{"product_id":"bechtold-cremant-dalsace-extra-brut-2022","title":"Bechtold Cremant d'Alsace Extra-Brut 2022","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChampagne will always have its place at the top of the mountain, and for good reason. But as prices continue to climb, with “affordable” now meaning $60 to $100, even the most devoted fans are starting to explore a bit more thoughtfully. That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it’s been a long-overdue boon to one of France’s best-kept bargains: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eméthode champenoise\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sparkling wines from regions that have been honing their craft for generations. Four rise to the top: Crémant de Bourgogne, Crémant de Loire, Crémant du Jura and, the king of them all, Crémant d’Alsace. With its crystalline fruit, electric precision, and focus on Champagne’s noble grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—Alsace delivers everything we crave in great bubbles, without the ego or the price tag. And Domaine Bechtold? They’re not just part of the story—they’re leading it. Organic farming and the skilled hand of Jean-Marie Bechtold deliver a Crémant that punches so far above its weight class it almost feels unfair. Low $30s for this level of craftsmanship? Today’s Champagne could never!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJean-Marie Bechtold represents the fourth generation of his family to farm and steward this historic domaine nestled in the village of Dahlenheim, just west of Strasbourg. He began working alongside his father in 1980, absorbing the rhythms of the vineyard and cellar before officially taking the reins in 1995. Among the domaine’s 12 hectares are prized holdings in the Grand Cru Engelberg, alongside parcels in Sussenberg, Obere Hund, and Silberberg. Engelberg itself is hallowed ground, appearing in records dating back to 890 A.D., preserved through the archives of the Strasbourg Cathedral. And Jean-Marie honors that rich history today by standing alone as the only organic grower in Dahlenheim, with a full conversion to biodynamics underway—a testament to belief that great wine begins with respect for the land.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat philosophy carries seamlessly into the cellar, where Bechtold’s approach is equal parts restraint and intuition. He often likens winemaking to raising a child—requiring patience, attentiveness, and a deep understanding of individual character. Intervention is kept to an absolute minimum, allowing each vintage to speak clearly and honestly. For his 2022 Crémant d’Alsace, the focus is on purity and precision. The first fermentation takes place in stainless steel, preserving the vibrant acidity and clean lines that define the region’s style, and then, just as in Champagne, the secondary fermentation is carried out entirely in bottle. After about a year of lees aging, the wine is disgorged, given a light Extra-Brut dosage, and allowed to rest further in the cellar before release. It’s a balancing act that Bechtold executes with quiet confidence: nothing flashy, nothing forced, just clarity of intent and impeccable execution.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the glass, the 2022 Crémant d’Alsace Extra Brut is a piano-wire balance of  finesse and exotic-fruit charm. The mousse is vigorous and persistent, forming a fine bead that carries aromas of green apple, Meyer lemon, underripe pineapple, and crushed white flowers, with subtle autolytic notes—fresh brioche, almond—woven seamlessly into the fruit. The palate is taut and fresh, driven by bright acidity that feels more like a guiding thread than a sharp edge. Citrus and orchard fruit take the lead, followed by a streak of exotic fruit that’s underscored by a chalky minerality. With such a modest dosage, the wine’s natural precision shines bright and full, finishing dry, clean, and quietly complex. We really are fortunate to enjoy a méthode champenoise sparkling wine of this quality at such a modest price. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elevage","offers":[{"title":"750ml","offer_id":46748110815388,"sku":"CAUB2604-BECHCDAC22EXB-750","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0694\/6937\/2572\/files\/BechtoldCremantd_AlsaceExtra-Brut2022-WED.png?v=1777059878","url":"https:\/\/thecaubleist.com\/products\/bechtold-cremant-dalsace-extra-brut-2022","provider":"The Caubleist","version":"1.0","type":"link"}