6JUL01 Lucien Albrecht “Cuvée Balthazar” PINOT BLANC, Alsace, France 2021 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $22 (member price $19)
100% Pinot Blanc 12.7% ABV
In 1698, Balthazar Albrecht settled in Orschwihr (Alsace). Fast forward 325 years and the family is on its eighth generation. We featured their Crémant d’Alsace Rosé last year, and keep reordering as clubbers return for more. Their holdings include Grand Cru Pfingstberg and Grand Cru Spiegel. One reason I choose this Pinot Blanc was to draw a contrast with June’s Elk Cove Pinot Blanc. Aged on the lees in stainless steel. Notes of white peach, lemon and minerality on the attack, and a hint of phenolic bitterness on the finish. Italian white drinkers would like it.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This Pinot Blanc was made to pair with regional dishes like caramelized onion Tarte flambée, choucroute, quiche Lorraine, grilled pork smothered in a mustardy cream sauce with herbed spaetzle and Tartiflette (baked cheese and potato). This delightful white also complements exotic dishes such as chicken tikka, pad thai noodles, dim sum, Thai style crab salad, tandoori chicken, classic ceviche, pork belly flatbread and citrusy fish tacos. Or simply savor this blend with a vegetable frittata, cold salads topped with cubed ham and tangy soft cheeses or a sliver of mature goat cheese and apple slices.