As the year draws to a close and the festivities continue, here is an ultimate selection of two lovely white wines that stand out for their willingness to embody their terroir and highlight the know-how of two excellent estates.
Drink less. Drink better. And happy new year, big nose!
Domaine Trapet, Gewurztraminer RQWR 2021, Alsace, France
38,25 $ – Code SAQ 14687000 – 13,5% – Bio
The Trapet estate in Gevrey-Chambertin is part of the Burgundian elite. Andrée Trapet, Jean-Louis’ wife, with her Alsatian origins, chose in 2002 to take over the family wine estate. Today, it is his sons, Pierre and Louis, who take care of the estate. The grapes come from a plot located on the Riquewihr finage (hence the name of the vintage). It is a white with a super charming nose with its intense and well-characterized tones of rose water, jasmine, honey, lychees and spices. On the palate, the attack is ample and generous, but everything is balanced by a vibrant acidity and high-quality bitters making the wine appear both tender and dry. Moreover, do not trust the incorrect technical sheet from the SAQ which indicates 17 g of residual sugar and 14% alcohol in the wine. A super gourmet white that will go wonderfully with tourtière, turkey and cheeses. At the time of writing these lines, the quantities available at the SAQ were rather low, so keep an eye out for the next arrival or other vintages from the estate. A wise choice.
★★★★ $$$ 1⁄2
Hidden Bench, Beamsville Bench Chardonnay Estate 2021, Niagara, Canada
33,25 $ – Code SAQ 12583047 – 13,5% – Bio
The vineyard of Montrealer Harald Thiel has been managed organically for more than ten years. The estate has also reached a milestone by bottling with very little sulfur. The Estate vintage always offers a fine and elegant expression of Chardonnay on the Niagara Escarpment. In 2021, wine is still a great success. We can certainly sense woodiness both on the nose and in the texture of the wine, but the ripe fruitiness returns the ball wonderfully, providing exemplary balance. Lovely tones of stone fruit (peach, apricot) combined with notes of citrus, green apple and pear. Touches of vanilla, butter and toasted hazelnut reveal a controlled passage in barrel. Long finish marked by freshness and traces of flint. At this price, lovers of local Chardonnay should stock up.
★★★1⁄2 $$$
Legend
★ Correct
★★ Bon
★★★ Very good
★★★★ Excellent
★★★★★ Exceptional
More stars than dollars: well worth the price.
As many stars as dollars: worth the price.
Fewer stars than dollars: wine is expensive.
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