Pierre Sparr Riesling 2011
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Tasting Panel
Smooth and minerally with bright lime and apple fruit; clean, fresh and juicy with balance and style; a terrific food wine.
Other Vintages
2010-
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The Alsace region of France is known throughout the world for its lovely, dry white wines. Vineyards were first planted in this narrow valley during the height of the Roman Empire. Maison Pierre Sparr was established by the Sparr family in 1680 in the desirable Haut Rhin. Today quality remains Pierre Sparr’s primary focus and the winery consistently exceeds AOC guidelines (Alsace produces only AOC level wines). Minimal intervention in the winery preserves the characteristics of the land; gentle whole cluster pressing followed by slow, cool fermentation. Sparkling wines are all traditional method (as in Champagne). The grapes are farmed sustainably. Pierre Sparr wines are a pure expression of Alsace with its varied geology and topography; authentically Alsatian wines - aromatic, fruity, elegant, clean and vibrant. Pierre Sparr wines are food-friendly and accessible for everyday consumption.
Pierre Sparr Winemaker Hélène Georges' father introduced wine tasting to her at a young age. She recalls tasting an Alsatian Muscat and immediately knowing that she wanted to give people the same emotions she experienced when tasting that memorable wine. "I believe women winemakers influence the style of wine as we are very sensitive in tasting. I’d like to believe women have brought more elegance to wines in recent years." With almost ten years of winemaking experience, Hélène has recognized more women taking their place in the cellar. "More and more women are making their mark in this environment, and we need to become role models for the future generations by giving them easier access to responsible jobs," she says. "But first, we must remind each other that higher sensitivity is the most important thing in the art of tasting!"
Riesling possesses a remarkable ability to reflect the character of wherever it is grown while still maintaining its identity. A regal variety of incredible purity and precision, this versatile grape can be just as enjoyable dry or sweet, young or old, still or sparkling and can age longer than nearly any other white variety. Somm Secret—Given how difficult it is to discern the level of sweetness in a Riesling from the label, here are some clues to find the dry ones. First, look for the world “trocken.” (“Halbtrocken” or “feinherb” mean off-dry.) Also a higher abv usually indicates a drier Riesling.
With its fairytale aesthetic, Germanic influence and strong emphasis on white wines, Alsace is one of France’s most unique viticultural regions. This hotly contested stretch of land running north to south on France’s northeastern border has spent much of its existence as German territory. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains, it is one of the driest regions of France but enjoys a long and cool growing season. Autumn humidity facilitates the development of “noble rot” for the production of late-picked sweet wines, Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles.
The best wines of Alsace can be described as aromatic and honeyed, even when completely dry. The region’s “noble” varieties, the only ones permitted within Alsace’s 51 Grands Crus vineyards, are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris.
Riesling is Alsace’s main specialty. In its youth, Alsace Riesling is dry, fresh and floral, but develops complex mineral and flint character with age. Gewurztraminer is known for its signature spice and lychee aromatics, and is often utilized for late harvest wines. Pinot Gris is prized for its combination of crisp acidity and savory spice as well as ripe stone fruit flavors. Muscat, vinified dry, tastes of ripe green grapes and fresh rose petal.
Other varieties grown here include Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Chasselas, Sylvaner and Pinot Noir—the only red grape permitted in Alsace and mainly used for sparkling rosé known as Crémant d’Alsace. Most Alsace wines are single-varietal bottlings and unlike other French regions, are also labeled with the variety name.