Vinification facts:
Spontaneous fermentation only. Wines are unfiltered, unfined, and sulfite-free. Some wines undergo extended skin contact and rest in stainless steel or neutral vessels. Labels and bottling are often done by hand.

• Interesting facts:
Beyond wine, Mëralla also produces biodynamic grape-based cosmetics, including soaps and verjuice. Their philosophy embraces art, beauty, and sustainability: