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WILLY GISSELBRECHT
Domaine Willy Gisselbrecht of Alsace is an estate of a little less than 40 acres, whose cellars are situated in the village Dambach – about half way from Colmar to Strasbourg. Since the 17th century, this family winery has crafted small lots of exceptional Alsace wines, with a focus on their much sought-after Frankstein and Muenchberg Grand Crus. These are classic Alsace wines at their finest with vinification carried out in a combination of large neutral oak as well as concrete fermentation tanks, after which wines are allowed to settle naturally, rather than being subjected to aggressive filtration. Once bottled, the wines of Willy Gisselbrecht are allowed to rest in the cellar for up to an additional year before release to market.
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2014 PINOT GRIS “TRADITION”
Structured, spicy and refreshing, this Pinot Gris is packed full of pure drinking pleasure! The Gisselbrecht family is a bastion of tradition in Alsace – a place where they have been crafting fine wines since the 17th century. The use of traditional wooden and cement vats for fermentation and aging allow the wines to evolve slowly and quietly, allowing sediments to settle naturally – rather than through the use of chemical additions or mechanical pumping methods. Once bottled, these wines are allowed to rest in the cellars for a year ahead of their release to market. In a time where we often hear of the virtues of “slow food” – the results of the Gisselbrecht family’s commitment to tradition might best be described as “slow wine”.
WITH FOOD
Alsace Pinot Gris, such as this fine example from the Gisselbrecht family, are amongst the most versatile and complementary food wines made anywhere. At home next to salty starters like charcuterie or lighter flavoured cheeses, with chicken dishes, creamy pastas and even fish and seafood – this white is a foodie’s delight!
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RECIPE IDEAS
Lemon-Parmesan Risotto w/ Oven-Roasted Chicken
A Creamy Mushroom Pasta for When Nothing Else Will Do
Brie, Fig & Walnut Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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EXPERT OPINION
“The Gisselbrecht family has been producing wines in Alsace since the 17th century. This is a fine example of an Alsatian Pinot Gris with a touch of medium-sweetness. Though the region is most often associated with producing dry white wines, the residual sugar here is not out of step – Alsatian Pinot Gris has traditionally been made in a wide range of sweetness levels. This is crisp and fruity with floral and citrus tones and a lovely weight. The sweetness is perfectly balanced by the bright acidity. Enjoy with lemon-dressed chicken.”
LCBO Vintages Tasting Panel
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Producer: Willy Gisselbrecht
Wine: Pinot Gris “Tradition”
Origin: Alsace, France
Vintage: 2014
LCBO #: 641597
Price: $17.95
