Orders are available for pick-up at Restaurant Nicholas at 160 Route 35 South Red Bank, NJ 07701 during the following times:
Monday: 9:30-3:30; Tuesday – Friday: 9:15am – 9:00pm; Saturday: 11:00am – 9:00pm; Sunday: Closed
$16.00 $15.00
Alsace is often France’s forgotten region – arguably more German than French – similar to Italy’s Alto Adige. And equally similar, white wine has been king for hundreds of years and has been raised to perfectly pair with the region’s cuisine.
In Alsace that means foie gras and escargot – playing right into the gormand’s playbook. (Do try the flammekueche if you ever get the chance.) As Boston’s only Master Sommelier, Brahm Callahan says “Alsatian wines are priced like cheap Pinot Grigio but deliver like Grand Cru Burgundy.”
For that reason, Michelin starred restaurants line up around the block to add Alsatian selections to their wine lists. The region boasts a rich tradition of excellence produced by family run operations that go way back— and that’s where Pierre Sparr enters the picture. The family began establishing the estate in the 17th century. Just as George Washington began his first presidential term, the Sparr family began a drastic expansion of land holdings. However, many of these vineyards were decimated during World War II and had to be completely restored.
This tenacity continues with the twelve generation which has begun to add their vigor to the family business and legacy. The latest Sparr completed study in oenology and worked in Napa of all places for Pernod-Ricard before returning to the family estate in 2010. He came back with a chip on his shoulder, and since then the winery has been on a tear.
The results have been stunning- starting with this ode to crisp, dry, tangy peach in Alsace’s excellent 2018 vintage. The 2018 Pierre Sparr Riesling features the perfect balance of juicy citrus flavors with bone-dry minerality– making it the ideal compliment to so many different food pairings from different cuisine around the world. It’s no surprise that somms geek out over bottles like these. As Master Sommelier, Brahm Callahan noted “While their top wines can be pricey, they make an AC Riesling that, for $15, will blow your hair back.” That’s what we have today.
Out of stock
92 Points, Tasting Panel
Soft petrol nose; crisp, dry, juicy and peachy, bright and lively with tangy peach fruit and racy style; ripe and fresh, tangy and snappy, long and fresh; balanced and crisp.
Glistening pale yellow-green to the rim, infused with mouth-watering aromas of ripe apple, pear and quince, and crushed almonds with honey and rich creamy middle and a fantastic rush of acidity and minerality that are present throughout. A calling card of Bonhomme’s Vire-Clesse, if you closed your eyes and took a sip, it would have you convinced you were drinking Meursault at least a 3x price tag.
It’s hard to beat a great value white wine and this one is a at least a cut above the rest. One prominant industry insider called the 2020 edition, “the best white wine by any within $20/cs of this price.” It’s super crisp with a great mineral streak, and was carefully picked by hand when the temperature is coolest and is kept cool all the way into the press. From there, the effect of the mineral soil takes over, providing great finesse and freshness in every bottle. This white blend has great backbone and a lot of juicy fruit coming through behind aromas of flowers and stone fruits. At this price, it’s a no brainer.
Guess who is the first one to have the roaring new 2021 vintage for the Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay? That’s right! We’ve officially made it. This is one that Nicholas Wines readers can’t get enough of – it always delivers.. It leads with an inviting nose with fresh citrus and lemon notes. So juicy, bright and well-balanced – it’s classic Caymus, rich and hedonistic with a wonderful creaminess. Be the first one to lock into this great new vintage.
96 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – 94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
With Ron’s son Chad the head of winemaking, Melville’s winery has reached never before seen heights. Chad’s 2021 Estate Chard just knocked the cover off the ball – coming in at 96 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. This one hits on all cylinders and is an amazing value to boot. It’s a must-have cellar selection for Burgundy and Coastal Chardonnay lovers alike. You can smell the ocean in the glass followed by waves of lime, white pineapple with a kiss of honey and lemon zest.
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