Pierre Sparr Alsace One perfectly refreshing for spring

With spring in full bloom and the temperatures rising, I thought it prudent to revert to one of the all-time favorites of the readers of this column. It has been four years since I reviewed Pierre Sparr Alsace, albeit in its 2002 incarnation, and it has only gotten better.

Pierre Sparr Alsace One refers to the "nouveau" style of winemaking from one of the more tradition-bound regions in France, namely Alsace. It is known for the production of superb dry white wines made from one of the following grape varietals: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, pinot blanc, pinot gris and muscat. This wine is a blend of them all, which is what makes it so unusual and interesting.

Pierre Sparr Alsace is much lighter in style than the over-oaked and heavy chardonnays from California, and should delight at all levels. And you can still find it for less than $10 from the fantastic 2005 vintage.

In the glass, Pierre Sparr Alsace is a pale citrine yellow color with a brilliant, clean, clear appearance going out into a faint glass-clear rim definition and high viscosity.

On the nose, there are warm, ripe, floral white fruit notes, with pear sparkler, apples, mango, peach, apricots, along with hints of crushed almonds, white cranberry juice and fine minerals.

In the mouth, the wine is rich with balmy fruit flavors, including sweetish pears, apricots and white cranberries. It has nicely layered and balanced texture through the midpalate, showing decent acidity levels, red apples and sweetish minerals. The finish is a smooth and soft one, with yet more pears and hints of citrus, still retaining a good "bite" through to the end with a touch of lemon drop.

Pierre Sparr Alsace is a well-made, medium bodied and refreshing wine, perfectly suited for this time of the year. It should get a little air on it, to let some of that "heat" burn off initially, but then enjoy it chilled to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and serve it by the glass as an aperitif or with fresh oysters.

Wine: Pierre Sparr Alsace One

Grapes: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, pinot blanc, muscat and pinot gris

Region: Alsace, northeastern France

Vintage: 2005

Price: $9.99

Gil Lempert-Schwarz's wine column appears Wednesdays. Write him at P.O. Box 50749, Henderson, NV 89016-0749, or e-mail him at gil@winevegas.com.