Union Sacré Edelzwicker, 2025, Central Coast, California, US

Region California Country US Type Orange Grape Alsatian noble varietals blend. Style Aromatic, crisp, fruity. ABV 12.2% Closure Screwcap Method Sustainable Six grapes, an Alsatian accent and a Californian address. A rather delicious example of what happens when French tradition crosses the Atlantic. About the wine Six grapes in one bottle and a little French tradition with a Californian twist. Whoever said white wine had to be simple? Union Sacré is a winery founded by two friends with different backgrounds but a shared love of wine. Their inspiration comes from Alsace, the French region famous for its wonderfully aromatic whites. And Edelzwicker? It's an old Alsatian name for a blend of white grapes, literally meaning noble blend. This Californian take brings together Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Muscat Ottonel. Quite a crowd, but every grape has something to contribute. The grapes spend 48 hours in contact with their skins before fermentation with native yeasts. Five months in large wooden barrels add a little texture, while bottling without fining or filtration preserves the wine's character. Tasting notes Juicy tangerine, ripe peaches, crisp Asian pear and delicate lilies. Fresh, fragrant and beautifully balanced, with a gentle touch of sweetness and a lovely crisp finish. Food pairing Thai green curry, Vietnamese summer rolls, spicy prawns or roast pork with apple. Its aromatic fruit makes it a brilliant match for fragrant Asian dishes, while a cheese board with creamy Brie or tangy goat's cheese would work just as nicely. About the winemaker Behind the bottle is Xavier Arnaudin, a Frenchman who originally trained as a chef before falling for wine during his sommelier studies. He swapped the kitchen for the cellar, moved to California in 1999 and met his future business partner, Phillip Muzzy, in 2003. Years later, their shared obsession with Alsatian wines led them to create Union Sacré in 2014. A French chef turned winemaker, an American friendship and a little piece of Alsace in California. Quite a recipe.