From: Alsace, France
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: This delightful sparkling wine exudes elegance and finesse. It has a pale salmon color with numerous fine bubbles that dance on the palate. On the nose, the wine is welcoming and friendly, with notes of freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, and red currants that intermingle with a hint of citrus. On the palate, the wine is refreshing, creamy, and smooth, with a character dominated by ripe strawberries, raspberry coulis, and hints of lemon zest. The texture is light and fine, with a balanced acidity that provides freshness and vibrancy. The finish is clean, long-lasting, and satisfying, leaving a delightful aftertaste that lingers.
Pairing: This Alsatian Brut Rosé is a sparkling wine that pairs well with a wide range of occasions, with or without food! Its refreshing character makes it an excellent match for light salads, seafood, and sushi. The wines acidity and effervescence also make it an ideal pairing for creamy cheeses, such as brie or camembert.
For a more substantial pairing, consider pairing this crémant rosé with roasted, grilled, or fried chicken or pork or fish as well as light pastas or egg-based meals (like the Quiche Lorraine we’re sharing below!). The wine's delicate fruit flavors and light body will complement the flavors of these dishes without overpowering them.
Quiche Lorraine
By Craig Claiborne
About. When it comes to sparkling wine, champagne often gets all the attention. However, there are many excellent alternatives that are just as delicious and satisfying. One such option is the NV Famille Cattin Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé, a sparkling wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur.
Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this crémant rosé is a benchmark in Colmar brasseries for its delicate attack and fine texture. The grapes are handpicked and undergo a short maceration to extract the pale salmon color before being gently pressed. The first fermentation takes place between 64°F and 72°F, while the second fermentation occurs in the bottle. Afterward, the wine is aged on the lees for 15 months before being disgorged.
The result is a sparkling wine with a clear and elegant pale salmon color and numerous fine bubbles. The nose is deliciously fruity, with notes of freshly squeezed strawberries and raspberries. On the palate, the wine is refreshing and creamy, with fruity aromas such as strawberries and lemon. The finish is clean and long-lasting, leaving a delightful aftertaste that lingers.
Not only is the NV Famille Cattin Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé delicious, but it is also well-regarded by experts. Wine Enthusiast gave it a rating of 90, a testament to its quality.
The Cattin family has been producing wine since 1720, and today, the winery is managed by the 12th generation. Located in Voegtlinshoffen, a small village on the foothills of the Vosges Mountains at 1,091 feet in elevation, Cattin is the largest family-owned and family-operated winery in Alsace. Their vineyard land is located on slopes, with 80% of their plots situated in the Southern part of the Colmar region. The estate is composed of many small plots with a variety of soils, including clay, limestone, sandstone, ferruginous, and marl, which combined with big time diurnal shifts, result in an exceptional palate of aromas and flavors.
While Cattin produces some of the region's most terroir-driven Grand Cru wines using old oak foudres, they have become known for their crémants over the past several decades. These sparkling wines are the house specialty and what initially caused wine enthusiasts to seek out Cattin.
Overall, this humble Alsatian bubbly rosé is one that impresses in every way. From its delicate color to its fruity and creamy palate, this wine is sure to delight. And with a long history of winemaking behind it, this crémant rosé is a testament to the Cattin family's dedication and skill. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious sparkling wine, this pleasant brut rosé is a wine worth trying.
