2021 Hubert Meyer Alsace Pinot Noir ‘Fut en Chene’
Alsace Pinot Noir has elegance, complexity, and an undeniable allure. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s always something exciting about these wines. Hand-harvested and carefully vinified using traditional Burgundian techniques, this wine captures the essence of the region’s terroir. Suggestion: Decant for 1 hour before enjoying
Certified organic & biodynamic farming practices, hand-harvested, native yeast fermentation and less than 150 cases produced.
Original price was: $35.00.$29.75Current price is: $29.75.
In 2016, Arden and Margaux had the pleasure of visiting the home and winery of Hubert Meyer during their road trip through France. Pierre Meyer, the current winemaker and son of Hubert Meyer, welcomed us into his home with open arms. He introduced us to his family and his friends that were visiting from Dijon, gave us a tour of the vineyards with riesling in hand and took us to lunch in town. Following lunch we went through a flight of his wines with his friends and Margaux found some liquid courage to join in on some street soccer with the kids. Our one hour tour turned into an afternoon affair. Pierre’s wine is a part of who he is. The Meyer family has been vignerons in the town of Blienschwiller since 1722. He grew up running through the vineyards and playing in the winery. He puts his heart and soul into his wine and he makes it to serve to his family and friends around a table on an afternoon much like ours.
Alsace’s unique terroir, with its mix of soil types and microclimates, provides an ideal environment for cultivating Pinot Noir grapes. Alsace lies on the 49th parallel, which used to be considered the most northern point for the vine. However, since the vineyards are located on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains they benefit from a rain shadow effect. The mountains block moisture and clouds making Alsace one of the driest and sunniest regions in France. The cool temperatures and ample sunshine help the grapes achieve optimal ripeness while retaining freshness and acidity. Pinot Noir paradise.
Pinot Noir from Alsace is a lesser-known but increasingly recognized style of wine produced in the Alsace wine region of northeastern France. While Alsace is renowned for its white wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir also thrives in certain areas of the region. Here’s some information about Pinot Noir from Alsace:
Climate and Terroir: Alsace’s climate is continental, characterized by warm summers, cold winters, and a long growing season with plenty of sunshine. The region’s diverse terroir includes a variety of soil types, such as limestone, marl, sandstone, and granite, which can impart distinct characteristics to the wines. Pinot Noir vines in Alsace often benefit from cooler microclimates in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, where they can achieve optimal ripeness while retaining freshness and acidity.
Winemaking Style: Pinot Noir wines from Alsace are typically elegant, aromatic, and fruit-forward, with a focus on purity of fruit expression. While winemaking techniques can vary among producers, many opt for traditional methods such as whole-cluster fermentation, gentle punch-downs, and aging in oak barrels to enhance complexity and structure. Some producers also practice sustainable or organic viticulture to preserve the region’s natural environment and terroir.
Flavor Profile: Alsace Pinot Noir wines often exhibit red fruit aromas and flavors, such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, along with floral, earthy, and spicy notes. The wines tend to be light to medium-bodied, with silky tannins and bright acidity, making them versatile and food-friendly. While Alsace Pinot Noir is distinct from its counterparts in Burgundy and other regions, it offers its own unique expression of the grape variety.
Food Pairing: Due to its vibrant acidity and moderate tannins, Pinot Noir from Alsace pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is particularly well-suited to poultry, pork, and game meats, as well as earthy vegetarian dishes, mushroom-based dishes, and mild cheeses. The wine’s versatility also makes it an excellent match for Asian cuisine, such as duck with plum sauce or soy-glazed salmon.
Quality and Recognition: While Pinot Noir production in Alsace is relatively small compared to other grape varieties, the region has gained recognition for its high-quality wines. Alsace Pinot Noir has garnered praise from wine critics and enthusiasts for its purity of fruit, balance, and sense of place, offering an alternative expression of the grape variety outside of Burgundy.
Overall, Pinot Noir from Alsace represents a unique and compelling expression of the grape variety, showcasing the region’s diverse terroir and winemaking traditions. With its elegant style and food-friendly nature, Alsace Pinot Noir continues to attract attention and appreciation from wine lovers around the world.