2021 Albert Boxler Edelzwicker, Alsace, France (750ml)   

The Boxler family has been involved in wine in the small village of Niedermorschwihr, Alsace since the year 1673. Jean Boxler runs the small 13.5 hectare domaine with his wife and parents where they all live and work in the original house and winery from 1619.

As is typical 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. The Edelzwicker, by contrast, is a rare blend (one of two produced by Boxler) and often features fruit from his grand cru parcels. He says, “To find the right balance for the Edelzwicker Réserve, I cannot hesitate to steal from my more prestigious cuvées.” Think of this bottling as his musical supergroup. Its purpose is to showcase what an Alsatian white tastes like when some of the region’s best grapes—which usually shine on their own—come together and harmonize. The result is a floral, luscious, and medium-bodied masterpiece, with notes of orchard fruit and tangerine.