WTN: SPARRing partner

[Robin Garr]

A surprisingly attractive Pinot Blanc and, I think, I good buy by Alsace standards.

Pierre Sparr 2016 Grande Réserve Alsace Pinot Blanc ($16.99)

Sparr Alsace Pinot Blanc shows a clear, pale gold color in the glass. Its delicious aromas offer up a tingling mix of lemon and lime and lemon zest, with a faint jolt of that odd but intriguing mineral scent that's often called "petrol" in Riesling. Bright citric zest segues over to the palate in a medium-bodied un-oaked flavor with crisp acidity on the tongue that masks a touch of fresh-fruit sweetness. Stony minerality rises up to play in harmony with lemon zest in a long finish. An intriguing, complex white wine that's good with food and a real value at its mid-teens price. Modersate 12.5% alcohol doesn't get in the way of the flavor. U.S. importer: Wilson Daniels LLC, St. Helena, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2021)

FOOD MATCH: The back label shows five tiny icons that cutely (but accurately) suggest food pairings: Fish, something on a fork, lobster, chicken, and something on a plate. Okay, that's not too helpful. Fish, seafood, and chicken for sure, and for a plant-based option, it was fantastic with my roasted fennel and roasted onion risotto.

WHEN TO DRINK: Pinot Blanc isn't generally considered a wine for aging, but this one is a delight right now, five years after the vintage, with two more recent vintages already in the market. Its good body, structure, and acid balance suggest that it shouldn't go around the bend if you keep it under good cellar conditions for three to five more years.

VALUE:
As stated, it's a good value in the middle teens, at Wine-Searcher.com's $15 average U.S. retail or up to my local $17 price and even a few dollars beyond.

WEB LINK:
Here's a fact sheet from importer Wilson Daniels.

Find more information on this producer's page in English; it also offers the wine for sale within France at 8,25€, with additional charges for taxes and shipping to other countries.

FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:
Locate vendors and compare prices for Pierre Sparr Grande Réserve Alsace Pinot Blanc on Wine-Searcher.com.

Learn about Alsace and find links to dozens of Alsatian wines at this Wine-Searcher link.

Use this Wine-Searcher link to learn more about Pinot Blanc and search a broad selection of Pinot Blanc wines.

Interesting, Robin. Our LWS has the Sparr Gewurz 2018 & the NV Reserve Brut. Both $16.
Thoughts?

[Robin Garr]

No particular thoughts, Pat. Pierre Sparr may not rank among the most sought-after Alsatians, but I've found them consistently good value. Try either or try both, depending on your affection for sparklers vs your tolerance for Gewurz.

[David M. Bueker]

Pinot Blanc seems to be gaining in respect in recent years. I am seeing bottlings from more places, and with certain rare exceptions (e.g. Boxler, Hiedler 'Maximum') they are normally quite good values.

We have consistently enjoyed Trimbach Pinot Blanc. As well as Chalone when it was decently-priced. Only bottle we have now is a Handley, Mendocino, 2018. Got that one for <$25 which isn't bad.

[David M. Bueker]

We have consistently enjoyed Trimbach Pinot Blanc. As well as Chalone when it was decently-priced. Only bottle we have now is a Handley, Mendocino, 2018. Got that one for <$25 which isn't bad.

Be on the lookout for Vincent Pinot Blanc. Good value for a very tasty wine.

Really enjoyed a Sparr visit in the early 2000s. Also Theo Cattin..but avoid the dog.

+1 re what David said re the Vincent PB..Have also enjoyed Pinot Blanc ( Bianco) from Tiefenbrunner, quite reasonably priced PB from Italy.