45% OFF Alsace Grand Cru Pinot Gris - THIS WEEK ONLY

Walnut Creek CA

27 April, 2022

4:46 PM

Description

Wunsch et Mann, Pinot Gris Steingrubler Grand Cru Alsace 2013 - From $34.99 to $19.99 Contrary to the New World’s belief that they invented the concept, Alsace has built its reputation on varietal wines. Just like in California, wines in Alsace are identified by the grape name (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris...) vs. the name of the appellation (Chablis), as in other parts of France. Alsace has the most complex geological situation of all the great wine areas of France. The three basic structural areas are: the siliceous edge of the Vosges; limestone hills; and the hydrous alluvial plain. Steingrubler Grand Cru, part of the limestone hills, has stony marl-limestone to sandy clay soils which are located on marls and Oligocene limestone conglomerates, partly covered with scree and granitic arenas. The upper part on Steingrubler is a favorite terroir for Riesling, due to its sandy soil. The lower part being more calcareous and richer, fits perfectly with Gewurztraminer and Pïnot Gris. Pinot Gris, a clone of Pinot Noir, originated in Burgundy. Indeed, in Alsace, Pinot Gris has such depth and richness it's reminiscent of white Burgundy. What it is not like, however, is Pinot Grigio from Italy - which is lighter in body and more subtle in flavor. Alsace Pinot Gris is a high-impact wine with full body and bold, concentrated flavors. This Wunsch et Mann Pinot Gris is both very rich in aroma, with a solid body and a virile structure yet shows great finesse. And like all Steingrubler wines - has a very long aging potential (the winery just moved on the 2014 vintage). Tasting Notes: This wine is characterized by a salinity and minerality; a nice roundness counterbalanced by a nice acidity with scents of undergrowth. Bitter almonds, peach, ginger, smoke, vanilla and earth are some of the flavors that come across the palate. Food pairings: It will go with foie gras, fish in sauce, white meats, roasts and offal (liver, kidneys), fatty and powerful cheeses such as Comte, Beaufort, Gruyere or with pan-fried mushrooms. Very versatile.