Wine: Hugel Gentil Grape: Various Alsace varietals Region: Alsace, France Vintage: 1996 Unlike most of France, Alsace has enjoyed reasonably good vintages throughout the 90s. Coupled with the unfashionability of Alsace wines, this means there are bargains on offer.
Until the end of February, Remy Fine Wines has a special offer on a number of wines. If six bottles are bought then an additional bottle is offered free. If three cases are purchased a further free bottle per case is thrown in.
Hugel Gentil is a blend of the major Alsace grape varieties with Gentil meaning 'alliance of noble grapes'. Apparently, pinot gris gives body, riesling finesse, gewurztraminer opulence and spice, muscat fruit, and sylvaner lightness and freshness.
The result is a pleasant and fruity wine at a bargain price.
Hugel's pinot blanc is also on special offer. This is a drier style of wine. It is useful as an aperitif but will also go well with chicken (for those brave enough) and fish.
If these two wines are enjoyed move on to try the best of Alsace in single grape varieties: gewurztraminer, riesling and pinot gris.