We’re excited about our new Alsatian source. Vincent Gross is a skilled young winemaker making organic wines from classic Alsatian varietals. His vibrant, bone-dry Riesling has already become popular among readers; his orange wines made from Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer are unusual and exciting.
Today we’re suggesting his 2014 Pinot Gris Neuweg. Made from natural yeasts and biodynamic grapes, this wine pulsates with life and tension. Gross leaves it on the lees in a foudre (large wooden barrel) for nearly a year, an unusual move that gives this wine extraordinary complexity and depth.
Forget everything you know about Pinot Gris (or Pinot Grigio for that matter) — this is complex, unique, and just delicious.
We served this without introduction to the family on Easter Sunday, and heard lots of “yum, what’s this?” and “any left in that bottle?” The nose is gorgeous and very expressive, with clear orchard fruit and faint hints of spice. The mouth is mature and very long — it’s dry but with loads of richness. It begins soft and smooth but finishes lively and refreshing.
This was an excellent pick for ever-tricky asparagus pairing, and it’s not the last time this spring we’ll make the match. Otherwise serve it as an aperitif, with goat cheese on crackers — it’s thick enough to stand up to some cheese with authority, so if you’ve got a taste for fromage “bien affiné”, this should work beautifully.
____________________________
Gross Pinot Gris 2014
bottle price: $29
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES
