Indulge in Alsace Wines at Stem Wine Bar in Marietta
This past weekend, I attended the Wines of Alsace tasting at Stem Wine Bar in Marietta—and once again, it proved why Stem hosts one of the best wine-tasting experiences in Metro Atlanta.
From sommelier Brian’s deep knowledge and storytelling to Chef Doug’s incredible food pairings and the warm hospitality from Paul and Jules, the evening delivered on every level. Alsace was the star of the night, but the whole experience—from the wine to the service—was unforgettable.
About the Alsace Wine Region
Tucked along France’s northeastern border with Germany, Alsace is famous for producing aromatic white wines with purity, minerality, and freshness. Unlike most French regions, Alsace labels its wines by grape variety, and the region is especially known for its noble grapes: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.
The wines often reflect the region’s mix of French and German influences—clean, expressive, and perfect for food pairings.
Alsace Wine Tasting Recap: Food and Wine Pairings at Stem Wine Bar
At Stem, the wines and their paired small plates were served in thoughtfully curated rounds—two wines and two dishes at a time—allowing each pairing to stand on its own while also building a beautiful progression of flavor.
Round 1: Aromatic Brightness to Start
Lucien Albrecht, Alsace 2023, Riesling
Food Pairing: Foie gras mousse, profiterole with duck fat salted caramel
- Sight: Bright straw
- Smell: Citrus zest, wet stone, white flowers
- Taste: Crisp acidity, lime and green apple, saline finish
- Winery Note: Maison Lucien Albrecht traces its roots back to 1698, making it one of Alsace’s oldest wine producers.
- Pairing Highlight: The sweet-salty richness of the foie gras was perfectly balanced by the Riesling’s vibrant acidity.
Domaine Weinbach, Alsace 2022, Muscat
Food Pairing: Poached shrimp with Muscat sabayon and petite salad
- Sight: Deep straw
- Smell: Grapey, honeysuckle, orange blossom
- Taste: Dry, aromatic, juicy and fresh
- Winery Note: A biodynamic, family-run estate, Domaine Weinbach is known for precise and expressive wines that reflect Alsace’s terroir.
- Pairing Highlight: This was an elegant pairing—floral, delicate, and beautifully balanced.
Round 2: Rich, Textured, and Unexpected
Michel Fonné, Alsace 2022, Pinot Gris
Food Pairing: Onion tart with bacon lardons, gruyère, and crème fraîche
- Sight: Straw with hints of green
- Smell: Gingerbread, apricot, citrus
- Taste: Medium-bodied, creamy, slightly smoky
- Winery Note: Fonné’s Pinot Gris showcases the textured, savory side of Alsace wines, perfect with rich, comforting dishes.
- Pairing Highlight: The smoky, savory tart elevated the wine’s complexity—this was a cozy, cool-weather pairing at its best.
Lucien Albrecht, Alsace 2022, Gewürztraminer
Food Pairing: Spätzle with chicken and fava beans
- Sight: Deep gold
- Smell: Lychee, passionfruit, ginger spice
- Taste: Lush and exotic, slightly off-dry, soft acidity
- Anecdote: Around our table, we call Gewürztraminer the “Muppet wine”—because it sounds like something the Swedish Chef would shout mid-recipe.
- Pairing Highlight: The creamy spätzle toned down the bold aromatics, creating a harmonious, comforting bite.
Round 3: Blends, Cheese, and a Touch of Sweet
Hugel “Gentil,” Alsace 2023 (field blend)
Food Pairing: Alsatian apple tart
- Sight: Bright yellow
- Smell: Yellow plum, quince, citrus
- Taste: Light, fruity, clean with soft minerality
- Winery Note: Hugel’s “Gentil” blend revives a traditional Alsatian field blend style using only noble grapes.
- Pairing Highlight: This was a lovely palate cleanser—the tart’s buttery crust and the wine’s freshness made for a lively pairing.
Domaine Specht, Alsace 2020, Pinot Noir
Food Pairing: Munster cheese with quince
- Sight: Light ruby
- Smell: Cherry, forest floor, dried herbs
- Taste: Elegant, earthy, bright acidity, light tannins
- Winery Note: Alsace Pinot Noir is gaining attention as the region warms. Specht’s version is clean, subtle, and food-friendly.
- Pairing Highlight: The funkiness of the Munster and brightness of the Pinot created one of the most unique—and satisfying—pairings of the night.
Bonus Wines: A Few Extra Sips for the Road
Domaine Weinbach ‘Cuvée Theo’ Riesling 2022
Elegant and mineral-driven with aging potential. A benchmark Riesling from a legendary Alsatian estate.
Mélanie Pfister ‘Mel Quatre Cépages Nobles’ 2022
A beautifully composed blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, and Sylvaner. Balanced, vibrant, and a standout from one of Alsace’s most exciting rising stars.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Stem Wine Bar
Stem Wine Bar’s monthly wine tastings continue to impress. The Wines of Alsace tasting was thoughtful, well-paced, and full of surprises. Brian’s deep knowledge made each wine feel like a story, Chef Doug’s food was flawless as always, and the warm, welcoming energy from Paul and Jules brought the whole night together.
I’m already booked for April’s South African wine tasting, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. If you’re looking for an intimate, educational, and delicious wine event in Atlanta, Stem Wine Bar is the place to be.
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