The Mann family consists of Jean-Louis, his wife Fabienne, and their son Sébastien. The winery was founded in 1998 after many years of selling to the local co-op (there are lots of winemaking co-ops in Alsace), and remains a small-production domaine in the heart of southern Alsace.

Alsace as a region is world-renowned for its full-bodied whites. Sylvaner is naturally low in acidity, so can benefit from full ripening to give the wine body and structure (this wine is 14.5% alcohol, for example). Because Alsace sits in the rain shadow of the Vosges it's one of the driest and sunniest winegrowing regions in all of France, despite its northerly orientation (it's also the smallest winegrowing region in France).

The Manns farm biodynaimcally and organically. This 2019 has crisp Anjou pear, citrus, and a touch of honey, alongside a tiny whiff of earthy petrol (typical for Alsace). Drink it with flammekueche (aka tarte flambée), or with thyme and gruyere crostini. Fowl like game hen and chicken are also delightful with this wine.

Producer: Domaine Mann

Name of Wine: Le Mouton Bleu

Vintage: 2019

Region: Alsace, France

Appellation: Alsace AOC

Varietal(s): 100% sylvaner

Agriculture: certified organic and biodynamic

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Vineyard/Winery Location: Eguisheim, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France

Vineyard Name(s): Dorfburg, Ortel, Altengarten

Soil Type(s): granitic sand, limestone, sandstone

Altitude: ~200 m / ~656 ft
Exposure: east

Trellis: Guyot

Age of Vines: 50+ years
Harvest: hand harvested

Yield: 4500 kilograms / hectare

Yeasts: native yeasts
Alcoholic fermentation: whole cluster

Malolactic fermentation: no
Élevage: 12 months in stainless steel on the lees

Fining/Filtration: no / yes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure and bottle: natural cork, 750 ml, Alsatian bottle

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Service Temperature: 45-52 F

Drink: now to 2026

Decant: no

Pairing: flammekueche (aka tarte flambée) / game hen / chicken