Henri Kaes
During our visit to D'Summer Fascht in Strasbourg in July 2022, we become very impressed with the wines of Henri Kaes. Especially the typical aromas, balanced textures & elegant oxidative notes catch our eye. At that moment we know for sure: it is time to introduce Henri's special wines to wine lovers in the Netherlands!
About the winery
Winemaker from father to son for six generations; Henri Kaes' estate of about 7.5 acres has roots anchored in the terroir of Molsheim in Alsace. Henri's wines draw their strength and minerality from the clay-limestone shell soil and subsoil of Muschel limestone. In 2010, this independent winemaker switched to organic farming with a total abolition of chemical molecules.
In his vineyard, gentle cultivation methods, such as watertight gentle pruning and manual greening (unknotting, trellising and braiding), are the standard and, according to Henri, the best way to encourage the development of high-quality grapes. Protection of vines from pests is based on respect for the natural balance of fauna and flora. Herbal teas and manure from plants such as nettle, horsetail, comfrey or yarrow form the basis of his plant-friendly treatments.
Intervening in the basement is rare! This low-intervention strategy requires time, rest and more time. Henri likes to experiment with maceration of grapes, slow and gentle pneumatic pressing, fermentation with native, natural yeasts & long aging in different types of barrels. No additives and subtle or no filtration are the rules of the wines sold at Aardig Wijntje.
