Pinot Noir is such an iconic variety in the wine world that we continously have to talk about its development and different expressions in different sites, vineyards and regions. Today I would like to dive in deeper of the wines made out of Pinot Noirs from Alsace, France.
I have previously talked about The differences between Old World and New World Pinot Noir which you can check by clicking on the link where I already mentioned the basic characteristics and the history of the variety. But now let’s see what exactly we can expect when we taste a red or rosé wine from Alsace!
Pinot Noir appeared in Alsace in the Middle Ages from Burgundy. The designation of origin “Pinot Noir d’Alsace” is created in 1945, then becomes an AOP in 1962. As of today, it is the only red grape allowed in the region, specifically in the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin. Pinot Noir makes up around 10% of Alsace wine production and for now, we still can’t find a Pinot Noir Grand Cru although there is a project to promote the variety to this status in the future.
Most of this 10% is used for the production of crémant but we can find different styles which makes a lovely Pinot Noir there:
• Pinot Noir d’Alsace Rosé: It has a pale pink colour which sometimes adopts raspberry-like glints or salmon-pink nuances. The palate is daintily fruity with a crispy and fresh structure. It is best when served chilled between 8 and 10°C. This crispy and fresh wine is ideal for simple and light meals to brighten up warm days.
• Pinot Noir d’Alsace lighter version: It has a light red colour broken down in a brilliance of clear varied ruby hues. The nose offers fruity notes of small red fruits like redcurrants, raspberries or Morello cherries. The palate is lively, providing a wonderful sensation of red fruits. The finely smooth tannins produce a supple and delicate wine.
• Pinot Noir d’Alsace full-bodied version: It has a dark and deep red colour with garnet glints. The nose has delicious aromas of black fruits (blackberry, blackcurrent, cherry) with sometimes notes of leather or vanilla. The palate is supple and balanced, reproducing the fruitiness of wild berries. Silky tannins structure the wine providing harmony and length.
• Crémant Rosé d’Alsace: A pale soft crystalline pink with sometimes salmon-pink nuances. The nose reveals notes of small red fruits. The palate is fresh and harmonious, revealing fruity aromas. The elegant bubbles reinforce the wine volume and structure.
As you can see, in Alsace everyone can find their preferred style of Pinot Noir! And today I would like to present a winery that makes all that in their portfolio: Domaine Fernand Engel.
The winery’s history starts in 1949 when Fernand and Elisa move to Rorschwihr, to the farm belonging to their forebears. The farm includes a few acres of vineyard only. Today with their hard work, the vineyard now extends over 62 hectares which includes sites in 4 Grand Crus. Since 2006 all the estate has been organically farmed (certified by ECOCERT).
Although they are not certified, there is a step further to conserve the ecosystem and Domaine Fernand Engel pays attention to biodynamic viticulture as well. In the space of a generation, this 62 ha estate has become one of the most important organic farming estates in Alsace. There is no surprise why we should try their range of wines and why not start with some excellent Pinot Noirs!
Let me introduce you to the „must haves”:
1. Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut: An organic wine with very present nose of fresh red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry). Very nice nose, fresh and delicious. Brioche and biscuit notes. Supple, fresh and ample attack. Sweet acidity reminiscent of raspberries, a smooth elegant wine. Aromas in the mouth also red fruits. Hot brioche or butter cake character. Balanced and powerful wine.
2. Pinot Noir Rosé: Grenadine and gooseberry color, elegant limpidity. Open and intensive nose on fruity smell. Very fresh fruity nose with Morello cherry and gooseberry aromas. Typical Pinot Noir second nose of leather. Fresh and supple first sensation on the palate, elegant and easy-to-drink wine, round and pleasant. Flavours of Morello cherry and buttered buckwheat pancake.
3. Pinot Noir Tradition: Garnet-red color, nuances of cacao, elegant limpidity. Attractive red fruits aromas (cherry, raspberries, currants). Rich and heady notes that show wonderful ripeness. Second smell of gamy and nuts notes. Supple and round first sensation. Nice bouquet of morello cherry spirit, leather and gamy perception. Long after taste.
4. Pinot Noir Cuvée Fernand: Garned-red color, nuances of cacao, rich tears on the glass. Rich and heady notes that show over-ripeness on the grapes. Notes of cherry jam and liquorice. Woody perception (even if there’s no wood ageing!). Supple and velvet first sensation, round and full-bodied wine, high sapidity level, long after taste. Nice bouquet of cherry jam.
5. Pinot Noir Élevé en fût de chêne: Opaque wine, intense dark red, garnet color, chocolate reflections. Nose of great intensity. Licorice and vanilla aromas. Elegant woody scents. Warm notes of liqueurs, jams, and red fruits (blackberries, cherries). Animal nuances of leather, charming nose. Voluminous attack on the palate, thick. beautiful material. Soft tannic perception. Woody aromas, cocoa, cherry brandy.
And I haven’t even mentioned about the excellent price for the value. I have shared with you the tasting notes from the winery’s official website but I got the chance to taste a few of these beauties and they are not going to disappoint you, I promise! If you want to see my tasting notes on these wine, go to my Instagram for them.
I hope you will enjoy your experiment and discovery with Alsasian Pinot Noirs and I gave you the urge to start it ASAP!
Sources:
Vins Alsace – source of the introduction of the different expressions of PN in Alsace
The Author
