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
$16.50 $14.95
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 2019 vintage. The 2019 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.
91 Points, (Editors’ Choice) Wine Enthusiast
A pure but subtle notion of freshly cut Golden Delicious suggests juiciness, creaminess and freshness in equal measure. The palate of this wine homes in on rounded ripeness on a smooth, gently textured, creamy palate. This wine is resonant but sinuous, concentrated and juicy with a lasting, apple-flavored finish.
I got this one before most everybody else in the country which is why this is still yet to be scored. Last year, Wine Enthusiast gave it a 91-point Editors’ Choice review saying, “Te Mata is a few bucks more than your average New Zealand SB. It’s worth every penny.” That pretty much sums up how I feel about this wine. A lot of New Zealand SBs give you the gooseberry and tropical aromatics, but this is a serious Sauvignon Blanc with sophistication, and depth. Refreshing and long with a great finish, this is the one to snag out of New Zealand in the 2021 vintage.
Following the super quick sell out of the remaining 2019 vintage, we’re onto the brand new vintage and to a Chardonnay that is already drinking beautifully. An inviting nose opens with fresh citrus and lemon notes. So juicy, bright and well-balanced – it’s classic Caymus, rich and hedonistic with a wonderful creaminess. This is the very first of the 2020 vintage and not many folks have this yet. Don’t wait too long to get your hands on these.
The newly released Torrontes from Herve Fabre is a fantastic bottle of wine for the price tag. A delicious, crisp white wine treat from our good friend Herve. Crafted in Valle de Uco in the Mendoza region, this delicious white offers delicate aromas of white flowers, orange blossom with a touch of lime that adds a delicious lift to the wine.
93 Points, Tasting Panel
“A debut variety for this label. Stainless steel fermented and aged for five months, it was pressed whole cluster, crémant style which resulted in fine acidity and an inner sunshine. Its just-sliced lemon- fresh nose sends one to a perfectly balanced palate. Melon, guava, and banana are glossy and clean. The stony mid-to-finish leaves a trace of terroir on the tongue.”
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.