Domaine Claude Bentz (Luxembourg, Wormeldange)
AOC Crémant de Luxembourg and Luxembourgish Whites
For this Fall’s white club, we returned once again to Luxembourg to dig into the cellars at Domaine Claude Bentz. Lasts year we offered a few of their wines, including some spectacular Riesling and delightful Crémant, but their range of wines is broad and impressive. Untethered to the rigorous and narrow rules of German winemaking, Luxembourg offers a rich tradition of grape varieties, that still display the delicacy, freshness and pure pleasure of the Mosel. So get this bottles chilled and start enjoying! Here’s a look at whats in the box:
Rivaner 2022 (2 bottles)
Otherwise known as Müller-Thurgau. a cross of Riesling and Madeline Royale, for a period of time it was Germany’s most widely planted grape. Its appeal was both its ease of growing (with earlier ripening providing growers with much needed assurance in the colder norther climate) and the freshness and fruitiness of Riesling kept drinkers happy. This is a wine of simple pleasure - chill it down, crack it open, and pour liberally.
Elbling 2021 (2 bottles)
This is an ancient variety, that was widely grown in the middle ages throughout the Mosel and much of what is now Germany, but probably goes back further. The name most likely comes from a corruption of the latin vitis albuelis, meaning “white grape”, meaning it was probably around when the Romans were campaigning in the neighborhood. All that aside, what it is, is delightful! Most often compared to Sylvaner, Elbling is known for its low alcohol, bright acid and delicate fruit. Given the high proportion of Luxembourgish vineyards planted to Elbling, there a good case for it being the national grape.
There are also two wines from Lieu dits, or named vineyards of the Claude Bentz estate, made from the Noble varieties common in Alsace, which is also not far away. I’ll let winemaker Carole Bentz describe them with her own tasting notes.
Pinot Blanc “Roetschelt” 2022 (1 bottle)
A brilliant golden yellow color combines with an expressive and complex nose that evokes sensations of citrus, pear and sweet spices. The soft and smooth effect on the palate is exquisitely long and delivers a wonderful fullness and a nice richness – which is exceptional for a Pinot Blanc. A pleasant mix of complex flavors supports a wine full of qualities.
Pinot Gris “Naumberg” 2022 (1 bottles)
This Pinot Gris wine has an appealing, light yellow colour with crystalline and brilliant reflections. The nose reveals a multitude of aromas that range from ripe peach to candied lemon over pineapple notes. These are supported by spices and some balsamic notes. The feeling on the palate is similarly generous, round, fresh and powerful. The ending notes are pointing to pepper and muscat. The harmonious sense of wonder the wine offers is complex and charming.