According to their importer, Domaine Roland Schmitt was “winning just about every local wine tasting” thirty years ago and had no reason to even consider importing. But Beaune Imports' persistence paid off when they were finally allowed a handful of bottles for the California market. Over the decades, a genuine, close-knit relationship has blossomed and their wines have quickly become bonafide Alsace staples. Their crémant (a sparkling wine made in the same method as Champagne) is classic Alsatian bubbly produced from a collection of Pinot varieties. It’s heavily mineral and a touch fierce but ultimately soft, finely layered, and supremely refreshing. To be enjoyed over the Spring and Summer months, certainly.