Cremants d'Alsace @ The Carlu, June 2007.
Plucky Alsace has long been an in-the-know favourite for those seeking less ruinously priced bubbly from France. Alsace is also a liberal AOC, with around ten grapes permitted, including, crucially, pinot noir and chardonnay. Most are around $20. Prices given where known. The Wines
Cremant d'Alsace Willm. $21
Light nose, tiny bubbles and a surprising (and pleasant) hint
of caramel. There's hint of oxidation, but in a nice, French way.
Very light, fresh finish. 88 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Brut Allimant-Laugner. $19
** BEST VALUE **
Very dry, not very fruity but a nice hint of apple. Tiny bubbles
and a fresh finish. Rather elegant and an excellent price. 88
points.
Cremant d'Alsace Rose Allimant-Laugner.
Very alluring pale pink colour and apple-y nose. Very dry but
also rich on the palate. Nice finish. 88 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Dopff Irion.
Very lively and bubbly. Super dry yet fresh, with muted indeterminate
fruit. Nice fresh finish with a hint of apple. 88 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Paul Zinck. $22
This wine has a bold, fun label and is doing great business in
restaurants right now according to the agent. The nose is quite
muted and this follows through on the palate: very light, with
lively bubbles. Nice fresh lemon notes and a good finish. 87 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Noirs Willy Gisselbrecht.
Very bold and fruity nose. Darker red fruits come through, though
it's very dry. Small bubbles and, while lively, it's less fruity
on the palate than you'd expect. OK finish. 87 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Cuvee Julien Brut.
This nose is different - fresh and lively and with notes of white
flowers. Initially muted on the palate, darker notes emerge but
lead to a nice fresh finish. Very dry. The difference? It's made
of pinot blanc and pinot auxerrois. 86 points.
Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose. Pierre Sparr.
Pleasant nose but slight hint of cardboard. Somewhat round on
the palate and not over bubbly. Rich notes of dark red fruit can
be found, and it's very dry. 85 points.
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