Alsace

Alsace is a French wine region renowned for its predominantly dry, aromatic white wines, which are typically labeled with the grape varietal rather than the location. Key grape varieties include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, alongside Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Wines are produced under the Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC (for wines from specific classified vineyards), and Crémant d’Alsace AOC (for sparkling wines) appellations. Unlike most other French wine regions, there is only one AOC for most wines made in the whole of Alsace. [1]  In 2006, 78 per cent of the Alsatian vineyards were producing wine under the Alsace AOC appellation. [2]  Other French wine regions have numerous appellations within them, often designating wine from a particular town or, even, an area within a certain town. Alsace AOC wines are often sold with one of the varietal labels or similar designations that are allowed under the AOC rules. In some cases, a lieu-dit, the name of a vineyard, is also displayed on the bottle. Neither the varietal labels or the lieux-dits are separate appellations; all carry ”Appellation Alsace Contrôlée” on the label.

The crème de la crème of Alsatian terroir is the region’s 51 Grand Cru vineyards. Each climate has its own appellation, with strict rules covering variety, yield, and production methods. Some of the most famous crus include Altenberg, Brand (exceptional Riesling), Geisberg, Goldert (France’s finest Gewurtztraminer), Kirchberg, and Vorbourg. The last entry on the list produces utterly exquisite late-harvest dessert wines from the Muscat grape. These wines are a rival to First Growth Sauternes in structure and finesse.

Wines from the Alsace:

RIESLING

MUSCAT

PINOT BLANC

SYLVANER

CREMANT

PINOT D’ALSACE

GEWURZTRAMINER

RIESLING

The Riesling d’Alsace is a wine to be kept, maturing wonderfully in its bottle for decades. The diversity of Alsace terroirs is ideal for this grape as it’s a transparent veil, a medium through which terroir can be expressed to its fullest.

This dry wine is very linear. Its framework is provided by a lively intensity, noticeable from the moment the wine touches your mouth until the tail-end of its finish, the mid-palate being noticeable due to its weight. The pale yellow hue with bright green tints is indicative of its characteristic freshness. 

It’s aroma is fine and elegant, with subtle fruit (lemon, citronella, grapefruit, peach, pear, fruit compote…) and floral (white flowers, lime blossom, nettle flowers…) notes, and even aniseed, cumin, liquorice and fennel seeds.  Riesling is unique in its evolution as, depending on the soil-type where it grows, it develops mineral aromas (flint, silex, kerosene…).  These distinctive aromas can be found in terroir wines (Grands Crus, Lieux-dits…).   The nose is fresh and subtly fruity with hints of peach, apple and floral nuances. Without being exuberant, it is a vivid expression of the grape’s character. 

PINOT BLANC

 Pinot Blanc is often blended with Auxerrois, providing a judicious addition with its round and generous character. These blends are therefore labelled either Pinot Blanc or Pinot. However if it’s vinified alone, then the wine is labelled Auxerrois.

Pinot Blanc is a wine that readily opens-up on the palate. Its well-balanced acidity produces pleasant and light-bodied wine.

MUSCAT

It is different from the sweet Muscat in southern France due to its dryness. Most often it is made from the harmonious blending of two grape varieties: Muscat à petits grains and Muscat Ottonel.

Vinified dry, this wine offers a limpid and fresh texture, which respects the crunchy fruit. A spontaneous and fragrant wine!  It’s the best example of a wine dominated by primary aromas. It undeniably evokes the distinctive fragrance of grapes. These intensely fruity aromas are sometimes complemented by subtle floral notes. 

SYLVANER D’ALSACE

This dry, delicate and refreshing wine brings an element of vivaciousness in its food pairings.  The palate is approachable and delicate, framed around vivid acidity. The nose is delicate and appealing. The bouquet is subtly fruit and floral: citrus fruits, white flowers, freshly-cut grass …