Region: Alsace, France
Varietal: Reisling
Tasting Notes: Cultivated on impressive granite slopes that impart both dynamic acidity and lush fruit. Streaks of citrus zest aromas and soft florals cast themselves across the pleasant nose. Bracing tart green apple leads into notes of ripe Bartlett pears, with just a hint of warm spices.
Pairing: Vietnamese seafood dishes, sushi, tuna tartare, and bright ceviches all partner well on the palate with this Riesling. Not a seafood fan? Try crispy skinned chicken thighs, fried pork belly, or dry spiced chicken dishes like chicken tikka and tandoori chicken. Dishes that include apples, or caramelized onions (think French onion soup or onion tart), or a veggie Pad Thai are vegetarian pleasers. Prepare this Tandoori-Style Chicken by Melissa Clark a night ahead, chill a bottle of the Albert Boxler Riesling, and you have the perfect spring or summer picnic components!
About: The Alsace region lies between the Vosges mountains and the French border with Germany, marked by the Rhine river. A long, thin region, it measures 185 kilometers (115 miles) north to south and just 40km (25 miles) from east to west. The key viticultural areas here are all located on the lower hillsides of the Vosges, on slopes with east and south-easterly aspects.
The Vosges play a vital role in defining the region's terroir; they not only provide protection from the prevailing westerly winds, but also cast a rain shadow over the area, contributing to the low rainfall of its continental climate. They are at their most dense in the southern half of Alsace, where the peaks reach roughly 1400 meters ( 4600ft).
The glacial activity which created the mountains has also significantly impacted the region's topography and soils. These vary from sandstone, granite and volcanic rock types in the foothills, to clay-rich limestone and marlstone on the alluvial plains below.
Albert Boxler is a domaine in France producing wine from under the Alsace, Crémant d'Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru AOCs.
The estate's vineyard holdings, located in the Haut-Rhin around the village of Niedermotschwihr, have been in the Boxler family since 1673, but it was not until 1946 that Albert Boxler produced, bottled, and labeled wines under the family name.
The domaine is currently operated by Jean Boxler, Albert's grandson, and is best known for its white wines from subplots within the Sommerberg and Brand Grand Cru vineyards.
Estate holdings are approximately 14 hectares (34 acres) of vineyard land with a wine portfolio that is almost exclusively composed of white varietal wines and blends. Primary grape varieties include Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc with small portions of Pinot Noir also produced. After a hand-harvest, grapes and juice are cold-settled in the winery prior to fermentation with indigenous yeasts.