Meyer Fonne’s Cremant d’Alsace is a truly fantastic traditional method sparkling wine which makes a wonderful alternative to Champagne. Although the blend fluctuates, it is dominated by approx. 60% Pinot Auxerrois, 20% Chardonnay 15% Pinot Blanc & 5% Pinot Noir and is made in the 'Methode Champenoise' way with the second fermentation taking place in bottle. The wine spends around a year on its lees before disgorgement with the result being a more youthful and fresh wine than Champagne which is lively and strikingly aromatic. Tropical fruits are more prevalent here with pineapple, glazed stone fruits and mango flavours. Hints of hazelnuts and sweet spice conclude beautifully on the palate.

Domaine Meyer Fonne was founded in the late 1800s by Felix Meyer and is still run today by Felix’s great grandson, also called Felix. The Domaine now covers 18 hectares over 7 communes, namely Katzenthal, Ammerschwihr, Ingersheim, Riquewihr, Kientzheim, Colmar and Bennwihr. The diversity of soil type and vineyard exposure throughout these areas is so phenomenal that you’re almost guaranteed to see groups of university students and amateur geologists surveying the unique land. The area is one of the world’s greatest examples of terroir and its soil diversity means that several grape varieties can flourish here making it one of the most varied grape growing regions in the world.

The Domaine has always been farmed organically and Felix likes to play around with a few Biodynamic techniques. Felix also prefers to use large, older foudres (wooden barrels) in conjunction with stainless steel vats for the more aromatic varieties. This gives the wines a delicacy, depth and complexity which is quite special and most pronounced on the Grand Cru wines. Although Alsace is famous for being a white wine producing region, Felix makes some of the best Pinot Noirs we have tried. The aptly named ‘Gallus’ is amazing and should be snapped up when we have it. Buying his Cremant is also one of the most sensible choices you’ll ever make.