Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr - Riesling 'Sentiment' 2022

Charles Sparr represents the eighth generation of his family of negociants-vignerons to tend vines in Alsace; his wife Amelie hails from the larger Barmès-Buecher winemaking clan, natives of Wettolsheim. Inheriting vineyards from both sides of the family—some 30 acres in seven villages, including four grand crus—the young couple started their own domaine in 2017, the goal to create terroir-true, dry wines according to organic/biodynamic principles.

One of France’s most engaging winemaking regions, Alsace today is on the cusp of a vinous reawakening. Young talents like Charles and Amelie are shaking things up for the better, with a more disciplined look at Alsace’s rich terroir to match grape varietals with the soils that express them best. Their clean and expressive — yet still utterly natural, biodynamically grown — single-varietal wines are a flavorful revelation, and show the limitless potential of this historic region.

Alsatian Riesling here is an aromatic kaleidoscope, rich in stone fruit and sunny citrus flavors, bone dry and endlessly beautiful. Also, the couple’s Pinot Noir wines stand out for their heady aroma and complex, concentrated flavors — a serious departure from Alsatian reds of yesteryear.

Estate vines from multiple parcels in around the village of Wettolsheim, on mostly limestone soils. Full-cluster press; cold settled; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled tanks. Aged for one year in tank.

Producer:  Domaine Amelie & Charles Sparr

Country: France

Region: Alsace

Varietal: Riesling

Appellation: Alsace

Vintage: 2022

Size: 750ml