Wines Alsace Grand Cru Eon - Pinot Noir - 2022

Eon’s 2022 Alsace Grand Cru Cuvée Pinot Noir stands as a testament to the growing reputation of Alsace for high-quality, expressive red wines. While Alsace is best known for its aromatic white wines, select vineyard sites—especially those designated as Grand Cru—have shown great potential for Pinot Noir, benefitting from exceptional exposure and well-drained soils. In this instance, the 2022 vintage is likely to reflect the hallmarks of its terroir: a cool yet sunny climate encouraging slow and even ripening, resulting in vibrant acidity and an elegant profile. Pinot Noir in Alsace is typically vinified with a gentle hand, often favouring purity of fruit over extraction, so one can expect aromas of red cherry, raspberry and subtle floral or spicy undertones, depending on the approach in the cellar.

The Alsace region straddles the border between France and Germany, protected by the Vosges mountains to the west, which shelter the vineyards from excessive rainfall and allow for a lengthy growing season. Diverse soils—ranging from granite to limestone and sandstone—give each Grand Cru site a particular fingerprint, and Pinot Noir often thrives where the soils are a touch lighter, lending finesse and aromatic lift. Centuries of winemaking tradition have seen an evolution from predominantly white varietals to a renewed interest in red wines, increasingly valued for their food-friendly style and regional expression.

This style of Pinot Noir, with its lively fruit, fine tannins and balanced acidity, is remarkably versatile at the table. Pairing possibilities include herb-roasted poultry, pork fillet with a hint of spice, or classic Alsatian fare such as coq au Riesling (prepared with Pinot Noir instead for a twist) or bäckeoffe. Lighter vegetarian dishes, like mushroom risotto or beetroot salad with goat’s cheese, will also work well, highlighting the subtle red fruit profile of the wine.

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 14-16°C, allowing the wine’s delicate bouquet and silky texture to reveal themselves fully in the glass. A brief decant—about half an hour—can help the wine open up, showcasing its depth and Alsatian character.