Jérôme Keller, winemaker for Lucien Albrecht winery
Few things can rival the power of sparkling wine to break the ice between strangers. Once the cork pops and the wine flows, the walls between us begin to drop. I was reminded of bubbly's ability to connect people in a recent meeting with winemaker Jérôme Keller of Lucien Albrecht winery. We had never met before but Jérôme's wonderful wines and easygoing personality added a decidedly festive flair to our business meeting. Before long, we were laughing like old friends.
The roots of Lucien Albrecht winery can be traced back to 1698. Located in Alsace, in northeastern France, Lucien Albrecht is regarded as a pioneer in the production of Cremant d'Alsace. Made in the same method as Champagne, Cremant d'Alsace is more than an affordable alternative to Champagne; it stands on its own as a high-quality sparkling wine. Alsace is home to a multitude of soil types and has been described as one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. This diversity, paired with the region's dry climate and plentiful sunshine, imbue Alsace grapes with impressive freshness and complexity; exactly the foundation needed to create a great sparkling wine.
Lucien Abrecht Cremant d'Alsace ($23) tastes like a much more expensive bubbly. A blend of Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, it is vibrant and crisp with fine bubbles and a wonderful interplay between fruit and mineral flavors.
Alsace is more known for their white wines but the notoriously persnickety Pinot Noir also grows beautifully there. 100% Pinot Noir, Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé ($23) has luscious red fruit flavors and impressive crispness that adds texture to its juicy roundness.
Call me decadent, but in my ideal world every day would include a glass of sparkling wine. Not only do I love the sensation of tiny bubbles dancing across my palate, sparkling wines remind me that you don't need a special occasion to celebrate, life itself is reason enough. And the relative affordability of Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace makes it possible to enjoy quality sparkling wine without breaking the bank.
Their portfolio also includes excellent examples of Alsace's most iconic white wines -- Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris. Give them a swirl too! And if you're planning a trip to Alsace, Lucien Albrecht welcomes visitors for tours and tastings.