Fernand Engel Crémant d’Alsace Brut “Tradition”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Sourced from three estate plots in Rorschwihr on dark chalky soils on heavy loess rock with East and Southeast exposition, and four plots in Orschwiller on dark washed-calcareous soils with 20% granitic stones.
Varietal Composition: 60% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Gris, 20% Pinot Noir
Elaboration: Hand picked grapes, methode champenoise, 24 months on lees
Tasting Notes: Rich color, gold yellow and brilliant dress, continuous and fine effervescence. Open, rich and fine nose, flavors and aromas of bread yeasts, of almond paste, damas plum, and dried mulberries. Round and fresh sparkling wine.
PRESS
NV – 90 Wine Enthusiast | 90 James Suckling
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
This renowned Domaine, France’s largest biodynamic estate, is situated in the village of Rorschwihr, north of the city of Colmar. The Domaine is a true family affair, being run by the third generation since 1998, with the second generation still at hand for guidance. The young Xavier Baril and wife Sandrine Engel have set the target high: Their aim is to become the best estate in all of Alsace.
The Domaine possesses 52 hectares of vineyard in 7 different communities and in 150 different plots – A true mosaic of terroirs! The results are remarkable: wines that glisten when it comes to pureness, elegance, finesse and balance. In the past several years vineyards have been acquired in Grands Crus; the Domaine now produces a Grand Cru Riesling in the Praelatenberg vineyard (Kintzheim), a Grand Cru Gewurztraminer in the Altenberg vineyard (Bergheim) and a Grand Cru Pinot Gris in the Gloeckelberg (Rodern and St. Hippolyte).