Caves de Wissembourg 'Simonet' Blanc de Blancs Brut NV 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Caves de Wissembourg is located in the far northern reaches of Alsace, just kilometers from the German border, in a cooler, more continental pocket of the region. This northern latitude brings longer, slower ripening cycles compared to southern Alsace, with marked diurnal shifts that preserve acidity and aromatic precision—an ideal environment for sparkling wine production. The vineyards supplying the “Simonet” Blanc de Blancs are planted predominantly on limestone and marl soils, with pockets of clay and calcareous rock. These soils contribute tension, chalky minerality, and a firm structural backbone, giving the wine its crisp, linear profile. Cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures help retain freshness while allowing grapes to reach full physiological maturity without excess sugar accumulation.

The climate here consistently favors finesse over power. Rather than richness, the terroir emphasizes purity, brightness, and mineral clarity—qualities that align perfectly with traditional-method sparkling wines built around freshness and precision rather than opulence.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
“Simonet” Blanc de Blancs is produced exclusively from white grapes—most commonly Chardonnay, though Alsatian interpretations may also incorporate regional white varieties depending on vintage and house style. The base wines are fermented to preserve acidity and aromatic clarity before undergoing secondary fermentation in bottle via the traditional method. Extended lees aging plays a critical role in shaping the wine’s character. Time spent resting on fine lees contributes subtle autolytic complexity—softening the acidity, enhancing texture, and introducing nuanced notes of brioche and almond—while maintaining a clean, focused profile. Dosage is kept restrained, ensuring the wine finishes decisively dry and mineral-driven rather than creamy or sweet.

The overall philosophy is classic and restrained: build elegance through acidity, structure, and time rather than overt richness or heavy dosage.

Tasting Notes
The wine pours a pale straw color with fine, persistent bubbles that rise in steady streams, immediately signaling careful secondary fermentation and extended lees contact.

On the nose, the profile is fresh and precise. Aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and white pear lead, followed by subtle hints of crushed chalk, wet stone, and saline minerality. With air, delicate secondary notes emerge—fresh bread dough, almond skin, and a faint suggestion of white flowers. There is a quiet complexity here, never loud, but thoughtfully layered.

The palate is taut and refreshing, driven by bright acidity that feels energetic but well-integrated. Flavors echo the nose: crisp apple, lemon peel, and hints of citrus blossom unfold across a finely textured mousse. The mid-palate shows a gentle creaminess from lees aging, but it remains firmly in balance with the wine’s mineral spine. A subtle savory edge—suggestive of oyster shell and chalk dust—adds depth and seriousness.

The finish is clean, dry, and precise, lingering with citrus oil, saline minerality, and a faint almond note. There is no heaviness, no sweetness clinging at the edges—just clarity, refreshment, and quiet confidence.

Food Pairing & Service

This Blanc de Blancs excels at the table, particularly with foods that emphasize freshness, salinity, and texture.

It pairs beautifully with raw or lightly prepared seafood, including oysters, shrimp, scallop crudo, and ceviche. Smoked salmon, seafood tartare, or sushi and sashimi highlight the wine’s mineral precision. The acidity and fine mousse also work well with soft cheeses such as fresh goat cheese or triple-cream styles, as well as lightly fried dishes like tempura vegetables or calamari.

Serve well-chilled at 46–50°F (8–10°C) in a tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass to capture aromatics while preserving the mousse. No decanting is needed, though the wine benefits from a few minutes in the glass to allow its subtle complexity to unfold.