Domaine Barmès-Buecher was created in 1985 by Geneviève Barmès (née Buecher) and François Barmès, her husband, who combined the lands of their respective families, who owned vines since the 17th century, in Wettolsheim. I was fortunate to interview Sophie Barmes, their daughter, about the winery and its wines, through the Millésimes Alsace online tasting event held this week.
The winery has 18 ha of vineyards and they produce single vineyard wines. Their vineyards cover seven different terroirs including three Gran Cru. They are certified biodynamic since 2001 but have been practicing biodynamic principles since 1998. I was truly amazed at how many years they have been using biodynamic practices as it was not as widely known so many years ago. They are early adopters in my opinion. Sophie notes that the biodynamic practices have helped their vines grow deep into the soil which has increased the minerality of their wines and helps the vines to survive the hot summers.
My Wine Tasting Notes
Domaine Barmes-Buecher Clos Sand Riesling 2021, AOC Alsace – 1/2 ha vineyard that was planted in 1999 in granitic soil. It is at the top of a hill with the Grand Cru Steingrubler vineyard being right below it. This site also has forest beside it making it a cooler area and it is always the last vineyard to be harvested. 2021 was a hard year for the winery as they lost 45% of their grapes caused by rain and mildew. But when I tasted the wine, it is of excellent quality. This wine has a medium lemon colour. Aromas of lemon, floral, nutmeg, and pears. Dry, light body with a lean mouthfeel. Pears, light spice, and salty minerality. Medium-plus acidity. A very precise, “vertical”, wine as Sophie describes it. Tart fruit to finish. Light, bright, flavours. 
Domaine Barmes-Buecher Grand Cru Steingrubler Riesling 2020, AOC Alsace – 2020 was a hotter vintage compared to 2019 according to Sophie. Their harvest started early in August. The wine was aged for 2.5 years in 600-litre barrels. This wine has a medium-intensity lemon colour. Light citrus, stone fruits, and floral aromas, plus a touch of peach skin and toastiness. Dry, medium body, round with a thicker mouthfeel. This thicker mouthfeel is balanced by higher acidity. Rich, ripe, bright flavours of stone fruits, pears and apricots in particular, plus citrus and floral. Mineral. Long length. – 
Domaine Barmes-Buecher Rosenberg Pinot Blanc 2021, AOC Alsace – 43-year-old vines from the Rosenberg clay and limestone east-facing hillside. This wine was fermented in neutral 600-litre barrels. This wine has a medium lemon-pear skin colour. Medium-intensity aromas of toast and stone fruits. Dry, medium body, lightly thick. Very smooth mouthfeel. Pears, roasted apples, and toast on the palate. 
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Domaine Barmes-Buecher Rosenberg Pinot Gris 2021, AOC Alsace – Medium intensity lemon-pear skin colour. Light-intensity aromas of toast, stoniness, citrus, stone fruits, and apples. Dry, medium body with a round lightly thick mouthfeel. Medium-plus acidity with a touch of smokiness and minerality. Pears and some tart stone fruit flavours. –
Where Can I Buy These Wines?
Sophie noted that they have a variety of their wines in Quebec via the SAQ and in Ontario via the LCBO. There is also distribution I believe in BC, but do not have details at the moment.
