2022 ChevernyDomaine du Salvard
France | Loire
$22
Producers
Alsatian Pinot Gris is an often-misunderstood category—a pity, considering the pleasures it can afford, especially once it’s acquired a few years of bottle age, as with this late release from the historic Kuentz-Bas estate. Unlike light, crisp Italian Pinot Grigio, the grape achieves a sun-drenched plumpness that translates to a lusciousness on the palate, no doubt from the dry, sunny climate Alsace enjoys in the rain shadow of the Vosges. With a subtle touch of sweetness, Florimont is far from a dessert wine, as its complementarity to bratwurst, pork chops, and roasted root vegetables attests. It is a grand cru that confers exceptional finesse—in other words, this is a full-bodied white with a featherweight touch.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2016 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Pinot Gris |
Appellation: | Alsace Grand Cru |
Country: | France |
Region: | Alsace |
Producer: | Kuentz-Bas |
Winemaker: | Samuel Tottoli |
Vineyard: | 25 - 45 years, 2 ha |
Soil: | Mainly Limestone |
Aging: | 4 to 8 weeks in stainless steel tank and are aged in stainless steel for 7 to 8 months sur lie |
Farming: | Biodynamic (certified) |
Alcohol: | 13% |
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Tragically, Alsace might be the most misunderstood wine region of France. In spite of its long history of viticulture and tremendous diversity of pedigreed terroirs, a past fraught with marketing mishaps has left consumers baffled as to what exactly to expect inside one of these mysterious tall, thin bottles.
The good news, on the other hand, is that a new wave of quality-oriented growers is working hard to put Alsace in its rightful place as one of the world’s most fascinating sources of fine white wine. By embracing tradition, respecting terroir, and making a concerted effort to better communicate the countless virtues their wines have to offer, they have succeeded in putting Alsace back on the map.
Crafted from a number of grape varieties and beautifully interpreting the region’s mosaic of soil types, our Alsace imports are by and large dry whites offering exceptional versatility at table. While each of these selections is ready to be uncorked tonight, the finest among them are also capable of maturing for many, many years in a cool cellar. Expect kaleidoscopic aromatics, lively acidities, and loads of terroir transparency in these skillfully crafted masterpieces. Enjoy a foray into the thrilling world of the world’s most underrated wine region, and certainly do not hesitate to contact our sales staff with any questions as you take off on this mouth-watering adventure.
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace | Alsace
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace | Alsace
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace | Crémant d’Alsace
Albert Boxler France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace | Alsace Grand Cru
For the wines that I buy I insist that the winemaker leave them whole, intact. I go into the cellars now and select specific barrels or cuvées, and I request that they be bottled without stripping them with filters or other devices. This means that many of our wines will arrive with a smudge of sediment and will throw a more important deposit as time goes by, It also means the wine will taste better.
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
Many food and beverage cans have linings containing bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical known to cause harm to the female reproductive system. Jar lids and bottle caps may also contain BPA. You can be exposed to BPA when you consume foods or beverages packaged in these containers. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/bpa