~$15US, Alsace, White Blend

I thoroughly the support practice of biodynamic (uber-organic) viticulture as a means of creating wines that capture a more interesting footprint than their conventionally farmed competition. The practice of bionaymanie gained a strong foothold early on in the Loire Valley and Burgundy regions, and has spread like wildfire throughout Europe and the New World. I like to look at the practice as yielding a clearer, more transparent window into the wine.

Marc Tempe’s Alsace domaine (just under 20 acres) has been farmed biodynamically since it’s genesis in the early 90s. The Alliance is his entry-level field-blend combining (at the very least) Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Tokay/Pinot Gris into a light-golden dry wine. Aromatically, the Gewurtztraminer gives an interesting tropical fruit-driven character, supported by dried-flowers. Light on the palate, the wine has a driving, laser-focused acidity and great purity which it pulls off as a blend by stressing the high-toned quality of the fruits (white peach, lemon/lime, bitter melon) rather than their individual nuances. Very Linenear. It’s zesty and refreshing and naturally fermented to bone-dry, making this a great summer choice with fish, soft cheeses and salads.

The wine comes in at a great quality for the price (especially for a biodynamic wine) - but there is some stiff competition in this price range for terroir-driven-fresh-whites via Austrian Gruners, Trocken Rieslings, and Loire Muscadets. I’m totally happy with another wine choice in this class (which is probably the class of wines I get most excited about right now ) and the great aromatics, clean fruit, and blend of the Alliance give it a unique sense of place and class.

~ $20US 100% Gewurztraminer, Alsace, France

Color: Light Straw
Nose: Very aromatic, peach, pear, chamomile, river stones, cinnamon
Palate: Soft, round, and juicy. Delivers on what the nose promises, with the addition of lychee and peach syrup. Sweetness and a clean acidity co-mingle towards the finish, along with a march of pumpkin pie spice and stark chalkiness.
Finish: Tapered dryness, with mild with spice-box notes.

A complex nose leading to an easy-drinking, food-friendly-wine. Dry in style - no cloying sugars, just the natural sweetness of the fruit. The stony minerality is upfront and even a little aggressive to my tastes, but fades a bit with time in the glass. An excellent guest to bring to the local Chinese or Thai BYO restaurant. Or takeout…