What kind of wine is Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel?
The Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel is a classic method sparkling wine (meaning with secondary fermentation in the bottle, like Champagne), produced in the heart of Alsace, one of France's most renowned areas for fresh and aromatic wines. It is made from a blend of three typical regional grape varieties – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris – which together create a balanced, complex, and highly elegant wine. It is a sparkling wine with a refined profile, designed to accompany an entire meal or for those who desire a classy toast with excellent value for money.Vintage Details
The 2013 vintage in Alsace was characterized by cool and consistent weather, with a summer that was not excessively hot, allowing for slow and complete maturation of the grapes. The grapes intended for the Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel were hand-harvested in the first half of September, in perfect balance between acidity and aromatic ripeness, key elements for a sparkling wine of great finesse.Winemaking and Aging
Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the varietal aromas. Subsequently, the wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle according to the Classic Method, with a long period of aging on lees for about 36 months. This slow aging allows the sparkling wine to develop complex notes and a fine bubble comparable to great Champagnes. After disgorgement (i.e., the removal of exhausted yeasts), the wine rests for a few more weeks before being released for sale.Tasting Notes
Color
The Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel presents a bright straw-yellow color, with golden reflections and a fine, persistent perlage, a sign of careful secondary fermentation.Nose
The nose offers an elegant and complex bouquet: aromas of white flowers, citrus, and green apple blend with more mature hints of bread crust and hazelnut, typical of long aging on lees. The overall impression is fresh, inviting, and refined.Palate
On the palate, it is harmonious and lively, with a freshness that perfectly balances the structure. The well-integrated acidity supports an enveloping body, while fruity and mineral notes lead to a clean and persistent finish. It is a sparkling wine with a gastronomic character, capable of surprising with its balance and ability to evolve in the glass.Food Pairings for Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel
This Crémant lends itself to numerous pairings, proving extremely versatile at the table:- Seafood appetizers and white fish carpaccio
- Steamed crustaceans and mollusks
- Chicken or turkey dishes with delicate sauces
- Fresh or soft cheeses such as Brie and Camembert
Storage and Aging: How to Store Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel
The Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel should be stored in a cool place, away from light and temperature fluctuations, with the bottle lying horizontally if sealed with a cork stopper. It is a sparkling wine that expresses its freshness best in the first few years after disgorgement: it is recommended to consume it young, within 2-3 years, to fully appreciate its aromatic profile and the finesse of the perlage.Fernand Engel
The history of Fernand Engel winery The Fernand Engel winery represents a perfect marriage of tradition and innovation in the heart of Alsace. With roots stretching deep into the region's winemaking past, Fernand Engel has managed to innovate while keeping the family tradition alive. This winery ...
How to best open and serve Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel, make sure to position the bottle correctly. Keep it upright for at least an hour, so that any sediment settles at the bottom. If it has been stored horizontally, move it gently to avoid disturbing the wine and affecting the clarity of the service.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The serving temperature is crucial for fully appreciating the bubbles and aromas. Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel expresses its refined character when served at 8–10°C. Chill the bottle slowly in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours or immerse it in an ice bucket with ice and water for about 30 minutes.
3. Opening the bottle
To safely open a bottle of aged Crémant, follow these steps:
- Carefully remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb over the cork.
- Tilt the bottle slightly to 45° to reduce internal pressure.
- Rotate the bottle (not the cork) with slow movements until the cork comes out with a soft sigh, avoiding loud noises that can disperse the aromas.
4. Inspection and first taste
After opening, pour a small amount into the glass and observe the color, clarity, and mousse. The Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel should show a fine and persistent perlage. Take a first taste to ensure that the aromatic profile is intact and free of oxidized or overly evolved notes.
5. Decantation and oxygenation
Although sparkling wines rarely require decantation, an aged Crémant d’Alsace like this one can benefit from brief oxygenation. Pour the wine into a large glass and let it breathe for 5–10 minutes. This step helps release complex hints of dried fruit, toasted bread, and mineral notes typical of the 'Trilogie' cuvée.
6. Serving
Use tulip or Champagne glasses that promote aromatic concentration and bubble development. Pour slowly to preserve the effervescence and ensure that each glass is served at the same temperature. Pair Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel with delicate dishes such as shellfish, sushi, or fresh cheeses, to enhance its elegance and freshness.
7. Storage after opening
If not consumed entirely, reseal the bottle with a specific sparkling wine stopper to maintain internal pressure. Store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 24 hours to still enjoy its bubbles and balanced aromatic profile. After this period, the perlage will tend to decrease, losing some of the vivacity that distinguishes Crémant d’Alsace 'Trilogie' 2013 - Fernand Engel.