The association group for the Wines of Alsace recently conducted a unique virtual fair to show off the range of the producers and their wines from this region in eastern France. The Millésimes Alsace DigiTasting® ran for several days in early June, with members of the trade around the world mixing, mingling, and tasting virtually with winemakers via a custom platform.
An event to announce the new vintage is one of the traditions of the wine world, with wine buyers and media eager to learn about recent releases. The advent of the digital tasting experience was born with the pandemic, and while most everyone agrees that being together is better, a virtual platform enables more people to participate from around the world.
These events go way beyond the virtual Zoom tastings that many wineries have embraced over the past year and a half. An occurrence such as this requires multi-month communication, a complex delivery platform, the shipment of thousands of samples, and ongoing technology strategies to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
I’ve been able to experience three of such large-scale events: Millésimes Alsace DigiTasting®, London Wine Fair, and Millésime Bio. London Wine Fair is one of the largest and most anticipated wine trade events in the world, and going digital this year offered such a range of participation, that the organizers plan to host a hybrid event in 2022.
VOEGTLINSHOFFEN, FRANCE – OCTOBER 11: Anais Cattin serves Maison Joseph Cattin Rouge Pinot Noir … [+]
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But getting back to Millésimes Alsace DigiTasting®, which the organizers recognized as a “real trade fair with conferences, masterclasses, events on topics related to wines, terroirs, the economy, and consumer trends.” The occasion also provided moments for interaction with discussion tools included in the fair platform.
This isn’t the only digital route the Wines of Alsace have provided. Anyone can experience talks and interviews via the Lunch with Alsace Instagram TV series, available here.
Alsace consistently offer high-quality and delicious wines, and having sampled from five domaines, here are a few of my suggestions for your cooler or picnic basket filled with Alsatian wines for summertime:
Domaine Allimant-Laugner Riesling Grand Cru Praelatenberg 2017: Concentrated citrus in the form of refreshing lemon pithiness. This dry and crisp Riesling would be excellent with honeyed goat cheese or a veggie risotto.
Domaine Moltès Grand Cru Steinert Pinot Gris Bio 2019: Honey, almond, and white floral layers on the nose lead to balanced orchard fruit freshness with a tease of sweetness. Just right for a herb-covered grilled chicken.
Domaine Barmès-Buecher Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2018: Fresh orange blossom and lemon rind notes contribute zip and a lasting finish. Dry and sleek — would be fantastic with sautéed scallops with butter, parsley, and garlic.
Dirler-Cadé Riesling Grand Cru Saering 2017: Enjoy elegant orchard fruit on the nose and pure and precise citrus length. This would be delightful with a grilled salmon salad packed with farmer’s market greens.
Domaine Henry Fuchs Alsace Pinot Noir 2019: Red fruit balance runs throughout, with a snappy acidity that makes this a great chillable red for summertime sipping. Pair with grilled pork or flank steak.