WINE FEATURELucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut RoseDespite the long name, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose happens to be quite the simple pleasure. This relatively inexpensive sparkling import from the lower Alsace region of France is a true delight. Reasonably priced at around $19.00 a bottle, you can’t afford not to enjoy it. It is available locally in area wine shops.In General, we have all heard of Champagne; some of us are familiar with the non-French sparklers, including Prosecco (Italian), cava (Spanish) and Sekt (German). Cremant is essentially a French sparkling wine which, like Champagne, undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle (producing its bubbles), but unlike Champagne, is not from that region of France. Alsace is a wine growing region located not far from the German Rhine border. The region has a long history of changing hands several times between Germany and France, which may explain the mix of French and German nomenclature. Cremant d’Alsace was granted AOC (Appellation d’Origine Controlee) status for sparkling wines on August 24, 1976. This AOC appears on the label.Specifically, Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose is made in the strictest “methode traditional” out of one hundred percent Pinot Noir grapes that are picked by hand and pneumatically pressed. The Albrecht family are pioneers of Cremant d’Alsace. The original Maison dates back to 1425. To date, the Estate remains family-owned and operated. It includes “…..some of the most prestigious Alsace terroirs in the Grand Cru Pfingstberg and several superb monopoles including the famous Clos des Recollets.”Jean Albrecht is the eighteenth generation winemaker and proprietor. His signature is reproduced on every Brut Rose label. He believes in keeping the growth, harvest and production harmonious with nature. Organic farming is emphasized in the vineyards. His wines are hand-crafted with minimal cellar intervention. This is done so that the wines represent the heritage of their terroir and family history.Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose expresses this lineage and breeding in each bottle. The wine drinks well on its own as an aperitif, but easily pairs well with most meals. In the glass, the wine reflects a pale red-to-orange light spectrum. The nose is vibrant with an underlining earthy base. Delicate biscuity layers rise to the top of the glass, carrying hints of strawberry and raspberry fruit. On the palate, the wine delivers a traditional dry feel, but remains balanced and elegant. Red berry fruit dominates with underlying hints of cherry. There is a subtext of white raisin and honey revealed as the wine rests in the glass. The body is well-structured with a measured mellowness and medium finish.At just 12% alcohol by volume, the Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose drinks nicely with or without food. It pairs well with mild cheeses, fruit and nuts. It can accompany fig, date or raisin breads, or compliment heartier fare including Spanish hams and tapas. It’s perfect with whole-grain thin-crusted pizza or bruschetta with diced tomato and fresh basil. The pairing versatility of this wine extends also to Asian cuisine. During late spring and summer, it can be enjoyed on a picnic or at the beach with cold sesame noodles. Kept chilled, it serves as a refreshing sundowner at the end of that perfect beach day. Always first check with your local municipal and state alcohol consumption laws and regulations. During winter, it makes for the perfect celebratory wine around the holidays, right through New Year’s.Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace is imported by Pasternak Wine Imports Harrison, NY.by James Falcicchio Mr. Falcicchio received his wine education through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust of London, as well as through the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan.
Mr. Falcicchio can be reached for comment at his email address of jamesfalcicchio@aol.com.
