Crémant d’Alsace, Paul & Philippe Zinck
I love Sparkling wine - ok, I love ALL wine - and I particularly enjoy Crémant. Crémant de Limoux, Crémant d'Alsace, Crémant de Bourgogne, I think you get the picture. Just what is Crémant? It is a sparkling wine, made in the methode champenoise, and following production standards established by one of the designated appellations. AOC Crémant d'Alsace mandates manual harvesting of grapes grown within Alsace, specifies the start of the harvest season, and requires prior declaration of vineyards to be used. Grapes are limited, too, and Philippe makes this Crémant from a blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
The resulting wine is elegant and very pretty. It has fine bubbles and subtle flavors of tropical fruits, apricots, and citrus curd. This wine can be drunk at any time of day, though I prefer it as an aperitif. It pairs nicely with many different foods, especially the rich and hearty cuisine of Alsace.
The Zinck winery is in the heart of Alsace, in Eguisheim. Can you see the red dot in the map? Look North and East, near the German border. Favored foods include choucroute, charcouterie, and beef stew. Personally, I would pair it with the "c"'s - choucroute and charcouterie. Perhaps paired also with a picnic basket, blanket, and two glasses?
This, and other great wines, are available by-the-glass at Jet!