Wenlock Cellars
Cave de Turckheim Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV
Cave de Turckheim Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV
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Traditional, elegant and expressive Crémant from this celebrated Alsace co-operative.
Production
A blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris and made in the traditional method. AOP rules dictate that Crémant d’Alsace must be kept on the lees for at least 9 months, but this spends from 12 to 18 months quietly maturing on the lees.
Tasting notes
Expressive and lively, this has aromas of baked apples with bright, fresh acidity and a delicious, rounded finish. And with less pressure than you find in a Champagne, the bubbles lend a lovely, soft texture to the wine.
Food match
This makes an elegant aperitif as well as lending itself well to grilled seafood, roast chicken and fruit pastry desserts.
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ABV
12%
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Bottle Size
75cl
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Region/Country
Alsace, France
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Grape
Pinot Blanc 80%, Pinot Gris 20%
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Features
Vegetarian, Vegan, Sparkling
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Closure
Cork
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Winemaker
Daniel Gerold
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Appellation
AOP Crémant d’Alsace
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Allergen info
Contains sulphites and no other allergens
Meet the Producer
Widely regarded as one of the best co-operatives in the world, Cave de Turckheim lies at the mouth of the Munster Valley. Working closely with 180 partners, its vineyards span the full breadth of Alsatian terroir and grape varieties. Cave de Turckheim only produces wine from the grapes of its member growers, it is a récoltant not a négociant.
Substantial investment in the winery has enabled the team to vinify many parcels of grapes separately, offering Michel Lihrmann (senior winemaker for 25 years) the chance to highlight each wine's nuances in his signature dry, yet fruit forward, style.
Committed to producing the highest quality wines, growers are encouraged to keep yields low - for example, Cave de Turckheim voluntarily caps yields for its Grands Crus vineyards at 45hl/ha rather than the permitted 55hl/ha - and to pick the grapes by hand. This is part of a long term and innovative strategy of sustainability that includes developing the largest holdings of organic vineyards in Alsace, using natural alternatives to chemical treatments, and a green overview of all vineyard practices. Alongside some great organic wines, the extensive range runs from the excellent value Tradition wines right through to individual Grand Cru bottlings, plus fantastic Crémants d’Alsace and Vendange Tardive dessert wines.
A Note on Sustainability
An awareness of social and environmental concerns has always been high on the agenda for the Cave de Turckheim’s growers. They were among the first in France to practice integrated agriculture, an approach which combines the best of modern tools and technologies with traditional practices, lowering the consumption of energy and other resources, reducing environmental pollution, conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability. In 2014, all the members of the co-operative obtained Agri Confiance Volet Vert (Green Section) certification and in 2015, they all obtained High Environmental Value Level 2 certification then went on to achieve the highest HVE Level 3 certification in 2019.
In 2008, a number of growers decided to commit to the rigorous standards of organic viticulture. As part of Alliance Alsace, approximately 70 hectares of vines are now cultivated organically, having obtained organic certification in 2011, with a further 30 hectares in transition. These vignerons have revived ancestral practices, tilling the soil and undertaking work that facilitates the elimination of weeds and the combat against the two major diseases: powdery mildew which is tackled with sulphur and mildew which is treated with copper sulphate. Natural fertilisers are also used (nettle, horsetail, comfrey and dandelion), fortifying the vines and increasing their natural resistance. Organic winegrowers meticulously observe their vines, enabling them to intervene in the right place and at the right time, rather than treating the plants systematically.
Turckheim’s commitment to the environment extends to the winery where it strives to conserve natural resources. Sorting waste for recycling, reducing its carbon footprint, using solar panels, and preventing pollution are just some examples of how environmental considerations are present in every aspect of its daily work. Committed to both the environment and its customers, Cave de Turckheim also plays an important role in the local economy.
To celebrate its 65th anniversary, Cave de Turckheim planted 65 trees in February 2022 to contribute to the reconstruction and maintenance of their vines and terroirs, as well as to the preservation and enhancement of wider landscapes. Local and ancient varieties were specially selected to contribute to the safeguarding of their genetic heritage.
