Fizzy Facts: Frey-Sohler Crémant Riesling Brut
by Lucinda Beeman - October 17, 2017
Learn all about the Alsatian sparkler in October’s Bubble Box.
Country: France
Region: Alsace
Grape Variety: Riesling
ABV: 12%
Where It’s From
This sparkling wine comes from Alsace, a wonderful wine region on the border with Germany. Famous for its fabulous ski slopes and wintry weather, the wines of Alsace are also highly regarded. Sandwiched between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, vineyards in this region are, for the most part, concentrated in a narrow section on the lower slopes of the mountains, where the best balance between temperature, drainage and sun exposure can found.
How It’s Made
This wine is made in the classic méthode traditionelle, the same method used to make Champagne. About 150kg of Riesling grapes are crushed and fermented in a vat to become wine, and then undergo the second fermentation in a bottle with additional yeast. It’s this fermentation – which lasts for 15 months – that is responsible for the bubbles in the wine.
Who’s Behind It
The Frey-Sohler Estate located in Scherwiller, a cosy valley village just 50km south of Strasbourg and 20km from the German border. The winery is family run, and has been passed from generation to generation; Damien and Nicolas Sohler have now taken the helm.
How It Tastes
This wine is pale gold in the glass, shimmering with a fine stream of bubbles. Floral, delicate and supple on the nose, on the palate this wine is lively, elegant and balanced. Fresh and discreetly fruity, this is a wonderful wine to serve with food.
How To Drink It
This Crémant is a refined aperitif, but also pairs well with starters, seafood, sushi, white meat, game and desserts.
