DOMAINE PFISTER Crémant d`Alsace Brut NV The Pfister estate covers 10 hectares of vineyard spread across 40 different parcels, primarily in Dahlenheim, in the northern part of Alsace, about 20km west of Strasbourg. Winemaker Mélanie Pfi ster is the eighth generation of her family to work at the domaine. She started there after finishing her studies and work experience which included vintages with Craggy Range in New Zealand, Zind Humbrecht and Méo-Camuzet in France. The wines are classically intense yet dry, minerally and long. The Blanc de Blancs is made from a blend of grapes from the following vineyards: 50% Chardonnay from the Lehe vineyard, 25% Pinot Blanc and 25% Auxerrois, both from the Osthoffen hillside vineyards. Osthoffen vineyards have deep, rich marly soils, ideal for Pinot and Auxerrois, planted on steep, west-facing slopes. The Lehe vineyard is on a base of limestone rock, covered by a deep layer of loess with a clay-loam texture. It is planted on a gentle, northeast facing slope, allowing the chardonnay to ripen slowly, producing well-structured and perfumed wines. The grapes were hand-picked and each variety fermented individually, in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. The blend was then assembled and the second fermentation took place in bottle, followed by 24-36 months ageing on the lees. The wine is brut in dosage. Delicate, brioche perfumes on the nose, characteristic of long, slow ageing on the lees. The mousse is fine, delicate and long-lasting, with the brut dosage evident in the fresh but round finish. The length, brioche complexity and finesse of bubbles on the palate are all characteristic of high-quality Champagnes which are made by the same method as this wine. Vintage NV Region Bas-Rhin Winemaker Melanie Pfister Closure Cork Alcohol (ABV) 12.5% Find this wine at www.winestore.co.uk Price: £117.06 (Including VAT at 20%)