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The Beautiful Simplicity of “Alsace Blanc”
The Beautiful Simplicity of “Alsace Blanc”
by Kermit Lynch by Kermit Lynch
From the Archives: July 2006 Newsletter From the Archives: July 2006 Newsletter
2021 Alsace Blanc
2021 Alsace Blanc
Husseren-les-Châteaux
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace | Alsace
Alsace blanc means an Alsatian white and nothing more definite than that. I did not know Alsace blanc existed until Kuentz-Bas poured theirs for me. I think it deserves to exist. Consider, we have Mâcon, Côtes du Rhône, and Bordeaux blanc. Alsace blanc is a simple, entry-level appellation that displays a regional character.
Bargain of the summer? Well, it certainly is fresh and tasty and allows thirst-quenching-sized swallows. And unlike Le Montrachet (another French dry white), for example, if you are in the mood for a glass like right now, and you don’t happen to have a bottle chilled, you can just toss a couple of ice cubes into the glass. Very practical when you are in a rush.
The grape varieties are Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and the aromatic Muscat d’Alsace. Put ’em together and what do you get? Well, a fine, whispery aftertaste, for one thing. And I like the way it makes the inside of my mouth feel, which is more than I can say for a lot of high-scoring, high-priced palate manglers.
Enjoy.
Husseren-les-Châteaux
| Wine Type: | white |
| Vintage: | 2021 |
| Bottle Size: | 750mL |
| Blend: | 65% Pinot Blanc, 15% Muscat, 14% Riesling, 6% Gewurztraminer |
| Appellation: | Alsace |
| Country: | France |
| Region: | Alsace |
| Producer: | Kuentz-Bas |
| Winemaker: | Olivier Raffin |
| Vineyard: | 25 - 45 years, 2 ha |
| Soil: | Loess, Silt, Limestone |
| Farming: | Organic (certified) |
| Alcohol: | 13% |
More from this Producer or Region
2024 Muscat
France | Alsace
Each sip is akin to biting into a piece of fresh-picked fruit, with an earthy minerality and bright acidity augmenting the palate-coating flavors of peach, orange zest, and white flowers.
2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Geisberg”
France | Alsace
This mouthwatering and impeccably balanced Riesling is a testament to the majestic heights Alsace’s grands crus can reach.
2025 Alsace Pinot Noir
France | Alsace
Looking for a red Burgundy dupe with an everyday price tag?
2024 Pinot Blanc
France | Alsace
New to Alsatian wine? This is the perfect place to start.
2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Eichberg”
France | Alsace
It’s a perfect palate cleanser with refreshing notes of lime granita and tart pineapple.
2022 Riesling Grand Cru “Eichberg”
France | Alsace
You’ll want to open it alongside richer dishes, or ones that take the longest to make, those that deserve a layered and complex bottling to match.
2024 Riesling
France | Alsace
Dry, with tart green apple, pear, and a classic hint of petrol on the nose. The firm, zesty palate has enough substance for endless delicious pairings.
2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Pfersigberg Trois Châteaux”
France | Alsace
Pfersig means “peach,” and the wine’s subtle whispers of white peach are adorable, and then the bouquet keeps growing more expansive, more intense, grander.
Crémant d’Alsace Brut
France | Alsace
A dignified bottle of bubbles like this is certainly suitable for special occasions, and would beautifully complement the most refined cuisine.
2018 Pinot Blanc Vieilles Vignes “Trois Châteaux”
France | Alsace
This unique old-vine bottling from Kuentz-Bas is pure Pinot Auxerrois and boasts honey and orange blossom on the nose for days.
About The Producer
Kuentz-Bas
More than two hundred years of tradition and vineyard pedigree have made the wines of Kuentz-Bas perennial favorites. However, when the family sold the property to famed vigneron Jean-Baptiste Adam in 2004, many wondered what direction the new team would take. Adam, like the estates former owners, has a reputation for being an advocate of Alsatian terroir, and he is the fourteenth generation to continue a family winemaking tradition that began as early as 1614. The wines are more open than ever while still reflecting the unmistakable character of the vineyards that clients have come to expect from Kuentz-Bas.
About The Region
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.
More from Alsace or France
2022 Pinot Gris “Réserve”
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2023 Sylvaner
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2022 Pinot Gris
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2023 Pinot Blanc
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2018 Pinot Gris Réserve
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2024 Pinot Blanc
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Geisberg”
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2020 Riesling “Fronholz”
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace
2021 Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive “Hinterburg de Katzenthal”
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
Confiture Griotte d’Alsace Variété Chatel Morel
Christine Ferber | Alsace
Confiture Quartier Orange Maltaise
Christine Ferber | Alsace
2021 Riesling “Réserve”
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2022 Pinot Gris “Réserve”
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
2023 Sylvaner
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2022 Pinot Gris
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2023 Pinot Blanc
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2018 Pinot Gris Réserve
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
2024 Pinot Blanc
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2019 Riesling Grand Cru “Geisberg”
Kuentz-Bas France | Alsace
2020 Riesling “Fronholz”
Domaine Ostertag France | Alsace
2021 Pinot Gris Vendange Tardive “Hinterburg de Katzenthal”
Meyer-Fonné France | Alsace
Confiture Griotte d’Alsace Variété Chatel Morel
Christine Ferber | Alsace
Confiture Quartier Orange Maltaise
Christine Ferber | Alsace
2021 Riesling “Réserve”
Albert Boxler France | Alsace
Kermit once said...
Kermit once said...
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174