Today's LCBO find takes us to Alsace, France's version of the sunshine state.
While it has been a while since I've dug into Alsace, it still holds a position as a staple wine region and one you need to know. So, for those just embracing their wine journey, the Pfaff Tradition Gewürztraminer is an excellent gateway into the wonders of Alsace, and at only $16.95.
The Storyed History of Alsace France
The history of Alsace, rightfully, needs its own article; it's that complex. Despite the complexity, we will do our best to summarize it in a paragraph.
I once listened to a podcast with an Alsatian producer as the featured guest. He said something along the lines of, his great-grandfather spoke German. His grandfather spoke French, while his father spoke both German and French, and he, himself, spoke French. The mental ping-pong game of languages resulted from the region changing hands through eras of war and turmoil. In fact, in just 80 years, Alsace changed hands (between the German and French) four times.
The Rhine River, travelling through Germany and France, was the early catalyst for political convolution. Finally, after WWII, the region stayed firmly as a part of France. With that said, travelling through Alsace, the mixed cultural references can be seen from the architecture through to even the cuisine celebrated in the region.
About Pfaff
Founded in 1957, Cave des Vignerons de Pfaffenheim represented over 50 members as a cooperative. The organisation still functions as such today, with vines being catered to through the hands of the area's talented and dedicated grape growers and the wines being made at the cooperatives winemaking facility.
Cave des Vignerons de Pfaffenheim produces 145 different wines today and exports 62% of its production. Fun fact: Canada is the cooperatives largest export market.
About Pfaff Tradition Gewürztraminer 2020
This was such a fun wine to taste, especially with food. Pfaff Tradition Gewürztraminer has a pale golden hue with green flecks. Lime, green apple skin, honeydew melon, white flowers, and ginger are present on the nose. On the palate, lemon, green apple, tangerine, and this is where you start to see the typical lychee, pineapple, almond, honey, and that persistent ginger make for an enjoyable sipper. This Gewürztraminer's crisp acidity tempers both the wine's sugars and phenolics. Enough said, my vote is in, and it's the Pfaff Gewürztraminer for a fun wine to be paired with dishes with depth of flavour.
The Pfaff Tradition Gewürztraminer 2020 can be found at the LCBO for $16.95 in vintages.