Crémant d'Alsace Brut | Joseph Cattin | Alsace

Wine Identification
This profile concerns the Crémant d’Alsace Brut from Joseph Cattin, a sparkling wine produced in the Alsace region of France. The producer is the historic house of Joseph Cattin, which has been crafting wine in Voegtlinshoffen since 1720. This specific cuvée is a non-vintage blend, meaning it does not carry a single vintage year but represents the house style through careful blending.

Origin and Winemaking
The vineyards are situated on the slopes of the Vosges mountain range, characterized by soils composed of calcareous clay and sandstone. The wine is a blend of two grape varieties: 50% Pinot Blanc and 50% Auxerrois. Grapes are harvested manually to ensure quality selection at the source.

Vinification follows the méthode traditionnelle. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, preserving the fresh fruit character of the grapes. Following this, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation and rests on its lees in bottle for 12 to 15 months. This duration exceeds the minimum requirement set by the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC), contributing to the wine’s complexity and texture. The final alcohol content is 12% vol., and it is classified as a Brut style.

Expected Profile
As a sparkling wine, this Crémant offers a refined effervescence derived from its extended lees aging. The combination of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois typically provides a crisp acidity balanced with subtle fruit notes. The extended bottle aging on lees likely imparts a creamy texture and bready nuances, characteristic of traditional method sparklings from Alsace. It is recommended to be served chilled at 6-7°C to best appreciate its freshness and aromatic complexity.

Pairing Suggestions
The versatility of this wine makes it suitable for a wide range of culinary applications. It serves excellently as an aperitif or with appetizers. Its structure pairs well with foie gras, white meats, poultry, and fish. Additionally, it complements fruit-based desserts and chocolate sweets, offering a harmonious conclusion to a meal.

Critics’ Scores
Jancis Robinson awarded this wine 15.5 points.

Overall Character
The Crémant d’Alsace Brut from Joseph Cattin embodies the heritage of a family estate with over three centuries of winemaking history. Today the estate is run by Jacques Cattin junior and his father, Jacques, with Anaïs in charge of export development; the wine reflects a commitment to traditional methods and high-quality fruit sourcing. It is a classic expression of Alsace sparkling wine, offering elegance and depth through its careful blend and extended lees aging.