Winemaker Notes
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!"
A term typically reserved for Champagne and Sparkling Wines, non-vintage or simply “NV” on a label indicates a blend of finished wines from different vintages (years of harvest). To make non-vintage Champagne, typically the current year’s harvest (in other words, the current vintage) forms the base of the blend. Finished wines from previous years, called “vins de reserve” are blended in at approximately 10-50% of the total volume in order to achieve the flavor, complexity, body and acidity for the desired house style. A tiny proportion of Champagnes are made from a single vintage.
There are also some very large production still wines that may not claim one particular vintage. This would be at the discretion of the winemaker’s goals for character of the final wine.
Small but mighty, this picturesque region in northeastern France is renowned for its white wines produced by passionate families whose winemaking roots span generations and even centuries. Nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, Alsace benefits from a sunny, dry climate and a long growing season. It is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world — one of the many reasons why Alsace rocks!
Alsace wines include dry, mineral-driven Riesling, earthy Pinot Gris, refreshing Pinot Blanc, exuberant Gewurztraminer, elegant Pinot Noir, and more. From traditional-method sparkling wines to easy-drinking AOC Alsace, to complex Grand Cru bottlings from 51 distinct sites, and rich, late harvest wines, Alsace produces a wine for every occasion. Most Alsace wines are single-varietal bottlings and are labeled with the grape name. The region is also one of the greenest wine-producing areas in France, with 36% of its vineyard area certified organic.
Riesling, the region’s calling card, is dry, fresh and floral in its youth, developing complex mineral and flint character with age. Gewurztraminer is known for its signature spice and lychee aromatics. Pinot Gris is prized for its combination of crisp acidity and savory spice as well as ripe stone fruit flavors. Pinot Blanc is an affable food partner or porch sipper. Pinot Noir, the only red grape in AOC Alsace, is now authorized in three Grand Cru areas and is also used for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling rosé. Any bottle you choose will offer deliciousness, pleasure and value that is unprecedented in other wine regions.