Domaine Ansen Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Noir 2020

Domaine Ansen is a quietly rising estate in the northern hills of Alsace, where the family has farmed land for over four centuries. When Daniel Ansen returned home in 2010 after studying winemaking in Bordeaux and abroad, he shifted the domaine toward organic farming and small-lot production, transforming what was once fruit sold to cooperatives into estate-driven, terroir-focused wines. 

This bottling comes from Struch, a south-facing hillside parcel of Pinot Noir rooted in clay and limestone soils. Here, the vines struggle just enough to produce wines of tension, depth, and mineral clarity. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented in stainless steel with minimal intervention and little to no added sulfites, preserving the purity of the site.

In the glass, it shows the precision of great Crémant: fine, persistent bubbles layered over bright red berry fruit, citrus lift, and subtle brioche. The palate is crisp yet textured, with a stony core and a long, energetic finish that feels closer to grower Champagne than typical Alsace sparkling. 

A true Blanc de Noirs from a single lieu-dit, this is Crémant with intent. It's site-driven, minimally handled, and built for the table as much as celebration.