Weingut Stephan Steinmetz Liaison Cremant Brut, Mosel, Germany
$29.99
Varietal/Blend: Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc
Vineyard Area: From moderately steep blocks on the banks of the Mosel river around the village of Palzem
Soil: Kimmeridgian limestone that's full of fossilized shells
Elevation: 200 meters
Exposure: Southwest
Vinification: Harvested and sorted by hand and gentle press. Primary fermentation of the free-run juice in stainless steel where it remains until a second fermentation in bottle.
About this wine producer: One of the most passionate defenders of Elbling in the Obermosel, Stephan Steinmetz represents the sixth generation of his family to grow vines in Wehr. The youngest of four children, he took over the family estate in 1992, at the age of 23, “because I always wanted to do that, and not because my dad expected it of me.” The six hectares of vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and in a normal vintage, the winery produces 40,000 bottles. There are two still Elblings, a Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), an Auxerrois, and a Grauburgunder (Pinot Gris), as well as three Champagne-method sparkling wines, one of which is also 100% Elbling. “We farm a special piece of the earth,” Stephan told me, “and Elbling is its voice.”
Specs
- Country Germany
- Region Mosel
- Appellation Saar
- Style Sparkling Wine, Champagne Method
- Producer Stephan Steinmetz
- Farming Practices Organic, Biodynamic
- Grapes Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc
- Food Pairings Roast White Meats, Fresh Seafood, Crunchy Greens, Fried Food, Aperitif
- Characteristics Flexes w/ Food, Champagne Method, Bright and Fresh, Leon Circle Pick