Wine With Wanda

From Montalcino to Maremma: A Conversation with Tancredi Biondi Santi

Tancredi Biondi Santi, Castello di Montepó

Any discussion of Italian wine history would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of the Biondi Santi family. In the 1800's, Ferruccio Biondi Santi planted the first vineyard in Montalcino with a clone of Sangiovese. That grape was Sangiovese Grosso, the soul of the iconic wine Brunello di Montalcino. Bottles of Brunello bearing the Biondi Santi name have long captivated wine lovers, but the family has spread their wings beyond Montalcino to Maremma and their hilltop winery estate in southern Tuscany, Castello di Montepò. 


Castello di Montepò Sassoalloro 2015 ($35) is fresh and crisp, with bright cherry flavors and juicy acidity. An elegant sip! 

I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Tancredi Biondi Santi on Instagram Live -- we first met in New York in 2018. Tancredi proudly represents the seventh generation of the Biondi Santi winemaking dynasty. During our chat, we sipped Sassoalloro 2015 and discussed how his family's proprietary Sangiovese Grosso clone, known as BBS11, responds to the unique terroir of Castello di Montepò. Scroll down or click here to watch our conversation! 

The Secret's in the Soil: A Tasting of Limestone and Volcanic Riesling from Alsace

When that Riesling feeling hits, no other sip will do. I recently opened a beautiful bottle produced by a 9th generation family winery in Alsace: Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling Grand Cru Rosacker 2015 ($49). Located in the northeast of France, Alsace is one of the world’s most geologically diverse wine regions. 13 distinct soil types have been identified in Alsace and each imparts a distinct fingerprint on the flavor of the wines. The grapes for Domaine Sipp Mack Riesling grew in limestone soil, which imbues the wines with vibrant lemony flavors and snappy minerality. This is a dry Riesling but the fruit sings. In addition to Meyer lemon, I taste white peach, a hint of honeycomb, and a kiss of salinity. 

My adventures in Riesling from Alsace continued with Wolfberger Riesling Grand Cru Rangen 2016 ($57). Rangen is Alsace's southernmost Grand Cru and the only one located on volcanic soils. Rangen’s mineral-rich soils enrich the grapes with an elegant intensity. Rangen means slope in Old German and some of the vineyards are so steep that they are harvested by rappelling down. Wolfberger Riesling Grand Cru is a more muscular, yet very refined, dry Riesling with power, tension, and the bold minerality one expects from volcanic soils. Flavors of preserved lemon, grapefruit, and pear mesh nicely with hints of savory herbs and soft mint. This a Riesling that will age beautifully!

 

 

A True Taste of Alsace: A Conversation with Winemaker Eddy Leiber-Faller of Domaine Weinbach

 

Winemaker Eddy Leiber-Faller of Domaine Weinbach in Alsace, France was the special guest on the fifth episode of Wine With Wanda on Instagram Live. Planted with vines since the 9th century and established as a winery in 1612 by Capuchin Friars, Domaine Weinbach was acquired by the Faller brothers in 1898 and has been in the family ever since.


100% Pinot Gris. "Subtle and delicate nose of honey, with smoky and buttery notes.
Rich and well-structured on the palate, with a creamy and rich texture to finish." 

Watch our chat and tasting here or on YouTube. We sipped Domaine Weinbach Pinot Gris Cuvée Laurence 2017 ($56.99) and Domaine Weinbach Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru Cuvee Ste. Catherine 2017 ($64.99) while discussing Eddy's return to the family business after a career abroad in banking, the charms of Alsace, and biodynamic and organic winemaking. Eddy even gave me some recipe tips!

 Did you know that Alsace is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world and has 13 distinct soil types? Those soils really imbue wines from Alsace with a tremendous mineral character and the region is renowned for their superb white wines. Domaine Weinbach is an excellent example of the beauty of wines from Alsace. 


100% Riesling from 40-60-year old vines."Elegant and balanced, this wine reveals delicate floral aromas with a mouth- watering minerality. This full-bodied Riesling holds a lean acidity which is well-suited to food pairing."

Sparkling Spotlight: Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Brut

I’ll just get straight to the point: I love sparkling wine. Champagne, Cava, Crémant, Trentodoc, Prosecco, and other bubblies from around the globe all hold a special place in my heart. When I see bubbles dancing in a wine glass, I feel such joy. Whether I’m dining with my friends or just relaxing at home with takeout, sparkling wine adds a dash of sophistication to every occasion.  

To celebrate my passion for bubbly, I’ve decided to give these special wines a spotlight of their own. I’m delighted to kick off Sparkling Spotlight with two great wines from the family-owned winery, Ruhlmann-Schutz. Located in Alsace, in the northeast of France, they are considered one of the region’s finest wine estates and have been associated with winemaking since 1688. I recently had the chance to taste their authentic, elegant, and affordable wines with general manager Antoine Schutz. Antoine is passionately guiding his family’s business towards a future that respects their legacy but also embraces modernity.

“I don’t want to discriminate. I want our wines to be affordable to everyone.”
Antoine Schutz, General Manager, Ruhlmann-Schutz

Crémant wines are made throughout France and are crafted in the same traditional method as Champagne: bubbles are created via the laborious and exacting process of enacting a second fermentation in the bottle. Also inspired by Champagne, Ruhlmann ages their Crémant d’Alsace for an extended time on the lees so that they develop more complexity. But it is important to remember that although Crémant d’Alsace shares the same method as Champagne, it is absolutely Alsatian and reflects its terroir and traditions. And the affordability of Crémant d'Alsace proves that you don't have to go broke to enjoy beautiful sparkling wine. 


Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Brut ($23.95) is an elegant introduction to Ruhlmann’s wines. A blend of Pinot Blanc (60%), Auxerrois (20%), Pinot Gris (10%), and Riesling (10%); it has fine bubbles, a delicate creamy texture, and crisp flavors of citrus, peach, and a hint of hazelnut. An expertly crafted wine that even the snootiest of wine snobs will enjoy.

Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut ($25.95) is 100% Pinot Noir. The grapes were sourced from vines that are 20-40 years old and grown in soils that are rich in clay and limestone. Crisp and clean, it flirts across the palate with vibrant flavors of strawberry, tart cherry, and a hint of stone fruit. A hint of buttery brioche is a warm ending to the long finish.

In addition to Crémant d’Alsace, the Ruhlmann portfolio includes lovely expressions of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and other Alsatian wines. If you’re planning a trip to Alsace, Ruhlmann welcomes guests for tastings and cellar tours. Overnight accommodations are also available.

Bring on the Bubbly: Lucien Albrecht Cremant d'Alsace

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. 

Warm Your Nights with Winter Whites: Five Fabulous Wines from France, Italy, New Zealand, and South Africa

Rich red wines and chilly winter nights are a match made in heaven but the right glass of white wine can also warm your spirit! From South Africa to New Zealand, here are five fabulous white wines that are always in season. Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of sunshine!  



Famille Hugel Riesling Classic 2014 ($25)
Alsace, France

With more than 370 years of experience, the Hugel Family brings an abundance of know-how and passion to winemaking. Their excellent Riesling Classic is dry but exuberant with crisp minerality and mouthwatering flavors of white peach, green apple, and a touch of citrus. A sip is reminiscent of a tender kiss from someone you adore!



Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($24)
Marlborough, New Zealand

Share the love with this gorgeous bottle of Sauvignon Blanc. Vivacious flavors of tropical fruits and white peach are elegantly supported by solid minerality and flirty acidity. A beautifully crafted wine with plenty of personality. 

Kettmeir Müller-Thurgau 2015 ($22)
Alto Adige, Italy

Fruit and spice - this full-bodied white wine is oh-so-nice. Robust flavors of white peach and hints of nutmeg and mountain herbs make this lovely vino from northern Italy a supremely satisfying sip anytime of year. 



J.J. Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé Cuvée Marie Antoinette 2014 ($29)
Pouilly-Fuissé (southern Burgundy), France

As elegant as the perfect little black dress, this delightful Chardonnay sashays across the palate with crisp minerality, vibrant acidity and fresh flavors of apple, peach, and a kiss of vanilla. Très chic! 

 De Bos Sur Lie Chenin Blanc 2014 ($16)
Wellington, South Africa

Chenin Blanc is a fantastic French varietal and South Africa produces some of the very best. De Bos's medium-bodied Chenin Blanc has tantalizing flavors of peach, pineapple, persimmon, and citrus that are balanced beautifully by a subtle vanilla cream finish. 

 

Raise a Glass to the Riesling Revolution with Famille Hugel of Alsace

Just call me The Girl with the Riesling Tattoo! Yours truly with Etienne Hugel of Famille Hugel wines and a bold but temporary tattoo!

Winemakers have serenaded me, flirted with me, and even exasperated me but exuberant Etienne Hugel is the only one to ever tattoo me! To my great relief, the bold RIESLING tattoo was only temporary but the wines of Famille Hugel certainly left their mark - in the very best way. Famille Hugel has been producing wines in Alsace since 1639 but their wines and attitude are far from old-fashioned and stodgy.

Jean-Frédéric and Etienne Hugel

I recently had the pleasure of sharing some wine and conversation with Etienne and his son Jean-Frédéric; they represent the 12th and 13th generations of the Hugel family. The family is leading a Riesling revolution to spread the word about how beautifully their Riesling, and other Alsatian wines, complement modern tastes and cuisine. Listen to the podcast to learn more about the Hugel family, why the "wines of Alsace are a cultural bridge between France and Germany", and Riesling's incredible aging capacity - they recently opened a bottle from 1865 that had survived three wars and was "still absolutely stunning."



Riesling does not suffer from a recognition problem - even the most casual wine drinker has heard of it. No, Riesling's primary challenge has perhaps been the misconception that this aromatic white wine is always sweet. In reality, one of the most intriguing characteristics of Riesling is its ability to elegantly express the spectrum from very dry to very sweet. Famille Hugel Riesling Classic 2014 ($24) is dry but vibrant, with flavors of fresh white peach and lemongrass, a structured minerality, and a hint of green herbs. Famille Hugel produces their wines with food in mind and Etienne describes them as "wines that really sing around the table." The beauty of this dry Riesling is that it pairs perfectly with a wide range of cuisine; including sushi, ceviche, curry, and Thai food. It truly goes beyond borders. 

Watch the video to see Etienne and Jean-Frédéric describe the aromas and flavors of their Riesling. The video also features their delicious Gewurztraminer Classic 2013 ($29) Gewurz means spicy and this dry white wine with aromas and flavors of lychee and mango is a tasty match with everything from spicy Szechuan to smoked BBQ pork.

 

Should your travels take you to Alsace, Famille Hugel welcomes guests for tours and tastings at their premises in Riquewihr. Tattoos optional. Cheers!