Achillée Crémant d'Alsace Blanc de Noirs 2020
This wine is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grown on Scherwiller's gravelly soils (alluvial cone of the Villé Valley), which are very poor in clay. The vineyard employs rigorous trellising.
In the cellar, the grapes are pressed directly, followed by minimal settling (low-intervention débourbage) and a loose diatomaceous earth filtration. No sulphur is added at any stage. There is no liqueur d’expédition; at disgorgement, the bottles are topped with the same wine. Fermentation and ageing on full fermentation lees in stainless-steel tanks last about one year, followed by 21 months of bottle ageing on the lees.
Ratings
The nose is vibrant and intense, bursting with red forest fruits, salted fried almonds, and a hint of dried fruit. On the palate, it opens with a voluminous, moussy, and silky attack, but the structure quickly softens, leaving lingering questions - it feels like it could offer more grip. Yet, while it doesn’t leave a lasting impression, it's undeniably delicious and effortlessly drinkable. Notes of rhubarb, red berries, and cider add a bright, tangy energy, with plenty of underlying tension.