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Alsace - France’s secret white wine heaven
Picture postcard villages, half-timbered houses, beautifully tended vineyards… Alsace is one of the hidden treasures of the wine world. Its wines are criminally under-represented outside its borders – but absolutely adored by those that know them.
The only red wines from here are made from the delicate Pinot Noir grape. But Alsace is most famous for its intense, racy, aromatic whites – ranging from bone dry to wonderfully sweet, and always beautifully balanced.
If you’re a white wine fan you really owe it to yourself to try them. So here are four recommendations to get you started. But beware – you may be smitten!
1. Pierre Brecht, AOC Alsace Riesling
Alsace excels with aromatic grapes like Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Pierre Brecht Riesling is bone-dry with riveting freshness, amazing intensity and lovely purity of fruit. Typical of this historic region, it comes from a 350-year-old family cellar. With its crisp green apple notes and lime zip, it’s an ideal partner for fish pie or crab soufflé.
2. “S de Schlumberger”, AOC Alsace
Most Alsace wines are single varietal – made from one type of grape – but there are exceptions. Domaines Schlumberger, an outstanding 1810 Alsace estate, created S de Schlumberger to provide a ‘Grand Tour’ of the region’s vineyards. Using Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir they’ve created a beautifully balanced white with a creamy texture and ripe peachy fruit. Delicious on its own or with wild mushroom tagliatelle.
3. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, AOC Alsace Riesling “Roche Calcaire”
If you’re looking for a really special white for a celebration, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Riesling would be a fabulous choice. It’s from a 400-year-old biodynamic estate, listed as one of France’s Top 10 wineries by Decanter Magazine.
The Riesling Roche Calcaire comes from 40-year-old vineyards, planted on superb chalky, limestone soils in the foothills of the Vosges. It’s bone dry with zippy lime fruit and teasing hints of more tropical fruit. Enjoy well chilled as a delicious glass on its own or with really special white fish dishes – Dover Sole Meunière perhaps.
