Jean-Marc Ostertag

Jean-Marc Ostertag –a winemaker at the Maison Willm since 1993– has been cultivating only Gewurztraminer grapes since the 2000s. Owning over 99 square meters in the Clos Gaensbrœnnel, he is a living Maison Willm icon! Jean-Marc quickly became passionate about the vineyard thanks to his parents, who are both winemakers. As a lover of nature and the Barr region, he proudly represents the Maison Willm, its wines and its values.

A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE

Wine growing requires technical skills, but above all, experience. I began working in the vineyard with my parents as a young child; it was by their side that I first learned how the vine works. They taught me how to observe the vine stocks and listen to nature, a crucial part of caring for the vines to produce nice, exploitable grapes.

Being a winemaker is the best occupation there is!

PHILOSOPHICAL WINEMAKER

The winemaking profession forces us to put things into perspective, since nature is in complete control. Despite our best efforts, we can’t force nature do as we choose. We must instead let it speak for itself.

We have to accept that some things are beyond our control

PRUNING, A BREAK DURING THE YEAR

Pruning is a pleasant time of year as we spend a significant amount of time in the vines. It’s the moment to observe the vines closely and and take special care of them. We have less stress during this period, we just follow nature’s rhythm. This is a time of year that I truly appreciate.

MY WINEMAKER SECRETS

Listening to nature and the messages it sends us is crucial in our profession. More often than not, if you give to the vines, they will give back.

You must let nature work its magic

MY FAVORITE WINE  

The Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr Clos Gaensbrœnnel is my favorite wine. I serve it mostly to accompany dark chocolate desserts. A pure delicacy.