James Suckling – A prototypical Alsace gewurz with plenty of lychee and pineapple character, delicate spice and a satisfying balance between full, creamy body and an almost dry, spicy finish that’s long and rather complex.
World Wine – Outer quote mark Vivid deep straw. White flowers, apple butter and honey plus a touch of vanilla on the nose and in the mouth. Fresh, clean and much richer and denser than Trimbach’s entry-level Pinot Gris, but I think it needs time to smooth out and come together. Closes a tad short, with a hint of residual sweetness on the medium-long finish (Pierre Trimbach said he feels that this wine needs that extra touch of residual sugar to have the best balance).
Wine Enthusiast – Outer quote mark A touch of ripe Mirabelle plum joins the pear fruit on the nose. The resolutely dry palate holds them tight on a very concentrated, fresh but also earthy body. Taut and clean, this needs a little more time in bottle. The finish is whistle-clean.
Wine Enthusiast – Slight hints of evolution are immediately apparent in the lifted notes of dried lemon peel. The palate is taut and concentrated, straight-laced and upright. This is all about linearity, focus and tension. Have it now or wait for it, it is worth witnessing at any stage. Prepare to be refreshed and revived. Drink now until 2025.
Wine Enthusiast – Notes of ripe lemon have a honeyed, herbal lift, with a hint of candied lemon peel. The palate of this wine comes with concentration and a lemon freshness that radiates ripeness, brightness and intensity in equal measure. The finish is long, lemony, waxy and dry. Lovely now the wine is certain to evolve. Drink now–2030.
Wine Spectator – Light-bodied and elegant, this fresh Pinot Gris enlivens the flavors of kumquat, stone, melon and sliced almond with a zesty streak of acidity. Offers a lightly spiced, tangy finish. Drink now through 2020.
Wine Enthusiast – Ripe, yellow pear, stone and earth are united by a zesty grapefruit perfume. The streak of purity at the center of this is invigorating, with an enlivening backbone of tinkling acidity. This bottling does justice to a difficult vintage-and is all the more alluring for it. Something racy and pure at the core makes you want to delve deeply into this wine.
Wine Enthusiast – An aroma of ripe pear makes an appearance on the nose. The same pristine and abundant tone plays on the palate, supported by fresh lemon. Balance and concentration are an ideal counterbalance to a racy vein of acidity. The finish is utterly refreshing and lasting.
Nestled between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine river, Alsace is a land of timeless beauty and rich heritage. Its unique geographical position, straddling both French and German influences, has shaped its culture, architecture, and of course, its wines. Walking through its vineyards, one is taken back in time, surrounded by ancient castles and half-timbered houses that reflect the region's storied past. With a climate that's both continental and temperate, the vineyards benefit from long hours of sunshine, allowing grapes to ripen perfectly and develop nuanced flavors. The winemaking traditions here are deep-rooted, passed down through generations, ensuring that every bottle encapsulates the spirit of the region. Alsace isn't just a wine-producing region; it's a testament to the harmonious blend of nature, history, and human craftsmanship.
Alsace is a captivating wine region nestled between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east, in the northeastern corner of France. Bordering Germany, the region has experienced a rich tapestry of cultural influences over the centuries, oscillating between German and French sovereignty. This unique historical context, combined with its distinctive geography, has given Alsace a singular identity, both culturally and viticulturally. The picturesque wine route of Alsace, dotted with charming villages, half-timbered houses, and centuries-old vineyards, is a testament to the region's deep-rooted wine tradition and its enchanting landscapes.
Absolutely! Alsace is renowned globally for producing wines of exceptional quality, especially its aromatic white wines. Characterized by their elegance, finesse, and aromatic complexity, Alsatian wines strike a balance between freshness and richness. While the region boasts several iconic and premium wines that come with a higher price tag, there are numerous options available for those looking for remarkable value. Alsace, in its dedication to quality, offers a wide range of wines to cater to varying budgets, ensuring that both connoisseurs and everyday wine lovers can experience the magic of Alsatian viticulture.
The singular charm of Alsace wines stems from a harmonious blend of its unique geography, diverse soils, and a fascinating interplay of German and French winemaking traditions. The region's location, protected by the Vosges Mountains, creates a microclimate that is among the driest in France, ideal for grape ripening. The mosaic of soils, ranging from granite and limestone to clay and schist, adds multifaceted character to its wines. Alsace's historical ties to both France and Germany mean that it borrows and melds techniques and traditions from both cultures. The result? Wines that are aromatic, textured, and imbued with a sense of place.
While Alsace produces an array of wines, it is most celebrated for its white wines, particularly those made from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. Riesling from Alsace is particularly esteemed, often characterized by its racy acidity, aromatic depth, and mineral undertones. Gewurztraminer, on the other hand, is known for its lush aromatics, often hinting at lychee, rose, and exotic spices. Pinot Gris offers richness and opulence, whereas Muscat is all about grapey freshness. In addition to these, Alsace also produces Crémant d'Alsace, a sparkling wine that's gaining popularity for its quality and value.
Defining the best wines from Alsace can be subjective, given the diversity of palates. However, wines sourced from the region's Grand Cru vineyards often stand out for their depth, complexity, and aging potential. Some iconic names to look out for include Rieslings from the likes of Clos Sainte Hune or Schlossberg, and Gewurztraminers from vineyards like Furstentum or Goldert. Domaines such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Domaine Weinbach, and Domaine Trimbach consistently produce wines that captivate critics and wine enthusiasts alike. Yet, it's essential to explore and discover, as Alsace boasts numerous winemakers crafting exquisite wines that showcase the region's rich tapestry of terroirs and traditions.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.