Anyone who is after an Alsace fix, look no further.  This is a blend of some of the best varietals from the Alsace & will knock your socks off. Tim Knappstein is one of the Clare’s innovative producers & has both a winery & a microbrewery on site. Something for everyone!  Old dry grown Gewurz makes up 72% of this blend being joined by 18% Riesling & 10% Pinot Gris.  This is a great hook up with each of the varieties bringing their own contributions to the party.

The aromas of roses & Turkish delight are Gewurz-like in intensity but there is the added minerality from the Riesling & some pear apparent too.  You cannot accuse the palate of being skinny but it is only just reaching fuller bodied without overstepping into flamboyance. The acid shows the fineness of the Riesling & keeps the blend fresh and in line along the long length. The team have left just a little residual sugar in the blend it is only 5 g/L just adding to the fullness & balance.

A really good wine for matching with Asian spices & some of those stickier sauces, but why not have a glass before dinner – just in anticipation.

Date: October 2011   Price: $ 22   Value: $$$   Drink: Now