Boxler's Bewitching Blends
Many of you will be aware of our great love of Alsace, and more specifically the wines of Jean Boxler, at Domaine Albert Boxler. Tucked away above the sleepy village of Niedermorschwihr, quietly crafting some of the most beautifully balanced and expressive wines in the appellation, Jean’s consistency over many decades has established him as one of the most respected winemakers in the region. Be it his steely Rieslings, aromatic Muscats or opulent Gewurztraminers, Jean’s a master of creating wines with outstanding natural balance, which perfectly capture the essence of their varieties and which brilliantly reflect the subtle complexities of their unique terroir. Jean strives to make wines of the highest calibre, with fine, delicate, voluminous texture and complexity and infinite length. I know I am preaching to the converted when I say that he succeeds, producing an endless stream of wines that are as delicious, as they are profound, providing ample proof to show that Alsace is a source for some of the world’s most complex and exciting white wine. However, today we thought we would go for something a little different, and introduce you to a selection from Jean’s remarkable range that you may not be as well-versed in. Welcome to our ‘Boxler’s Bewitching Blends’ discovery case.
As is commonplace in Alsace, Jean Boxler makes almost every one of his thirty or so cuvées from a single grape variety, ranging from 100% Riesling to 100% Pinot Noir. Considering how sought after and highly regarded Jean’s exceptional Grand Cru single varietals have become, it may come as a surprise to discover that Jean too, produces two blended wines: his own ‘Edelzwicker’and ‘Gentil’. However, it would undoubtedly come as less of a surprise, to learn that he crafts these wines with the exact same skill and dedication as his precious Grand Cru Sommerberg wines, meaning that in Jean’s hands, even these ‘humble’ cuvées, by appellation standards, reach new heights. They allow for a certain amount of experimentation and play that obviously cannot be done with the vast majority of his range, featuring completely different blends year in year out, depending on what fruit mother nature bears that year. They also often feature fruit from his prestigious Grand Cru parcels. It is also fun, as a lover of Alsatian wines, to see what an Alsatian white tastes like when some of the region’s best grapes – which are usually left to shine on their own – come together and harmonise. Though they are not his most complex and refined wines, and are made to be more approachable in youth, like all of Jean’s wines, these are delicious and enticing blends. Both Possessing a seamless balance and flair, and provide a great introduction to the delights of Alsace and the wonders of Boxler.
In addition to his Edelzwicker and Gentil, Boxler also produces one more sumptuous cuvée that is a blend: his gorgeous sparkling Crémant d’Alsace. Jean devotes much time, love and care each vintage into producing his Crémant. Crafted using the same labour-intensive traditional method as Champagne, this cuvée is a blend of 50% Pinot Auxerois, 30% Pinot Blanc and 20% Pinot Noir. The grapes go through the same rigorous and precise process as all his still wines, cultivated organically, strictly controlled yields and harvested by hand ensuring only the very best grapes make it inside the cellar. From there, Jean endeavours to intervene as little as possible, everything is done by gravity in the tank, bottles are hand-rotated during remuage and then spend 30 months aging on their lees. It’s a complex, dry, mineral and unctuous Crémant, that is consistently among Alsace’s best and offers an alluring and affordable alternative to Champagne.
‘Boxler’s Bewitching Blends’ is a special offer six-bottle mixed case, containing 2x each of the following wines:
2019 Edelzwicker (100cl) - £21.10
2018 Crémant d’Alsace - £23.10
Normal Retail Price - £130.60
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL PRICE - £117.50
The 2019 Edelzwicker is a blend of 50% Riesling Sommerberg JV (young vine), with Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner, with a small amount of residual sugar at 7 g/l. The result is a luscious, floral, beautiful medium- bodied wine. With orchard fruits and tangerines singing through on the nose and palate along with enticing spices. There is a harmonious balance between the fullness and freshness in the mouth, with a lovely minerality and vibrant acidity, making it juicy and refreshing. The length is sublime and the purity of fruit, as always with Boxler is remarkable. An incredibly charming Alsatian Blend.
The 2019 Gentil is equal parts of Riesling Sommerberg JV, Muscat Brand, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, with 9 g/l of residual sugar. Whilst the expression of the Riesling really comes across more in the Edelzwicker, the Gentil has a beautifully harmonious, elegant expression, with the aromatics of the Muscat and Gewurz present, but restrained by the Riesling and PG. The Bright and pure aromas range from red apple to elderflower and even lychee. It’s exuberant, fresh, dynamic, mineral and dry, with gentle texture and touch of spice on the finish. An approachable, refined and delightful wine that is simply a pleasure to drink.
A sumptuous blend of Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. The nose is enticing and deep, alluring you with ripe white peach, quince and delicious creamy notes. The palate is broad and rich, with pear, peach and yellow fruits, brioche, unctuous rounding acidity and a charmingly fine and persistent mousse. It is also wonderfully mineral and refined. A more affordable alternative to Champagne but just as distinguished. A pure delight!