Alsace, France
Lost in the multitudes of varietals grown in lovely Alsace, Sylvaner often gets ignored in favor of the nobler varietals, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Muscat. This is rather unfortunate, for wines such as this show Sylvaner at its finest: fresh, fruity, vibrant, and exceedingly versatile at the table. Pale lemon-gold with pistachio highlights in the glass, Bott Freres’ Sylvaner – rested in century-old neutral foudres – casts captivating aromas of green apple skin, honeydew melon, and smoky minerals. Fresh, zippy, and brimming with energy, Bott Freres’ Sylvaner electrifies the palate with citrus zest and green apple fruit backed by suggestions of quinine, fennel, and grated ginger. Bott’s 2015 Sylvaner is delicious and versatile beyond description and a natural foil for pâtes, terrines, broiled halibut, roasts of poultry and pork, grilled fishes, shellfish, choucroute garni with sauerkraut, and all savory Alsatian, German, and central European recipes. Enjoy now and over the coming three years.
A February 2019 newsletter selection
