DostertElbling Sparkling (750ml)

The N.V. Elbling Crémant was made from grapes harvested in 2018 picked on 40-year-old vines and was fermented and aged in 228-liter used oak barrels until April 2019 before undergoing its secondary fermentation and being disgorged without dosage in August 2021 (the disgorgement date is not provided on the label) with a low 20 mg/l of sulfur added. It offers a flinty, aromatic, and herbal nose of white flowers, lozenge, anise, green apple, plenty of spices, and rosemary. It starts off on the lean and zesty side on the palate, where the bubbles are still very active. It expands into a broader and riper structure, with intensity and even a touch of power in the still rather tart finish. This very impressive Crémant made from Elbling will need two years or more to integrate its slightly rougher and primary side.