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
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.
Out of stock
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’m lucky to have a few cases of this instant classic, immaculate and complex, this is a wonderfully pure expression of Chardonnay that is so distinctly Jermann. His extraordinary, multi-layered, extract-loaded whites are landmarks of contemporary winemaking. This one has a lot of nuance and depth, and finishes strongly with what Wine Spectator called, “A streak of tangy salinity.”
The 2016 vintage in Napa was nearly perfect for winemaker Kian Tavakoli (Opus One, Clos du Val). With ideal weather all throughout harvest, he crafted the Faustini Money Road Chardonnay off the famous vineyard located in the coveted Oakville AVA. The picturesque vineyard off Oakville Crossroad is platinum rated, known for its ideal combination of soil & climate and the big A list names that routinely source fruit. Kian’s Money Road Chard is still youthful despite having a few years of age, probably as a result of its 18 months of slumber in 1/4 new Oak.
For those of you looking for a semi-dry Riesling to pair with seafood, salads, pastas or poultry, you don’t have to look any further. Ratzenberger is a benchmark in the region and their consistency in making expressive, classy Riesling continues with the newly released 2019 Kabintt Feinherb. It manages to bring to the table savory, sweet and tangy acidic notes. It’s a versatile bottle of white, that’s for sure.
This is crafted from old-vines rooted in deep limestone, and dry, limestone-infused clay. The limestone imparts the fine aromatics and crisp tension you find in his wine while the old-vines and clay provide a creaminess in the mid-palate, creating an incredibly balanced summer white. The 2020 Menetou Blanc from Domaine de Loye is loaded with aromas and flavors of white flowers, lime-blossom and citrus fruit. The mid-palate is generous, just great fruit and it finishes long and fine.
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