Don’t be fooled by its long history of passbacks between France and Germany – Alsace is inarguably French. So French that French people even think of Alsatians as being “so French.” That being said, this region is unique to the country with its production of superb white wines from the dry and crisp to the very sweet and everything in between. Warning: you may experience love at first sip.
Domaine Meyer-Fonné – Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2013
Average Price: $19
Technically a Pinot d’Alsace, this blend includes 65% Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Pinot Blanc, 15% Pinot Gris and 15% Pinot Noir. It unveils beautiful aromas of grapefruit, lemon curd, honeysuckle and a nice precision of minerality. Fruit forward with crisp acidity and an intense midpalate, it offers lovely flavors of coriander and lavender with a peppery finish. –JA
Kuentz-Bas – Riesling Tradition 2012
Average Price: $17
A wonderfully dry rendition of Riesling, it reveals a nose profile of ripe green apple, jasmine, and hints of smoke and slate minerality. High in acid and incredibly mineral-driven, its dry medium body further expresses notes of lime blossom and subtle notes of kerosene that will intensify with age. –JA
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Domaine Rieflé – Riesling Grand Cru Steinert Bonheur Exceptionnel 2010
Average Price: $31
Inarguably ripe fruit yet modest in residual sugar, this Riesling shows off its good side with perfumes of honeydew melon, grapefruit, acacia and a touch of petrol. High as the sky in acidity with a subtle creaminess to it, the palate finishes off with an elegant essence of jasmine. –JA
Albert Boxler – Pinot Gris Réserve 2012
Average Price: $47
A simply gorgeous example of Alsatian Pinot Gris with tangy scents of marmalade alongside Bartlett pear, jasmine and a distinct chalky minerality. Rich and voluptuous on the palate with intense expressions of orange peel, white pepper and a long cinnamon finish. Magnifique! –JA
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Domaine Weinbach – Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Furstentum Vendages Tardives 2012
Average Price: $55 – half bottle [375 ml]
A wine that needs no words. But if there were they would describe the nose as kumquat, dried apricot, baked pineapple, nutmeg and honeycomb. A luscious mouthfeel paired with zesty acidity unravels rich flavors of orange blossom, saffron, cardamom and a long finish of white pepper. –JA
