Crémant Zéro Dosage 2016 from Domaine Achillée: Nicolas’ wine of the week – New Year’s Eve Edition 🥂 It’s not just Champagne that makes for a successful New Year’s Eve, there’s “Crémant” (sparkling) too!

Achillée (Yarrow) is a plant that is used in biodynamic farming, and is also the namesake of this domaine created by the Dietrich family in Scherwiller, Alsace. The story goes back to 1999 when Yves, the father, transitioned to organic agriculture, and then biodynamic. At this time, Yves wasn’t doing any vinifying, and the grapes went to a cooperative.

In an effort for all of this hard work to pay off, Jean and Pierre joined their father in 2016 for the first year of Domaine Achillée, and the creation of this creamy zero dosage sparkler.

The recipe? Grapes (50% Riesling, 50% Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, and Chardonnay)…nothing else! No sulfur, and no dosage.

While the absence of dosage brings freshness and purity to this sparkling wine, the 9 month maturation on lees in vats and then 13 months on laths gives it a complex and vinous side. When tasting, we go from white fruits and notes of honey, to freshness, purity, and a hint of oxidation. All of these aromas and flavors come together in a beautiful length and finish.

This is a true favorite to pop at midnight this New Year’s Eve!