|
|
|
|
|
Rick's
Picks - September 2008
There
is nothing in this world quite like the
white wines of Alsace. They are powerful,
exotic, diverse and unique in a world
dominated by oaky Chardonnay.
Alsace
is a wine region located in the north
east of France. It is bordered by the
Vosges on the west and the Rhine on the
east, which separates it from Germany.
It
is a region famous for its crisp white
wines — namely Riesling, Gewurztraminer,
Pinot Blanc, Tokay Pinot Gris and Sylvaner.
The
wines are all intensely aromatic, acidic
and made with virtually no oak. They can
be long-lived due to the high acidity.
And unlike most other regions of France,
the varietal is clearly marked on each
label. You can always tell a bottle is
from Alsace by the tall, slender shape.
I recently sipped my way through several
great Alsace wines that a beginner to
the region would find wildly fascinating.
Here
are three widely available Alsace white
wines (followed by three reds from elsewhere)
that I hope you will find as interesting
and delicious as I did. All prices are
approximate and vary from province to
province.
The
whites:
|
|
|
Dopff
& Irion Crystal d'Alsace
Sylvaner 2006 ($14)
ADopff
& Irion Crystal d'Alsace
Sylvaner 2006 ($14) —
Sylvaner is usually crisp
and clean like this one with
melon, apple and pear aromas.
On the palate there are nice
notes of fresh apple and lemon-lime.
It's all about the fruit in
this wine.
|
|
|
|
Pierre
Sparr Riesling 2006 ($15)
One
of the most reliable names
in Alsace and, I must say,
I'm so pleased to see his
wines now in screwcap (the
world is changing, folks!).
I love the subtle hint of
minerality that shows on the
nose to go with citrus, peach,
and even a touch of ginger
spice. In the mouth, lovely
peach, pear, apple-stone flavours
in a completely dry style.
|
|
|
|
Leon
Beyer Pinot Gris 2006 ($16)
This
is a brilliant wine and typical
of the Pinot Gris styled in
Alsace. Smoky, creamy fruit
on the nose with layers of
pear and marzipan. It's a
wonderous, unctuous, big white
with delicious earthy, creamy,
powerful fruit flavours and
delicious minerality. This
is quintessential Alsace that
lasts and lasts on the finish.
|
|
|
The
Reds (all under $15):
|
|
|
Nederburg
Wine Master's Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006
From
South Africa, Nederburg is
a big producer of quality
wines up and down the brand.
The Cabernet has defined blackberry
and mocha aromas with just
a touch of cedar. Bright fruit
on the palate with toasted
oak spice and vanilla.
|
|
|
|
Nederburg
Wine Master's
Reserve Shiraz 2006
A
nose of plums, mint, currants
and spice. It's a pleasant
Shiraz with earthy berry fruit
and mint spices.
|
|
|
|
Cookoothama
Shiraz 2006
Pronounced
cook-a-tharma, fans of this
popular Aussie brand will
notice a new stylized look
in the packaging. In the bottle,
however, it's the same value-for-your-money
wine that's it's always been.
Raspberry-cherry aromas with
a splash of sweet spices.
Vibrant red fruits in the
mouth with added red plum,
a dash of kirsch and an array
of herbs and spice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
