Fragrant styles reflect a blend of cultures
A crisp white wine is a perfect thirst quencher in these hot, sticky days, and one from Alsace might just fit the bill. After all, 90 per cent of the production from this region of northeastern France is white.
The most important grape varieties include riesling, muscat, pinot gris, pinot blanc and gew?rztraminer. The wines tend to be fresh and fruity, aromatic and with no oak influence. Many of them are fermented only once, which means they retain vibrant acidity and purity of fruit. They tend to have little residual sugar, although nowadays this depends on the winemaker's philosophy.
The region's culture is a blend of French and German influences owing to a history of conflicts that saw it switch between Germany and France. After the second world war, Alsace again reverted to France, and its wines have a unique style that is distinctly Alsatian.
As for tips on selecting these wines, bear in mind that prices are high, but so is the quality. The bottles are easily recognisable - tall, green and tapering and similar to those used in Germany. Wines are labelled by the grape variety. However, the label does not indicate whether the wine is dry or sweet. Wines labelled Grand Cru contain grapes from one of 51 individual vineyards awarded the strict status.
Vendanges Tardive (VT) are made from late harvested grapes. The resulting wine may be sweet or fermented to dryness to produce a higher fruit concentration. Wines with bottles labelled Selection de Grains Nobles are harvested from grapes with botrytis (noble rot). These wines will be honeyed, with marmalade notes, sweet, rich and luscious and are made only in years with appropriate weather conditions to allow the rot to flourish.
Domaine Robert Klingenfus
Made from 100 per cent chardonnay and by the traditional method. Cremant d'Alsace is one of the most popular sparkling wine styles in France and offers value for money. Wines are intended for early drinking with fresh fruit flavours.
Floral, mineral, grassy notes on the nose. Medium body, with softer acidity. Enjoy it at any time.
Cremant d'Alsace Chardonnay, Domaine Robert Klingenfus, available at Grand Wine Cellar, gwc.com.hk, HK$258
Domaine Gustave Lorentz
This family-owned winery is more than 200 years old and now run by the seventh Lorentz generation. Starting to show maturity with petrol, citrus flavours on the nose. Full body, with great fruit intensity and concentration. A touch of residual sugar. To be enjoyed with seafood and white meat.
Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim Riesling 2005, Domaine Gustave Lorentz, available at Telford International Co, telford.com.hk, HK$425
Domaines Schlumberger
Schlumberger is one of the largest family-owned wineries and is now managed by the sixth generation of the family.
Dried apricot fruit, some earthy mineral notes. Full body, lower acidity and some sweetness. Will go well with most Asian food, including Thai, Shanghainese and Cantonese barbecued meats. Grand Cru Spiegel Pinot Gris 2007, Domaines Schlumberger, available at Altaya Wines, altayawines.com, HK$198
