Fascination With Things Alsatian

Located along the southern Rhine River facing Germany, and sheltered by the Vosges Mountain range to the west, the Alsace region of France is renowned for its unique blend of French and German cultures, charming villages, delicious cuisine and tasty white wines. The region boasts picturesque villages and towns with colourful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets and a distinct architectural style. Alsatian cuisine features dishes such as Choucroute Garnie (assorted platter of salted meats, sausages and potatoes topped with tangy sauerkraut), Flammekueche (a thin flatbread with a crème fraîche base smothered with thinly-sliced onions and bacon), and Gugelhupf (not-too-sweet traditional cake). But more importantly, let’s not forget their excellent white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc.

Looking for a lighter-bodied Chardonnay style wine, then you will love Pinot Blanc. They are genetic cousins, in fact, back in the day, when consumers started to identify wines by their grape variety, Pinot Chardonnay was the term commonly used for Burgundy’s most widely planted white wine. Bright, light-bodied, dry and pale yellow, hints of peach, apple and floral notes are beautifully integrated and balanced with an underpinning crispness. Pair with light starter dishes, white meats or our favourite, the above mentioned Flammekueche.  

2023 Baron de Hoen Réserve Alsace Pinot Blanc LCBO #446419, $17.95