NV Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé - France, Alsace, Crémant d’Alsace (4/1/2017)
– popped and poured –
– tasted non-blind –
– 100% Pinot Noir –
NOSE: medium-light expressiveness; tomato vine, which is an aroma I enjoy; light.
BODY: persistent fine-bubbled bead; intense cooked salmon color.
TASTE: rich flavor; seems a touch sweet; moderate chalky mineral; hint of anise; for $15, a very good deal.
This has long been a “go-to” cheap sparkler for me…not sure there’s been a better consistent $15-$16 sparkling wine over such a long period of time (probably 15 years). Even better, it’s frequently on restaurant lists by the glass for a relatively reasonable price…
A big plus 1 on both the rose and the regular brut. Fun wine to buy en magnum and have with sushi, er wait, no, I mean to bring to parties where the wine stakes are low but people are having a good time.
Interesting … I never realized this wine has a bit of a following. It certainly outperforms its price point, so I can’t say I’m surprised. The regular Brut is just as worthy, yeah?
I’ve actually never had the Brut, but wouldn’t hesitate to give it a try. I like the Rose because there’s not a lot competition in that price range that I have found to be so drinkable and pleasant. Assuming the Brut is in the same price range, there are a few out there that I like (including, in the $20 range, Raventos i Blanc, and in the $15 range, Mumm Napa).
After discovering this wine last summer this has been a go-to for me in this price range as well. Always have a bottle of this and the Gobelsburg Rose on hand during the summer months!
I haven’t had one in a while, but my recollection was that it was a very nice sparkling wine at its price point. A good sparkling wine to have on hand for a casual summer BBQ on the patio where people aren’t wine geeks who obsess about labels.
Bruce