Alsace wines gain more uk support
Compiled by Joe Hyam
There has been a slow but steady acceptance of Alsace wines in restaurants. This is a tribute to the wine merchants and restaurateurs who have persisted in getting across the message that these usually dry, often long-lived wines, are superb with food.
The Grandes Maisons d'Alsace, a group of eight leading houses, has played a large part in the process of education. One of the most distinguished of these houses, Gustave Lorentz, has just appointed a new agency in the UK, the Kinross-based firm of Forth Wines.
This is good news, first because Lorentz has some remarkable wines even by Alsace standards, and second because it was temporarily without representation in the UK.
Forth Wines will be shipping a wider range of wines than previously available, including Lorentz's Reserve Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Blanc. Prices will start at £44 a case.
Quality is the most potent attraction of Lorentz. Nearly half the vineyards owned by the house are Grand Cru. This means the slopes are recognised and approved for their microclimate, soil and location. Look out for the Altenberg and Kanzlerberg names on the labels of Lorentz reserve wines. They spell concentration of bouquet and flavour, balance and long life.
At a recent tasting in London of Grand Cru Rieslings from Lorentz, the ageing qualities of Grand Cru Alsace white wines were demonstrated by the '83, '79, '76, '71 and '64 vintages.
The scope of Alsace Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer allow restaurateurs to introduce customers to something different. The wines are dry and full-bodied. Alsace whites are often suitable for both fish and meat dishes. More details are available from Forth Wines on 01577 862513.
