Welcome the new year in style with French bubbles - à votre santé!
Toast the season with bottles of crisp, sparkling Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé. At my home, we enjoy bubbles year-round. If you only drink Champagne or Prosecco, then it's time to try something different.
remuage: the periodic turning or shaking of bottled wine, especially champagne, to move sediment toward the cork.
The history of the Albrecht family as winegrower can be traced back to 1425 with Romanu Albrecht, who was settled in the town of Thann. During the fifteenth and sixteenth century in Thann, several generations of Albrecht were elected as Bangard vinegrowers. Lucien Albrecht pioneered Crémant production in 1971 and helped gain an Appellation Contrôlêe for the wine and for Alsace. The wines are vinified in the classic Champagne Method.
Tasting Notes Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé
Method: 100% Pinot Noir free-run juice. Whole cluster hand picked grapes are softly pressed in a pneumatic press, hence the light pink color. Made using the same methods as in Champagne, i.e “methode traditionnelle”. After the second fermentation in the bottle, lee ageing lasts for 14-16 months, followed by remuage and disgorging.
Impressions: Pretty color, vigorous bubbles, creamy, flavor focused down the middle, slate, light toast, delicate strawberry, polite tannin on gums, cherry essence, nice burst of berries into the medium bright finish. My speed.
Thoughts: More going on than expected. Should pair with almost anything, game bird, roast beef, sautéed onion with mushrooms over spinach, lamb chops, grilled salmon, etc.
Recommended + good value.
Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
ABV: 12%
SRP: $21.99
Sample provided by Pasternak Wine Imports
Lucien Albrecht
9, Grand'rue • 68500 Orschwihr-France •
Tel. +33 3 89 76 95 18 • Fax +33 3 89 76 20 22
lucien.albrecht@wanadoo.fr
www.lucien-albrecht.com
Cremant d'Alsace
Crémant d'Alsace is an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée for sparkling wines made in the Alsace wine region of Northeast France. Produced since 1900, the Crémant d'Alsace AOC was recognized in 1976 by the INAO and the designation Crémant regulated by the European Parliament in 1996. Allowed varieties are limited to riesling, pinot blanc, pinot noir, pinot gris, auxerrois blanc and chardonnay. For rosé wines, only pinot noir is allowed.
Tip: Sparkling wines are best served chilled, between 40°F and 45°F. Warm bubbles are no fun.
Sparkling wine seems most appropriate for celebrating the new year with family and friends. Be safe, embrace your loved ones, and all the best wishes for the New Year!
Cheers!