Sparkling Wines Crémant d'Alsace Wolfberger - Le Millésimé - 2018

Wolfberger’s Crémant d’Alsace 2018 Cuvée Le Millésimé is a sparkling blanc that exemplifies the finesse and tradition of Alsatian winemaking. Crafted principally from Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, occasionally complemented by Chardonnay or Pinot Gris, this vintage benefits from a careful selection of grapes grown on the region’s singular mosaic of soils—ranging from limestone and clay to granite. The 2018 vintage brought excellent ripeness and balance, making this cuvée particularly expressive. Vinification follows the méthode traditionnelle, identical to Champagne, with a secondary fermentation in bottle and extended ageing on lees to develop depth and complexity. The result is a fine mousse, bright acidity, and an aromatic profile marked by crisp green apple, pear, delicate white florals, and hints of toasted brioche.

The Alsace region, nestled along the eastern borders of France, enjoys a semi-continental climate with hot, dry summers tempered by the sheltering Vosges mountains. This unique terroir encourages slow grape ripening, preserving natural acidity and developing vibrant aromatics. Alsace has a deep-rooted history, influenced by both French and Germanic cultures, resulting in a distinctive identity—particularly apparent in its celebrated sparkling wines. Crémant d’Alsace, granted AOC status in 1976, is today regarded as one of France’s premier sparkling appellations outside Champagne, renowned for its elegance and versatility.

Wolfberger’s Crémant d’Alsace 2018 Cuvée Le Millésimé makes a superb pairing with a wide array of dishes. For classic regional harmony, consider serving it with Alsatian tarte flambée, whose smoky bacon, mild cheese, and onions complement the wine’s freshness. It also pairs beautifully with seafood—such as oysters, smoked salmon, or delicate prawn ceviche—or with light poultry dishes in creamy sauces. The wine’s crisp effervescence also makes it an ideal aperitif, cutting through richer appetisers like foie gras or soft-rind cheeses such as Munster.

To enjoy this sparkling at its best, chill the bottle thoroughly and serve at 6-8°C. This temperature preserves the wine’s lively bubbles and accentuates its aromatic finesse. For the ultimate experience, use flutes or tulip-shaped glasses to concentrate the aromatics and observe its persistent mousse.