The fascinating thing about this $16 bottle is that I can find next to nothing about it. The varietal is not listed on the bottle. It is simply a 2004 Alsace. So, I did a little digging and found not much to be honest. While Kuents-Bas is well known, I can only conclude that their "Alsace" bottle is the leftovers from the primo pickings. Uncharactaristicly for Asatian wines, it is not completely dry. It blends characteristics of Riesling and Gewurztraminer while not being quintessentially either. Don't let this deter you though. This is a very nice bottle.
Eyes: pale golden straw
Nose: Honey, vanilla creme, the slightest hints of nutmeg spice
Palate: fantasic balance and smooth acid structure to give this Domaine Alsace from the Husseren region a silky smooth feel. This medium dry is wonderfully light but with enough body to accompany a meal and stand up to the flavors. The smooth texture provides a nice compliment to white and cream sauces.
Finish: smooth and long with dry grassy undertones and green pears making a tentative appearance.
Don't be fooled. Though a blend of the leftovers, it is quite a nice wine if a bit spendy. I'd like to see it available for $2-3 less per bottle. On sale for under $10 would make this wine a must-buy.
Serve slightly chilled and
Raise A Glass!
But Alsace is an AOC, isn't it? So this bottle wouldn't have the right to use the name Alsace unless it were an AOC wine.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a bigger version of the label, I'd be curious to see what the small print says.
Good catch. The original post has been edited. My confusion stemmed from the listing of "Appellation Alsace Controlee" which I took for a regional control unit rather than the national AOC. Combined with the lack of a varietal I presumed that this was bottled under a separate, non-AOC governing unit in order to get the bottle out. But you are right. Alsace would not be allowed on the label if it were not AOC.
ReplyDeleteGlad to learn! Raise a Glass.
This wine is, in fact, a blend of Auxerrois, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc.
ReplyDeleteAloha from Honolulu, Hawaii. We get this for $10.99 every day price, at Fujiokas, the best wine store in town. Absolutely delicious and low cost!
ReplyDelete