A Pinot Gris From Alsace, France

A Pinot Gris From Alsace, France: Wine Reviewed
Willm Pinot Gris 2009 Appellation Alsace Contrôlée 14% alcohol about $12

There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “Established in Barr since 1896, Willm owns a Domaine which includes the Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr and the famed Clos Gaensbroennel. ‘I can’t but privilege elegance and smoothness while making Willm wines with all the love and the passion of my craft. Opulent, full-bodied and heady, this Pinot Gris is lovely as an aperitif and with roasts and foie gras.’“ And now for my review.


At the first sips this wine was complex presenting burnt sugar, fine acidity, good length and balance. Japanese rice crackers increased its sweetness. The first meal consisted of a boxed eggplant parmigiana. In response the wine was very long, tasting of burnt sugar and fine acidity. The fruit juice candy gutted the wine but there was burnt sugar in the background.

My next meal centered on a honey-garlic barbecued chicken breast. Now this wine was very long with some darkness. I am getting tired of its burnt sugar taste but its sweetness was good. When it met the accompanying potatoes roasted in chicken fat this wine came off as it did before but salt accompanied that burnt sugar taste. The other side dish was a salsa/salad containing tomatoes, onions, green peppers, jalapenos, lime juice, cilantro, and more. Now the wine was somewhat ethereal. Can you guess which taste the fresh strawberries brought back?

This review continues on my website.