Highly regarded winery Lucien Albrecht was a pioneer in the production and sale of Cremant d’Alsace (which is methode traditionalle sparkling, or bubbles-made-in-bottle as I like to say), making it in 1976 when the French AOC for Cremant d’Alsace was established. Made from 100% Pinot Noir. Nicely on the very dry side of Brut, showing bits of plum, cranberry and red melon flavors. It’s austere in a good way.
On a personal note, in my house the Lucien Albrecht Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose has usurped our long-beloved Allimant Laugner (also a Cremant d’Alsace Brut Rose) as the house bubbles. The Albrecht is drier and more effervescent, which we like. And the price is hard to beat: under $17/bottle at our local Raley’s supermarket (on a 6 bottle purchase mix & match).
Lucien Albrecht Cremant Brut Rose is on my “Best of the Best” list of Awesome and Hall of Fame value wines.
