Crémant d'Alsace

There's really no wrong time of year to drink Crémant d'Alsace. It's tasty and affordable, so I often recommend it for weddings or winter holiday parties where you're serving a large group. Here in the summer, it shines with BBQ and picnic foods. Bubbles never have to be saved for a special occasion, and if you've never experienced the joy of fried chicken and sparkling wine on a breezy summer afternoon, you're really missing out.

All four of these are dry and tart, and I was glad to be able to sample two rosés and two blancs.

NV Dopff & Irion Rosé Brut
Alsace, France
100% Pinot Noir
$20, 12% abv.

Think of this as raspberry lemonade with little nutty undertones and large bubbles. Outstanding with a pressed Cuban sandwich but it would pair well with any platter of olives and cured meats.

NV Charles Baur Rosé Brut
Alsace, France
100% Pinot Noir
$20, 12.5% abv.

This bottle presents a dominant profile of crisp ripe strawberry. The tart acidity zips away with a quick finish. On the picnic front, you'll find it fun to taste this with creamy sides like deviled eggs and potato salad where it provides a nice contrast.

NV Lucien Albrecht Brut Blanc de Blancs
Alsace, France
80% Pinot Auxerrois, 10% Pinot Blanc, & 10% Chardonnay
$20, 12% abv.

Lean and mineral with light notes of green apple. A classic that I highly recommend for sipping while mingling in a crowd.

NV Gustave Lorentz Brut
Alsace, France
Proprietary Blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir
$17, 12% abv.

I found this to be the most tart of the group, with a shot of lemony acidity and a milder pear flavors underneath. Take a wheel of brie, top it with honey and walnuts, and bake until runny. Pour the wine, grab a baguette, and you can waste away a delicious hour or two with friends.

Note: These wines were received as samples.