André Kientzler and his sons, Thierry and Éric, produce textbook, delicious, character-filled wines from the entire portfolio of Alsace’s noble varieties. Best of all, they are available for very modest tariffs. Kientzler crafts one of Alsace’s very few remaining 100% Chasselas wines. Bright green-gold in the glass, Kientzler’s bone-dry, floral 2020 Chasselas – the domaine’s finest yet – explodes with fresh, mineral-driven aromas of green pears, lemon juice, quince, and chamomile. Freshening acidity lifts a crisp palate of yellow apple, nectarine, and white peach before finishing clean, focused, precise, and minerally. Perfect as a picnic wine or by itself as an apéritif, Kientzler’s Chasselas will also prove a wonderful partner to traditional Alsatian cuisine and served with quiche recipes, mushroom tarts, Alsatian and alpine cheeses, and everything across the vegetable, seafood, light poultry, and pork spectra. Given its sub-$15 tariff and effortless versatility, Kientzler’s Chasselas is a wine to buy a case for enjoyment now and over the coming three years.
An April 2022 newsletter selection
