Wines Alsace Sperry - Les Barriques - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Sperry’s “Cuvée Les Barriques” 2023 is an intriguing take on Alsace’s relatively rare red wines. Traditionally famed for whites, Alsace’s reds—commonly crafted from Pinot Noir—are gaining attention for their finesse and expressive character. The 2023 vintage hints at a youthful vitality, and given the cuvée’s name, oak (“barriques”) plays a notable role in its profile. Expect a nose of ripe cherry, wild strawberry, and subtle violet, layered by gentle spice, vanilla, and a touch of forest floor, all shaped by careful barrel maturation. The palate is typically light to medium-bodied, with fresh acidity, fine-grained tannins, and a vibrant, silky texture, perfectly capturing Pinot Noir’s charm when grown in Alsace’s soils.

The Alsace region, nestled along the eastern border of France near Germany, is distinguished by its diverse geology: a patchwork of granite, limestone, shale, and marl that imbue Alsatian wines with nuance and complexity. Red wines from here, albeit less common, thrive in the region’s warmer microclimates. The 2023 vintage benefitted from a temperate continental climate—marked by sunny days, cool nights, and protection from westerly rains thanks to the Vosges mountains. This combination allows gradual grape ripening, resulting in aromatic precision and lively acidity. Alsace’s wine tradition is centuries old, woven into the region’s Franco-Germanic heritage, and today embraces a focus on terroir and authentic expression, which is evident even in their rare red offerings.

Food pairings for this style lean towards delicacy and refinement. The Cuvée Les Barriques will shine alongside roasted poultry, duck with cherries, or a classic coq au vin. Alsatian specialities such as baeckeoffe (a hearty meat and potato casserole) or roasted game birds also work well, drawing out the wine’s earthy echo and subtle spice. For cheese pairings, opt for mild, creamy cheeses like brie or a nutty tomme.

For optimal enjoyment, serve slightly chilled at 14-16°C. Open the bottle around 30 minutes prior to tasting to allow its aromas to unfold, enhancing both the forescent fruit and gentle oak signature.