Vine type: Assembly of several Alsace vines, principally Pinot Blanc (90%)

Wine type: Delicately sparkling white wine, pale-gold coloured, principally made of Pinot Blanc grapes on which is applied the traditional Champagne method in order for the grapes to arrive undamaged in the press.

Harvesting and wine-making: Crémant d’Alsace is made according to strict regulations which ensure its status of first-class wine. The grapes dedicated to its production are picked a few days before traditional harvesting starts, in order to seize the most favourable time when grapes offer their finest harmony.
At Charles Wantz’s, grapes are harvested in small crates containing 15 kg at the most, in order to avoid crushing the grapes before pressing. In the course of traditional fermentation, the wine will naturally start « bubbling » in the bottles, thus transforming it into « Crémant d’Alsace ». This choice of a typically home-made method requires for each bottle long, patient and scrupulous care. (24 months before disgorging) Every bottle of Charles Wantz Crémant d’Alsace is regularly rotated on its stand, while progressively tilting the bottle on its head in order to gather the deposit in the neck until discharge time. This is the only method for it to become such a delicately light and lively wine.

How to serve it : Serve this festive wine chilled at a 5° to 7° C temperature, in a flute rather than in a goblet, in order to concentrate the wine fragrances and to allow a harmonious release of its delicate bubbles.

How to keep it : Slowly aged on laths, Crémant d’Alsace is offered at the time when it yields its full qualities and is thus best to drink. It may, however, be kept 4 to 5 years if the cellar respects the golden rules required by this great wine. The keeping temperature should be constant and only vary by a few degrees with the passing seasons. Crémant d’Alsace, when settling, does not allow any vibration, prefers darkness and a good ventilation. Store the bottles flat, with the cork in contact with the wine in order to avoid drying-out.

What to drink it with : As an aperitif, plain or with a fruit cream liqueur, for dessert, but also with sea food, entrees, fish and fowl.

A delicately sparkling wine of light rosé colour, it is made from the Pinot Noir grape to which the traditional Méthode Champenoise is applied, as in the Champagne region. Avery stringent regulation guarantees a wine of superior class.

 

Harvest and Vinification : The harvest of the grapes that go into production of Crémant d'Alsace begins a few days prior the official date of grape harvesting of other wines, in order to avail the most propitious time when grapes offer that utmost harmony.

The grapes are harvested in small hamper crates containing 15 kg of grapes at most, thus making sure that the berries reach the presses unharmed and in perfect condition.

After the traditional fermentation in vats, the wine is filled into bottles where the "prise de mousse" (sparkling process) of transforming a still wine into the future sparkling Crémant d'Alsace. This choice of a typically artisan method demands for each and every bottle long, patient and attentive care.

Each bottle of Crémant is regularly slowly rotated and gradually tilted on its top, thus ensuring that dregs gather at the neck, awaiting the moment of disgorging, i.e. elimination of dregs by flash-freezing the bottle neck to allow removal of impurities. It is thus, and thus only, that it will become this graciously sparkling wine of elegant finesse.

How to keep it ? Slowly matured on wooden shelves during 12 to 14 months, Crémant d'Alsace rosé is put on the market at the time when it offers its utmosts qualities and is ready for tasting in the best conditions.

You may however keep it for two or three years provided your wine cellar meets the golden rules that any great wines demands. The cellar temperature has to remain constant and must not vary by more than a few degrees over the seasons. Crémant d'Alsace will not suffer any vibrations and trepidations, it prefers obscurity and good ventilation. The bottles will be laid flat so that the cork is always in contact with the wine. The bottles must be stored away from sources of strong smells, and they must be handled with infinite care and not shaken.

How to drink it ? This festive wine is best enjoyed cooled, at 5° to 7°C, in a long-stemmed tall glass rather than in a wide glass, in order for the aromas to concentrate and for the fine, delicate bubbles to rise harmoniously along the sides.

What to drink it with ? This wine yields delicate aromas of red berries and offers a pretty vivacity that gives it finesse and elegance.

It accompanies perfectly any full meal, but is best served as an aperitif or with savoury or sweet starters.

 

 

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