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Alsace is the most northwesterly region in France. It is bordered by Germany and in fact one can see the Black Forest from the highest hills. This area has been in many hands throughout history, but is now firmly in the hands of France. Although its wines have been compared to those of its German neighbors, they are more like those from Austria, full tasting, dry whites. The weather should be cool at this latitude, but in fact the region is protected by the Vosges hills, with the vineyards in the warmer areas of the foothills. In addition, this is one of the driest areas in France. Unlike most French regions, Alsace produces mainly white wines, labeled according to grape variety. In keeping with other areas of France, they pair extremely well with the superb foods of the region.
Alsace is 62 miles long and only 2 miles wide in some places. Its geology is complex with varying soils next to the hill’s granite. Because the climate is quite dependable, there are rarely bad vintages, and great vintages are made when there is a prolonged warm autumn which allows the production of the late harvest wines. Alsace is AOC, with vineyards gaining the Grands Crus standard for specific kinds of wine. Currently laws allow Grands Crus from only Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Gris, therefore most producers do not print the status on their label. The most important grapes out of this region are: Gewurztraminer – spicy, grapey and assertive, Muscat – aromatic, dry and intense, Pinot Blanc – fresh, dry and Burgundian like, Pino Gris – full flavored dry or sweet wines, and Riesling – almost always dry in Alsace, long lasting and strong in alcohol. In general, Alsace uses basic white wine making techniques, and stores the juice in casks or tanks, then bottles six to twelve months after the harvest. Alsace also produces some sparkling wines in the “methode champenoise” labeled Crement d’Alsace.
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Pierre Sparr ~ Pinot Blanc d’Alsace Reserve
This wine is wonderfully blended and offers rich fruit with aromas of smoky oak. We recommend trying the Sparr if you have not yet tried the Alsacian wines as it’s priced right, at about $9.00 a bottle. Enjoy this bottle with salmon, poultry or pasta in white sauce or olive oil. | Producer | Varietal | Vintage | Price | Buy Now | | Pierre Sparr | Pinot Blanc | 1997 | 9.99 | Details |
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