Gentil. An engaging Alsace tradition since the 1920s
Meyer-Fonné Gentil Alsace (AC) 2021, 12.5% ABV
RRP €20.95. Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork
Gentil is an Alsace tradition, made from all the white grape varieties of the estate. It is not hit-and-miss. You are not allowed to throw just any old grape in. It is done carefully, to a very high and controlled official standard. And it is also usually very well priced. Félix Meyer has built a solid reputation in Alsace and other Gentils worth looking out for (and available in Ireland) are Hugel and Trimbach.
The Felix-Mayer winery is very happy with this 2021 assemblage of Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. And so am I. This particular Gentil is on my list every year, such is its high quality and consistency.
It is very aromatic, with honey hints, and draws you in. And so it continues in the mouth. Subtle notes of apricot and apple and again that slightly honeyed fruit sweetness engage your senses. A little spicy too, with a lingering finish.
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The winery promotes it as a dry and well-structured wine for enjoyment in all kinds of contexts, ranging from an aperitif to wine with a meal and friends. Amazingly versatile: “the most wonderful aperitif and can be paired with lots of Umami focused dishes, like Sushi or it lends itself to sweet and aromatic spices, from North African to Indian/Pakistani and South East Asian.”
A gem at the price and Very Highly Recommended.
The practice of producing Gentil goes back to the 1920s. This is regarded as his “entry-level wine”, leaving one very keen indeed to try the full range, right up to a highly rated Cremant, from this organic producer. Le Caveau carries quite a few, starting with this and including the Cremant D’Alsace and the top wine his Alsace Grand Cru Riesling.
See our post on his marvellous Riesling 2019 here.
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