Looking at the map, you’ll see a town called Strasbourg, and this region actually makes some wine, and it’s darn good too.  This region is of course, the much traded Alsace.

Alsace

Ignoring the fact that Germany and France traded this region consistently at the start of the last century, it’s actually a rather good produce of white wines (although one red is produced, Pinot Noir).  Both Gewurztraminer and Riesling do very well here, as does Pinot Gris, even if it’s not as well known.  For that reason, if you’re thinking Alsace, think white.

Cleebourg Pinot Blanc Auxerrois 2013

To be honest, buying cheap Alsatian wine is a mistake.  That said, can Cleebourg Pinot Blanc Auxerrois prove me wrong?

Sight:  A medium straw color

Smell:  Lemon and lime jump in, with a strong amount of white grape.  Hints of melon and stone fruit get into the action, but white grape drives the nose here.   Other hints of minerality play softly in the background.

Sip:  White grapes, minerality, hints of musk and floral notes all come into play with a touch of rubber.   Body is flabby, despite the brightness of citrus pith.  It’s round, but more in the tennis ball kind of way.

Savor:  The finish ends awkwardly, rounding out a simultaneously bright and flabby body in the same unbalanced way, with notes of minerality, flab, and citrus pith.

Cleebourg Pinot Blanc Auxerrois may not be the best example of the wines of Alsace.  While the best of Pinot Blancs may bring a light texture and baked apples, this is flabby, round, and bitter.  It is definitely drinkable, but it’s not really well defined or refined.  If you must spend your money on Alsace, pick a Riesling or a Gewurztraminer, it’ll cost more, but it’ll be far better than Cleebourg Pinot Blanc Auxerrois.

Verdict:  Tennis Ball, Flabby, Musk, Minerality
Rating: 56
Price: $11
Alsace, France