Pfister Crémant d’Alsace Extra Brut Breit

Mélanie Pfister is the eighth generation of her family to make wine in Dahlenheim, a small Alsatian village west of Strasbourg, where the domaine's history reaches back to 1780. She took over the estate in 2008, bringing a thoughtful approach to farming and winemaking while preserving the family's traditions. We particularly admire her commitment to organic viticulture and the care she puts into wines that might otherwise be considered everyday pleasures. Breit is a perfect example. It is a Crémant d'Alsace, but one made with the patience and attention usually associated with far more expensive sparkling wines.

The name Breit comes from Hangenbriete, the vineyard associated with this cuvée. The wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, with the grapes harvested by hand and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel before the wine undergoes its second fermentation in bottle, using the traditional method. It then spends a minimum of 24 months resting on its lees, developing fine bubbles, texture and subtle brioche character. With an Extra Brut dosage of approximately 3 grams per liter, the finished wine remains beautifully dry and refreshing.

What we love about this 2023 is that it delivers real complexity without becoming complicated. Fresh green apple, pear and lemon zest are joined by delicate white flowers, a little apricot and the faintest suggestion of toasted brioche. The bubbles are fine, the texture is gently creamy and the finish is crisp and mineral-driven. It is the kind of sparkling wine we would happily open on a Tuesday, but it has enough character to serve at a dinner party. At $37, it is also a lovely reminder that excellent bubbles don't always require a Champagne budget.