The Data

Country   France

Appellation   Cremant d'Alsace

Varietal   Sparkling Blend

Retail Price   $22

ABV   12.5%

Score   4 Stars/91 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, medium salmon color.

The nose is moderately intense offering scents of apricot stone, raspberry, and bread yeast with supporting notes of citrus zest and mineral.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of wild strawberry. The finish lingers with accents of slate and red currant.

Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

Cool Factor

We love a well-made Cremant d'Alsace like those created by Dopff & Irion — always cool.

Value Grade

At just over $20 a bottle (under $20 in competitive markets) we find this lovely sparkling wine to be a good value.

Analysis

This lovely and complex Cremant d'Alsace is made entirely with Pinot Noir. For those unfamiliar with Cremant d'Alsace, it is made with the méthode traditionnelle just like Champagne. The finished wine is rested in vat for a period of six month before being bottled with a dose of yeast and sugar to promote the secondary fermentation so necessary for traditional sparkling wines. The bottles are rested with the lees for 12 to 15 months (the law requires just nine months) to develop complex and subtle flavors. We love this wine's depth and attractive flavors.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled in a white wine glass, flutes limit the aromatics.