2012 Riesling Vielles Vignes, Frédéric Engel

Vintage 2012 gave many good wines. The wines are not as powerful as in 2009 and 2011, not as tart as in 2010. Instead, it's a classic vintage, without too much alcohol and with good balance. "Gastronomic Wines" is a good label, to the extent you need any. But the vintage is a bit uneven, and you should be especially careful when choosing your Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir are consistently successful and 2012 Riesling from the best vineyards can be trusted.

2012 Riesling Vielles Vignes from Frédéric Engel in Riquewihr has a beautiful straw yellow color. The scent is very fresh with classic tones of yellow apples, honey and grapefruit. The palate is medium-bodied and dry, with a nice balance between the youthful fruit and clean acidity. The aftertaste has a typical and marked note of grapefruit peel. A reprsentative, well-made an cheap wine. Price € 6.90.

2008 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sporen, Frédéric Engel

Currently, a new wine legislation is  implemented in France. In Alsace, this means that for every Grand Cru, it will specifically be determined which grapes will be allowed. With respect to Grand Cru Sporen, it will be easy to decide on  Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, more to discuss regarding Riesling while Muscat will not stand a chance. For Schoenenbourg in the same village,  Riesling is the ultimate grape but personally, I'm also hoping for Muscat. What a mess it can be! And unfortunately,  we dare not believe that terroirs such as  Grands Crus Vorbourg, Gloeckelberg, Frankstein and Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé will get right to the Grand Cru Pinot Noir. Or?

2008 Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Sporen from Frédéric Engel in Riquewihr has a discrete, wonderful scent of roses, cardamom and luke-warm pineapple. The taste is moderately fruity, medium-bodied and supple with some sweetness, a hint of bitterness. It is wonderfully clean and has firm acids that provide  both freshness and structure. The definition of an elegant wine! Price: € 10.

2004 Muscat d'Alsace, Frédéric Engel

Muscat from Alsace is the ideal companion of the first asparagous soup of the season. With its' bitterish character, typical for Riquewihr, it disarms the umami-flavours of the beloved primeur.

2004 Muscat d'Alsace from Frédéric Engel in Riquewihr has, at 4 years of age, attained a level of maturity where a youthful charm has been replaced by character and complexity. The taste is try, yet quite full, offering oranges, liquorice and mint. A solid wine that conveys the charm and joy of an entire region. Price: €6.