Quality Charter of Traminer and Friburger Wines
In the wine landscape, the union of Traminer and Friburger winemakers marked a decisive turning point with the creation of a quality charter. This initiative, born from the desire to surpass traditional standards, aims to elevate the quality level of the wines produced. By defining precise criteria such as the maximum quantity of grapes per vine and the permitted winemaking methods, this charter aims to ensure exceptional quality. It represents a promise to wine lovers: that of products crafted with care and passion, respecting the environment and the terroir.
The fundamental principles of the charter
Maximum authorized quantities in the vineyard
One of the pillars of the charter is the regulation of the quantity of grapes per vine. This limitation ensures an optimal concentration of aromas and promotes perfect maturity, essential for producing high-quality wines. This principle follows a logic of respecting nature, avoiding overproduction, and promoting responsible and sustainable viticulture.
Approved winemaking methods
The charter also establishes clear guidelines regarding the authorized winemaking methods. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the fruit and faithfully reflect the identity of each grape variety and each terroir. Innovative and respectful techniques are encouraged, thus highlighting the winemakers’ craftsmanship and expertise.
The aging process: Maximum barrel time
Aging in barrels is a crucial step in the winemaking process. The charter limits this period to six months, a decision aimed at maintaining the balance of the wines and preserving their freshness and fruitiness. This measure prevents excessive woodiness, ensuring that the wine fully expresses its character and origin.
Prohibition of residual sugar
By prohibiting the addition of residual sugar, the charter guarantees the authenticity and purity of the wines. This rule emphasizes the winemakers’ commitment to producing wines that truly reflect the natural characteristics of the grape and the terroir, without artifice or modification.
The winemakers’ tasting competition
The inter-winemakers’ competition is much more than a contest: it is a celebration of excellence and commitment to quality. It offers a platform to evaluate, share, and improve winemaking practices in a spirit of camaraderie and mutual development.
In an atmosphere that is both serious and convivial, the wines are blind-tasted by a jury made up of experts and other winemakers. This method ensures an objective evaluation, based solely on the quality of the wine, without the influence of the brand or reputation.
The wines are judged according to a range of rigorous criteria, including compliance with the charter’s standards, balance, complexity, expression of the terroir, and overall harmony. This process highlights the wines that best embody the values and aspirations of the winemakers’ community.
Comparison with AOC
By adopting more demanding standards than those of the controlled designation of origin (AOC), the charter positions Traminer and Friburger wines as benchmarks in terms of quality. This reflects a desire to go beyond established norms and offer wines that stand out for their excellence and uniqueness.
Since the introduction of the charter, feedback has been unanimous: the quality of the wines has significantly improved, reflecting the success of this initiative. Consumers now enjoy more authentic, more expressive wines with consistently renewed quality.
The quality charter initiated by the Traminer and Friburger winemakers is an inspiring example of collaboration and commitment to excellence. By laying solid foundations for the future, this initiative promises to continue enriching the wine heritage and delighting the palates of wine lovers around the world.
