Alsace Wine

Expert Reviews

Wine Enthusiast 90 Points | In this wine, a subtle palate of rye crumb, red apple and lemon follows a subued nose. A lovely balance of flavors shows on the slender palate, with the freshness and juiciness of ripe apple. Fine bubbles create resonance on the dry finish Foley Family Wines.

James Suckling 90 Points | Pretty nose of fresh strawberry, raspberry and orange blossom. Very bright on the medium-bodied palate, with a nice interplay of lively mousse with juicy fruit. Long, clean finish.

David Schildknecht of the Wine Advocate writes | While Albrecht's Pinot Blanc Cremant d'Alsace (a genre Lucien Albrecht was prominent in legally codifying) is delicious, it is a bit simple to count as a top value at $24, whereas their non-vintage Cremant d'Alsace Brut Rose - a pure Pinot Noir - is more intriguing and distinctive. Along with strawberry and red raspberry fruit suggestions that are enhanced by the wine's discreet hint of sweetness, there are saline, meaty, and herbal notes to add interest to both the nose and a lush palate, and the hints of salinity and bitterness in the finish make for an invigorating complement to the wine's prominent fruit. This comes in a light-sensitive clear bottle, and I could identify no lot number, so make sure that whoever sells you a bottle will take responsibility for freshness and proper storage. 

Winemaker Description

The flavors display nice strawberry and wild cherry fruit, with a touch of richness on the mid palate. It is balanced with dry, crisp acidity and complimented with a creamy texture and long finish.

Winemaker Description 

The sunlight freely pours in Alsace. The vine rows and their fruit—shielded from stormy weather by the Vosges mountains—capture every ounce, creating a pleasantly perfumed, flowery, bold, modern, classic, totally unique, and ambrosially fascinating wine.

Expert Review - Vintage 2018

Wine Spectator 91 Points | Distinctive and well-done, with a pronounced earthiness sharing the stage with notes of warm apple, quince and candied ginger in this late-release wine. Time has softened the acidity on a supple, savory palate, layering toasted brioche, brine and dried flower petal details. A hint of honey water graces the elegant, well-meshed finish. Drink now through 2028. 19,500 cases made, 3,000 cases imported.

Winemaker Description 

This Pinot-Gris shows some ripe fruits such as ripe pears and yellow peaches with a touch of smokiness, it is very pure and focused which makes it an ideal wine for the gastronomy. Impeccable, solar 2018 vintage with ripe and focused acidity - a dry Pinot Gris. A top seller in Alsace, ideal for all cuisines of the world.

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Drawing upon a rich history dating back to 1688, the Ruhlmann-Schutz family's profound connection to wine runs deep in the Alsatian vineyard. Balancing tradition and modernity, the Ruhlmann-Schutz family uses a blend of old oak barrels and state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. With a deep respect for biodiversity and the environment, they skillfully craft wines that showcase the authentic character of their vineyard.

This sparkling Crémant d'Alsace Rosé is crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in a dry and elegant wine. A lively fizz and fine bubbles characterize this Crémant, creating an enjoyable tasting experience. Winemaker Description. 

Hugel Riesling 2024 375ml Half Bottle

Discover the delight of Hugel Riesling 2024, a classic Alsace Riesling from one of the region's most prestigious and historic wine families. Riesling is the Pinot Noir of white wines! It is Hugel's most demanding variety as it is also the latest ripening. Dry and elegant, it expresses itself best on the steepest slopes with the most complex minerality. This wine offers a delightful tasting experience with vibrant flavors, crisp acidity, and the renowned quality that has made Hugel wines legendary for over 370 years.

Hugel Family Legacy

Hugel is one of Alsace's most prestigious wine families, with a winemaking tradition dating back to 1639. For over 370 years, the Hugel family has been dedicated to producing exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Alsace. Their commitment to quality, traditional methods, and sustainable viticulture has earned them international recognition and made them ambassadors of Alsace wine worldwide.

The 2024 Vintage

The winter of 2024 was one of the mildest—and above all, one of the wettest—of the past decade. A few nights of severe frost occurred in early December, but for the remainder of the season, temperatures stayed above freezing. As winter came to an end, groundwater levels in Alsace were at 150% of normal capacity, providing a generous reserve to carry the vineyards through much of the spring and summer.

Budbreak occurred during the first week of April, and by April 10th, the vines had already reached the 3-leaf stage. Unseasonably warm weather—10°C above average, with two consecutive weekends reaching 25°C—was suddenly replaced after April 15th by cold, gloomy conditions. This chilly and extremely wet weather persisted until mid-July, putting considerable stress on the vines. The 2024 harvest owes much of its survival to the relentless efforts of Hugel's vineyard teams, who worked tirelessly to rescue a growing season that had started off poorly.

Relief finally came with summer, and a sunny, warm month of August helped the vines make up for lost time. Although the official harvest window opened on September 9th, Hugel began picking on September 23rd. A cool and long growing season gave this unique dry wine great finesse and unequalled intensity.

Vineyard Excellence

Made exclusively from hand-harvested grapes from predominantly clay and limestone vineyards, in a dozen of the most favored localities in and around Riquewihr. The steepest slopes with the most complex minerality provide the ideal conditions for Riesling to express its full potential. The cool and long growing season gives this unique dry wine great finesse and unequalled intensity.

Traditional Winemaking

The grapes are taken in small tubs to the presses, which are filled by gravity, without any pumping or other mechanical intervention. After pressing, the must is decanted for a few hours, then fermented in temperature-controlled vats (at 18°C to 24°C). The wine is racked just once, before natural clarification during the course of the winter. The following spring, the wine is lightly filtered just before bottling, and the bottles are then aged in Hugel's cellars until released for sale. The whole production of this wine is closed with DIAM, the cork without the risk of cork taint.

Tasting Profile

Appearance: Pale gold with brilliant clarity
Aroma: Floral notes with hints of stone fruits. Vibrant and aromatic with elegant minerality
Palate: Dry and elegant with crisp acidity. Vibrant flavors of stone fruits balanced with complex minerality. Refreshing and aromatic with gentle sweetness. Great finesse and unequalled intensity
Finish: Clean, refreshing finish with lingering mineral notes

Dry Alsace Riesling Style

This is a dry Riesling in the classic Alsace style, showcasing the variety's ability to produce elegant, mineral-driven wines with vibrant acidity. Unlike sweeter German Rieslings, Alsace Rieslings are typically dry, allowing the pure fruit flavors and terroir characteristics to shine through.

Versatile Food Pairing Options

Hugel Riesling is a versatile white wine that complements a wide array of dishes. Its crispness and dynamic flavors enhance every bite:

• Spicy Asian cuisine (Thai, Chinese, Indian)
• Rich seafood dishes (lobster, crab, scallops)
• Light seafood and salads
• Creamy cheeses
• Pork and poultry dishes
• Alsatian cuisine (choucroute, tarte flambée)
• Sushi and sashimi

Perfect Half Bottle Format

The 375ml size makes this a convenient choice for:

• Gatherings, picnics, or solo enjoyment
• Perfect amount without commitment of full bottle
• Easier sharing among small groups
• Intimate dinners and romantic evenings
• Wine tasting exploration
• Excellent gift for wine lovers
• Charming addition to home collection

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're enjoying a casual dinner with friends or hosting a formal gathering, this wine elevates any meal. Ideal for sipping on its own or pairing with light dishes, this Riesling makes every occasion feel special. The elegant packaging also makes it an excellent gift for wine lovers.

Alsace Terroir

Alsace is renowned for producing some of the world's finest Rieslings. The region's unique combination of clay and limestone soils, steep slopes, and cool climate creates ideal conditions for Riesling to develop complex minerality and vibrant acidity while maintaining elegance and finesse.

Quality & Tradition

Enjoy the rich legacy of Hugel wines, renowned for their quality and tradition. For over 370 years, the Hugel family has been crafting exceptional wines that showcase the best of Alsace. This conveniently packaged half bottle represents the same commitment to excellence that has made Hugel a benchmark for Alsace Riesling worldwide.

The Pinot Noir of White Wines

Riesling is the Pinot Noir of white wines! As Hugel's most demanding variety and latest ripening, it requires the steepest slopes and most complex minerality to express its full potential. The result is a dry, elegant wine with great finesse and unequalled intensity - a true expression of Alsace terroir and winemaking excellence.

Expert Reviews - Vintage 2014

Stephan Reinhardt of the Wine Advocate writes 94+ Points | The 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is highly complex on the clear, intense and smoky, lemony nose. Clear, fresh, straight and very mineral on the nose, this is a pure but complex, intense, stony Riesling that is pretty austere at the moment. Provided with racy acidity, but concentrated and mineral on the palate, this is exceptional dry Riesling with great tension. To be served in 10, 20 and even in 30 years.  Drinking 2025 to 2040. 

Ian D’Agata of Vinous writes 94+ Points | Vivid straw-green. Delicate nuances of jasmine and lemon verbena complicate aromas of green apple, lime and minerals. Pure and penetrating on the palate, boasting superb definition to the flavors of gin, mint, minerals, violet and lemon zest. The finish is remarkably crystalline and long. This Frédéric Emile is currently dominated by its Osterberg component (the cuvée is a blend of Osterberg and Geisberg grand cru grapes), which brings chiseled acidity, as opposed to the Geisberg’s ripe fruit personality and licorice quality. Despite the difficult year, this is likely to become a memorable Frédéric Emile. So much so, in fact, that it’s currently impossible to choose between it and the more famous Clos Sainte Hune.  Drinking 2022 to 2045.

James Suckling writes 96 Points | So much mineral and sliced apple character with hints of orange and apple peel. Turns to steely character. Full-bodied, racy and bright. So lively. Great finish. Drink or hold on release. 

Jeb Dunnuck writes 92+ Points | Coming close to a decade after the vintage, the 2014 Riesling Cuvée Frédéric Emile is still vivid and racy, with a taut, focused, almost austere style in its ripe citrus, crushed stone, hazelnut, and smoky mineral-driven aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and nicely concentrated, with high yet integrated acidity, this needs another 4-5 years of bottle age, as it's currently austere, firm, and inward. It will be an incredibly long-lived Riesling, but how much pleasure it will ultimately deliver might be questionable.  Drinking after 2027. 

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator writes 95 Points | A bone-dry, racy white, with a lovely entry point of slate, petrol and brine aromas on the nose, plus a minerally profile that underscores notes of crunchy nectarine, kiwifruit, cherry blossoms, pink grapefruit pith and fresh thyme. Firm and linear, this graceful version exhibits seamless knit and definition. Drink now through 2039.  - Wine Spectator 95

Jancis Robinson writes 17.5+ Points | To be released around 2022 or 2023. Razor-sharp nose and very tight. Lots to chew on. They could release this and no one would object but I can see why they want it to unfurl a bit.  Drinking 2022 to 2035.  - Jancis Robinson 17.5+

Winemaker Description 

Winemaker Description 

The Crémant d’Alsace Brut Zero Rosé from Valentin Zusslin is 100% made with Pinot Noir, raised according to the traditional method for 18 months on slats, without dosage or addition of sulphites. The dress has salmon shades typical of this grape variety and reveals a beautiful fine effervescence, a sign of a neat farm.

On the nose as in the mouth, it delivers net aromas of red fruits – currant, blackcurrant, raspberry – supplemented with sweet spices and gourmet notes of hazelnut or macaroon. The tasting shows it brightly, dry, very digestible and with a controlled aromatic finish.

James Suckling writes | A rosé that for its class is relatively dry and winey, making it an excellent sparkling wine to accompany a meal.

Memo Summary Notes 

The Domaine Valentin Zusslin Crémant d'Alsace Brut Zéro Rosé is a highly regarded, biodynamic sparkling wine from Alsace, France. Known for its purity and lack of added sugar (Non-Dosé), it is a favorite among fans of "natural" and terroir-driven wines.

Paring Suggestions

Aperitif: Excellent on its own to wake up the palate.

Warehouse stored item - please allow two to five business days to fulfill.

Importer Description 

This Pinot Blanc is a masterful display of subtlety and refinement. Honeysuckle, peaches, and stone don’t shout at, but whisper seductively to your nose and palate." - Kermit Lynch.

Coming from vines located mainly at the bottom of hillsides and on granite soil, this Pinot Blanc borders on insolence in its elegance and deliciousness. It is very far from the classic style that is often found in Alsatian Pinot Blancs, which is quite simple. Here, Jean Boxler has done a real job in the vineyards as well as in the winemaking where we feel a much finer and more mineral side.

On the palate, the attack is precise, there is, as with his Sylvaner, a beautiful maturity that brings a real delicacy. The wine has a sensual texture, very silky, no aggressiveness emerges.

This is really not just a simple Pinot Blanc, it is extraordinarily long, precise and delicious.

Winemaker Description 

Lively, fruity nose, mixing notes of lemon, white flowers, pineapple and yellow peach. The palate is nervous and remarkably fruity, combining the fatness, saltiness and sap of a ripe wine with the freshness of a thirsty wine.

This wine comes exclusively from the vineyards of Domaine Marcel DEISS. It is produced from ripe grapes, vinified with the utmost respect and without oenological inputs. 

These grapes express the depth of the Alsatian terroir and we are happy to produce a wine that expresses our attachment to our region. Varietals: All the Alsatians grapes allowed in the AOC (13 in total). 
 

From the heart of Alsace, one of France's most celebrated wine regions, the Domaine Justin Boxler Sylvaner 2021 is a pristine, terroir-driven white that captures the quiet elegance and mineral precision that defines great Alsatian winemaking. Understated yet deeply satisfying, this is a bottle that rewards those who seek authenticity over spectacle.

The Boxler Estate

Domaine Justin Boxler is a benchmark producer in Alsace, farming some of the region's most expressive terroirs with a commitment to minimal intervention and varietal integrity. Their Sylvaner is a testament to what this often-overlooked grape can achieve in the right hands — fresh, focused, and genuinely compelling.

Tasting Profile

Pale yellow with a bright, clear appearance. The nose offers delicate anise, fresh citrus, and subtle herbal notes. On the palate it's powerful and mineral-driven with lively acidity, a clean texture, and a fresh, lingering finish. Classic Alsatian Sylvaner at its finest.

Vintage

2021

Grape

Sylvaner

Region

Alsace, France

Format

750ml

Why Sylvaner?

Sylvaner is one of Alsace's most food-friendly grapes — less aromatic than Riesling or Gewurztraminer, but prized for its refreshing acidity, mineral backbone, and remarkable versatility at the table. It's the kind of wine that makes every meal better.

Perfect Pairings

Serve well-chilled (46–50°F) with shellfish, whitefish, sauerkraut, choucroute garnie, fresh goat cheese, or light vegetable dishes. An effortless companion to Alsatian cuisine and beyond.

Warehouse stored item - please allow one to three business days to fulfill.

In the nose, this wine is powerful and complex, It develops smoked and toasted aromas, and more particularly aromas of brioche associated to the notes of honey and vanilla. The mouth is frank, round and rich. This wine is perfectly balanced.

Producer Description 

In the glass there is a full color, deep, gold. Has yellow fruit with van toast and amandelen.

A full body followed by a thin length with full height.  A great gastronomic.