What I Learned
The year 2011 saw the creation of the Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) Moselle. This AOC produces still white, red and rose wines. About 60 hectares and 20 communities participate in this newest of appellations. It falls in three distinct sections. One is by Sierck-les-Bains, where the Moselle first leaves French territory, heading into Germany and Luxembourg. A second is around the city of Metz, a bit further south. The third section is about 60 miles south from Sierck-les-Bains, around the town of Vic-sur-Seille.
The climate in this corner of northeastern France is continental, and this area can suffer from particularly cold winters. Not surprisingly, this far north in France the main grape varietals are Mueller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, and Riesling. Gamay and some Pinot Noir, two red varietals, are planted here, but do not account for much wine from the AOC. These white varietals are also the same varietals that do well in the neighboring Luxembourg vineyards.
While the AOC Moselle applies to still wines, sparkling wine is made from these AOC Moselle varietals as well. They are not only delicious, but distinctive, and well worth trying.
What I Tasted
2015 Auxerrois, Stromberg, Appellation d’Origine Controlee Moselle, Domaine Stromberg, (Stromberg Viticulteurs Recoltants (Petite Hettange): A dry white wine with medium plus gold color; a slight grape nose, with spice, green apple and floral flavors; smooth finish with high acidity.
Sparkling Wine, Methode Traditionelle, Brut, Cuvee St Jean, Domaine Sontag (Contz-les-Bains): A dry white sparkling wine with fine, lively and persistent bubbles, and a rich, medium gold color; slightly floral nose, with vanilla, toasted nuts, yeasty and floral flavors; smooth finish with very mild acidity
Sparkling Wine, Brut, Methode Traditionelle, Domaine Stromberg, (Stromberg Viticulteurs Recoltants (Petite Hettange) and bottled by Caves Gales (Remich)): A dry white sparkling wine with fine, persistent, swirling bubbles, and medium minus gold color; a bit floral with a hint of sweet resin on the nose, and floral, toast and slight fruity flavors; very smooth finish with medium acidity.