Taste Test: Alsace Wines

Crémant d’Alsace is one of the best and bubbliest value propositions in wine. Hailing from northeastern France, near the German and Swiss borders, these sparklers are produced in the same method as Champagne. An array of très spécifique governmental regulations ensure they’re aged for at least nine months before they’re sold, and producers can only use specific grapes harvested in certain ways. From bone-dry bruts, to tart rosés, to gently priced bottles perfect for mixing into sparkling cocktails, crémant d’Alsace keeps holidays bright—without breaking the bank.

Alsace Willm Crémant Brut Blanc de Blanc Prestige

Just-picked pear and stone-fruit notes burst out of each glass of this aromatic option from a high-altitude 1896 estate in the northern reaches of Alsace. Light and easy-drinking, with a price that can’t be beat, this blend of several white wine grapes is blessed with the uncomplicated elegance of a freshly pressed collared shirt. Try it as an aperitif or mix it into sparkling cocktails or punches for a party. $19.38, saratogawine.com

Domaine Christophe Mittnacht Crémant d’Alsace Extra Brut 2023

Rounder and fuller-bodied than many crémants d’Alsace, this gastronomic option has ripe apple and pear flavors, and would be delicious paired with everything from cheese plates to roast chicken. It features a blend of grapes—Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir—all grown in a certified-biodynamic estate and on vines that are more than 25 years old. Made with indigenous yeasts, it gets its luxurious texture and creamy richness from 18 months spent aging on its lees. $27.99, wine.com

Camille Braun Crémant d’Alsace Brut

Warm yeasty notes mingle with Gala apple and lemon zest flavors in this sophisticated wine from a biodynamic and organically farmed estate in Alsace’s Orschwihr. An excellent late afternoon or pre-dinner wine, it pairs well with shrimp cocktail or raw-bar picks, cheese and charcuterie boards, or a handful of potato chips. Either way, this affordably priced stunner turnsany evening into a celebration. $27.99, perrineswine.com

Pierre Sparr Brut Rosé

Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir, this sparkling rosé has juicy strawberry and raspberry aromas and flavors, plus minerally notes and racy acidity. The grapes hail from older vines on hillside vineyards that climb to 1,300 feet, giving this wine bright fruit flavor and a crisp bite. Drink it as an aperitif with crudité, charcuterie, and cheeseboards, or pair it with shellfish or roast chicken or duck. $19.99, shop.klwines.com

Albert Boxler Crémant d’Alsace 2020

This splurge-worthy crémant comes from an esteemed estate at the foot of the granite slopes of Sommerberg, Alsace. Complex but approachable, it combines organically farmed Pinot Blanc, Pinot Auxerrois, and Pinot Noir grapes, and has fresh lemon juice and buttered brioche flavors followed by a long, minerally finish.Pop this open for a holiday dinner or gift it to someone you really like. $43.99, wine.com