Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve – Non Vintage
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Introduction
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WINERY Established in 1680, today Pierre Sparr remains focused on producing quality wines, a pure expression of Alsace, which are aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption.
WINE Crémant d’Alsace Brut Réserve is a blanc de blancs blend of primarily Pinot Blanc with some Auxerrois. The average age of the vines is 26 years old. This brut-style wine’s crisp citrus character refreshes the palate with every sip, making this wine an excellent partner for any course during a meal.
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Vineyard Profile
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Pierre Sparr’s sparkling wines use grapes that are farmed sustainably, dry-farmed (no irrigation), and hand-harvested. Located in the Vosges hillsides and Rhine valley, from Guebwiller to Marlenheim.
- Appellation: Crémant d’Alsace, AOC
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Vine Age: 26 years old
- Soil: Granite, limestone, gneiss, chalky-clay
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Vintage Report
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Dates for the beginning of harvest for each Alsace AOC are set by decree, generally 100 days after the median date of flowering, at the time when the grapes display the best sugar-to-acid ratio. Intended vineyards for sparkling wine must be declared in advance of harvest and must be picked by hand. Grapes destined for Crémant are generally picked a few days before those for still wines in Alsace.
- Yields: 27 hl/ha (66.7 acres)
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Vinification
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Whole-cluster pressing; first fermentation occurs in temperature controlled, stainless-steel vats, transforming the must into still wine. Six months later, the wines are blended to achieve the distinctive flavor profile of the brut réserve. Blended wine is then bottled with a specific yeast added to relaunch the second fermentation in bottle. The wine rests on lees a minimum of 12 to 16 months prior to disgorgement. Finally, the dosage is added to provide the particular brut style of this sparkling wine.
- Aging: 12-16 months in stainless steel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Pinot Auxerrois
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 6.0 g/L
- RS: 11.0 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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Light yellow with green reflections and fine, glittering pearl beads; the nose offers aromas of galia melon, sweet woodruff and dried mango, with minerals and hints of nuts. The soft mousseux leaves a pleasant feeling on the palate, accompanied by a racy, powerful body and crisp, lemony acidity that brings freshness to this Crémant. With time in the glass, it opens further to a complex sparkling brut, finishing with a long aftertaste.
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Images
Reviews
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Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve – NV – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
"Sour apple-candy aromas have cooling, herbaceous notes. A soft, mouthfilling mousse carries that sour green-apple note onto the palate. It's hit with saline minerality, trailing into an herbaceous, refreshing finish. Although most sparkling wines pair well with a variety of foods, this one is especially epicurean."
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Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve — NV – Wine & Spirits – Best Buy
Ripe and juicy, this is a voluptuous sparkler with scents of roses and red fruit. It ends smoky and a little bitter, ready to pour with Morbier.
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Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve — NV – The Tasting Panel – 91 Points
Fresh and dry, Juicy and showing bright tropical fruit and lively bubbles, balanced, crisp and long and a good value.
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Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Reserve — NV – Wine Enthusiast – 90 – Points
A floral note of summer blossom accompanies fresh notes of green and yellow apple on this wine's nose. The palate adds creaminess, presenting a harmonious, fruity, elegant and light body with a dry finish. It is a lovely aperitif.