We’re pleased to introduce Les Freres Engel, the latest Alsatian gem to arrive in PDX, never before imported to the United States. The first thing you learn upon meeting Hubert and Christian Engel is that they are nerds. The second thing you learn is that they know their vineyards in and around the Praelatenberg Grand Cru to the pebble, and the third thing you learn is that they are spectacularly talented winemakers. They farm organically (the obvious choice, in their words), and make their wines carefully, taking full advantage of the rare Gneiss soils in their vineyards to infuse their wine with unusually powerful minerality. This edelzwicker blend combines Riesling with smaller portions of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chasselas and Sylvaner.This is essential Alsace: flinty fresh and sharp on the nose with fresh orange and lemon curd, roasted peaches and spring blossoms and honeycomb. The palate has elements of every sort of citrus fruit, apples and slate-like mineral undertones. The acidity is ever present but never sharp, and the finish goes on and on. There might not be a better choice for the turkey table, and we look forward to seeing Les Freres Engel in newsletters to come!