23 Feb 2025
As we move past the cold and quiet months of January and February, it’s the perfect time to reconnect with friends and invite them over for a delightful dinner party.
There’s no better way to celebrate than with the exquisite wines of Alsace, which offer a range of styles perfectly suited to every stage of your meal. From sparkling apéritif Crémant to racy Rieslings and Pinot Blancs, perfect for a smoked salmon starter, to spicy Pinot Gris and Pinot Noirs that complement the main course and all its tasty trimmings. And of course, the region’s velvety dessert wines (Vendanges Tardives/Late Harvest and Sélection de Grains Nobles) will be perfection with your rich and fruity desserts.
Apéritif
Cave de Ribeauvillé ‘Les Comtes de Ribeauvillé’ Crémant d’Alsace Brut (£18.00 RRP/£15.00 Mix 6) Majestic Wine)
An elegant, racy blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois with fresh, crisp apple, lively citrus, and a lingering finish. Sublime with the start of your evening! And the perfect apéritif to tickle your tastebuds and precede your feast.
Cave de Ribeauvillé, created in 1895 by 44 growers and producers, is the oldest cooperative in France. The love of vines and wine has been passed down from generation to generation, and 41 of the 44 founding families are still part of the cooperative.
Starter: Smoked salmon on brown granary bread with butter, black pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
Famille Hugel Classic Riesling 2022 (£22.00 RRP, Cambridge Wine Merchants)
A cracking classic from a top producer with fresh, vibrant notes of apple, pear, and citrus. This elegant Riesling has all the hallmarks of a great Alsace wine: perfectly balanced and food-friendly, this wine is also vegan, so it is sure to be a hit with every guest during your festivities.
This wine is crafted by the 12th and 13th generations of the Hugel family, who have been making wine since 1639. The family is committed to biodynamic practices, with all grapes for this wine being hand-picked from vines aged around 35 years old. The grapes for this wine come exclusively from selected plots on the family estate, with the Riquewihr (often referred to as the gem of the Alsace wine route) terroir giving this Riesling its characteristic minerality.
Main Course: Herb-crusted lamb, garlic and rosemary roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus with lemon zest, and a side of ratatouille. Add a mint and red wine reduction sauce -the mint adds a refreshing note, while the red wine reduction enhances the depth of the lamb and the wine.
Vegetarian option: Mushroom rsotto with a simple arugula salad with shaved Parmesan and a light lemon vinaigrette, and crusty garlic bread. Add a drizzle of truffle oil or a light mushroom cream sauce.
Domaine Bruno Sorg Pinot Noir 2022 (£22.00 RRP, Cambridge Wine Merchants)
You need a multi-layered wine to match with all the different flavours and textures in your dinner, and this one ticks all the boxes. Alsace is carving a reputation as a region for top Pinot Noirs, and this elegant and youthful example is brim-full of winter berries, with the fruit perfectly balanced by a swathe of spice.
Established in 1965, Domaine Bruno Sorg is based in Eguisheim and has 10 ha of vines – half of which are situated in Grands Crus. Yields are kept low, and the Domaine’s style is one of rich fruit and finesse. Old vines and sandstone soils also contribute concentration and flavour.
Dessert: Fig and almond tart with a scoop of Madagascan vanilla ice cream to enhance the tart’s rich, nutty flavours and provide a creamy contrast.
Cheese Board Selection (I’d recommend Fleetville Larder, St Albans or Mouse and Grape, Pinner and Online/ Home Delivery):
Munster, this cheese’s strong, pungent flavour complements the aromatic and slightly sweet notes of Gewurztraminer.
Gouda, the nutty and caramel-like flavours of aged Gouda enhance the wine’s fruity and spicy profile.
Gruyère, this cheese’s rich, creamy texture and slightly sweet flavour pair well with the wine’s complexity.
Roquefort: The bold, tangy flavours of this blue cheese create an interesting contrast with the wine’s sweetness.
Brie de Meaux: An all-time favourite of mine, this special Brie, known for its creamy, buttery texture and earthy, mushroom notes, pairs beautifully with the wine’s floral
and fruity characteristics.
Domaine Bruno Sorg Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Eichberg, Vendanges Tardives Alsace 2020 (33.00 RRP, Tanners Wine Merchants)
What to serve with dessert that has enough sweetness, body, and acidity to stand up to those rich fruit flavours and textures? Step forward all those stunning Alsace Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles wines. This lively Late Harvest Gewurztraminer from Bruno Sorg packs punches of vibrant tropical fruit on the palate, balanced by delicate citrus notes and freshness. This wine is the perfect partner for both a rich, decadent dessert, or your cheese board.
Established in 1965, Domaine Bruno Sorg is based in Eguisheim and has 10 ha of vines – half of which are situated in Grands Crus. Yields are kept low, and the Domaine’s style is one of rich fruit and finesse. Old vines and sandstone soils also contribute concentration and flavour.
Whatever you choose for your food menu, be sure to check out the wines of Alsace. Their versatility and unique flavours will elevate your dinner party, creating a memorable experience for you and your guests. From the first sip of a crisp Crémant to the last taste of a luscious Vendanges Tardives, Alsace wines are the perfect companions for every course. Cheers to reconnecting with friends and enjoying the finer things in life!
