Our Rating
Alsace
Pinot Gris
You know those wines that make you raise an eyebrow the moment they hit your glass? Not because they’re flashy or trying too hard—but because they’re quietly, unmistakably composed? The 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont” from Kuentz-Bas is that kind of wine. With its deep amber hue and delicate aromas of orchard fruit and honeysuckle, it invites a slower pace and a more generous pour. And once it’s in the glass, it unfolds like a well-told story—layer by layer, never in a rush, and always with something just a little unexpected. It’s the kind of white that makes you reconsider what Pinot Gris can actually do when it’s treated with care, grown on the right slope, and given a little time to mature.
Established over two centuries ago, Kuentz-Bas is a name synonymous with tradition and terroir-driven wines. Located in Alsace, this historic winery has seen its fair share of change, especially after being acquired by Jean-Baptiste Adam in 2004. Adam, a passionate advocate for Alsatian terroir, successfully combines his family’s 400-year-old winemaking legacy with Kuentz-Bas’ deep-rooted vineyard character. Under his stewardship, the wines have become more expressive and accessible than ever before, while still remaining true to the distinctive soils and climates of Alsace. If ever a winery knew how to gracefully blend history with innovation, it’s definitely Kuentz-Bas.
Samuel Tottoli didn’t grow up dreaming of fermentation tanks and vineyard rows. In fact, he was on track to become a sommelier, with his future seemingly mapped out in restaurant dining rooms. But something shifted when he started hanging out with winemakers—listening to their stories, tasting their wines, and catching that elusive, infectious bug that often pulls people straight into the cellar. Since making his first wine in 1998, Tottoli has carved out a name for himself in Alsace, particularly with his deft handling of Riesling and Pinot Gris.
His approach leans heavily into elegance and precision, and his sommelier instincts still linger. He often imagines a dish first, then crafts the wine to match it—a sort of reverse engineering that’s more intuitive than it sounds. The result? Wines that feel gastronomic at heart, and always built with the table in mind. With Florimont, you get the full Tottoli treatment: terroir, texture, and a palate that practically whispers, “Hey, what’s for dinner?”
Pouring a gorgeous amber hue that shimmers softly in the glass, the 2016 Florimont immediately announces itself as something special. On the nose, bright aromas of juicy pear, ripe peach, sweet apricot, zesty lemon, and fragrant honeysuckle dance effortlessly, each sniff revealing another enticing layer. Medium-plus in aromatic intensity, this wine gives a delightful preview of what’s to come.
Take a sip, and it’s pure pleasure from start to finish. It greets your palate with luscious apple, ripe peach, succulent pear, and refreshing lemon zest. Hints of honeysuckle mingle playfully with subtle touches of spicy clove, adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit. With just a whisper of sweetness—perfectly balanced by medium acidity—the wine remains fresh, lively, and wonderfully structured. Its medium-plus body is richly textured, yet manages to remain effortlessly elegant. The long, memorable finish leaves you savoring every nuance long after your last sip.
The 2016 Pinot Gris Grand Cru “Florimont” from Kuentz-Bas isn’t just a wine—it’s an experience. Expertly crafted by Samuel Tottoli, this bottle showcases everything we love about Alsatian Pinot Gris: a harmonious blend of rich fruit, delicate sweetness, and intricate layers of flavor. With a Cork and Journey Panel Score of 95, it’s clear this wine doesn’t just impress—it excels. Ideal for pairing with hearty dishes like pork chops, roasted root vegetables, or even bratwurst, it effortlessly elevates your dining experience. So, whether you’re a Pinot Gris fan or a curious skeptic, this wine is guaranteed to win you over, glass after delightful glass.
France
Alsace
Pinot Gris
13
Samuel Tottoli
N/A
Now to 2036
Kuentz-Bas
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