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2017 Alsace Pinot Noir

Kuentz-Bas
Discount Eligible $19.95
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In one of the most exciting developments in French wine in recent years, Alsace has become a hotbed of talented Pinot Noir producers. Vignerons like Jean Boxler, the Ostertags, Félix Meyer (of Meyer-Fonné), and Olivier Raffin (at Kuentz-Bas) are making spectacular, distinct red wines from the grape, and because the eyes of Pinot Noir lovers are trained most heavily on Burgundy— just a few hours southwest—these wines from Alsace o er outstanding value. None is a better value than Kuentz-Bas’s Pinot Noir. Clocking in at 12% alcohol, this is a fresh, ethereal, and elegant rendition of the grape’s possibilities.Taking over the winemaking responsibilities in 2017, Olivier Raffin pivoted from the exuberant juiciness that resulted from the domaine’s prior whole-cluster, carbonic maceration in its Pinot Noir bottling to a subtler, more delicate wine. It is a red that might be happier paired with certain fish and vegetables than red meat. 

Tom Wolf


Technical Information
Wine Type: red
Vintage: 2017
Bottle Size: 750mL
Blend: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Alsace
Country: France
Region: Alsace
Producer: Kuentz-Bas
Winemaker: Samuel Tottoli
Vineyard: 25 - 45 years
Soil: Loess, Silt, Limestone
Farming: Lutte Raisonnée
Alcohol: 12%

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About The Region

Alsace

map of Alsace

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.

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Where the newsletter started

Every three or four months I would send my clients a cheaply made list of my inventory, but it began to dawn on me that business did not pick up afterwards. It occurred to me that my clientele might not know what Château Grillet is, either. One month in 1974 I had an especially esoteric collection of wines arriving, so I decided to put a short explanation about each wine into my price list, to try and let my clients know what to expect when they uncorked a bottle. The day after I mailed that brochure, people showed up at the shop, and that is how these little propaganda pieces for fine wine were born.—Kermit Lynch

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