The Kientzler Pinot Blanc 2022 is a dry, softly textured Alsace white with orchard fruit at its centre and a clean, unshowy finish. Made entirely from Auxerrois, it sits somewhere between weight and freshness, which is exactly what makes it such an easy white to keep on hand.

Pear skin, white peach and a touch of apple blossom lift out of the glass, with a faint almond note behind them. The 2022 growing season in Alsace was hot and dry with an early harvest, and you can taste it in the ripeness of the fruit — this is a generous vintage rather than a lean one, with a hint of stone fruit sweetness on entry even though the wine finishes dry.

The palate is round and gently creamy, more about texture than acid attack, though there is enough freshness running underneath to keep things tidy. It closes dry and a little chalky, with good persistence for a wine of this style, and no heaviness despite the warm year.

Serve it with roast chicken, pork belly, quiche, or a plate of charcuterie and washed-rind cheese. It also handles trickier plates well — asparagus, onion tart, mildly spiced Asian dishes — where sharper whites can struggle.

Drink the Kientzler Pinot Blanc 2022 now and over the next three to four years, served cool but not ice cold so the texture has room to show.