2023 Melanie Pfister - Breit Cremant d'Alsace Extra Brut (750ml)
2023 Melanie Pfister Breit Cremant d'Alsace Extra Brut (750ml) is a standout Crémant from Alsace, crafted with a commitment to elegance and long lees aging. Breit, a name derived from the Hangenbriete vineyard, has a storied history in Pfister family winemaking, dating to the early 1980s when aging on the lees became a defining feature.
This single-vintage sparkling wine blends roughly half Chardonnay with about a quarter Pinot Blanc and a quarter Auxerrois. The back label notes that, in practice, the blend is often described as half Chardonnay and half Pinot Blanc, since Pinot Blanc is commonly assembled with Auxerrois in Alsace. The result is a refined, perfumed profile that has made Breit a top-tier choice among Crémant d'Alsace.
Aged on its lees for a minimum of 24 months, and sometimes longer depending on the bottling (the exact months on the lees are disclosed on the back label for each disgorgement, with some lots aging as long as 36 months). Disgorgement frequency ranges from three to four per year, which is part of what gives each bottling its subtle variation while maintaining a consistent style. The dosage of 3–4 grams per liter classifies this wine as Extra Brut.
In the glass, Breit d’Alsace Extra Brut is described as unusually elegant and perfumed, a hallmark of Mélanie Pfister’s approach to Crémant. Its tight mousse and focused acidity carry the blend’s mineral edge to a clean, lingering finish that speaks to its Alsace heritage.
Production runs around 800 cases per year, underscoring the wine’s artisanal provenance and careful sourcing from a small estate that prioritizes balance, finesse, and longevity in the bottle.
Food pairing ideas: this versatile Crémant pairs beautifully with oysters and other shellfish, light seafood dishes, sushi or sashimi, and soft cheeses such as goat cheese or a mild triple-crème. It also shines with simple appetizers or crisp vegetables with a lemony finish.
- Grape blend: approximately 50% Chardonnay, ~25% Pinot Blanc, ~25% Auxerrois
- Lees aging: minimum 24 months (some lots up to 36 months)
- Disgorgements: typically 3–4 per vintage
- Dosage: 3–4 g/L (Extra Brut)
- Production: ~800 cases annually
- Style notes: elegant, perfumed Crémant d’Alsace