3 anecdotes about Alsace wines

Discovering the Secrets of Alsace Wines

The Mystery Behind Alsace Wines

But do you know the wines from this region and the mystery that surrounds them? For instance, do you know why the stems of Alsatian wine glasses are green? Here are three anecdotes you might not know about Alsace wines.

The Oldest Wine in the World Resides in Strasbourg!

If you have the chance to visit Strasbourg, stop by the Historical Wine Cellar of the Civil Hospices of Strasbourg. It is here that the oldest wine in the world is hidden. This Alsatian white wine, made in 1472, is now 546 years old! Since its discovery, this wine has been tasted three times: in 1576, during the signing of the mutual assistance agreement between Strasbourg and Zurich, in 1718, for the laying of the first stone of the civil hospital, and in 1944, to celebrate the liberation of Strasbourg. Preserved all these years in a 450-liter barrel, the wine remains fit for tasting. Oenologists have indeed confirmed that it still possesses a lively acidity and an expressive nose. Incredible, isn't it? Especially since in 2015, the wine was transferred to a brand-new barrel. It could then last for another 250 years...

Why Are Alsatian Wine Glass Stems Green?

With their long stems and green bases, Alsatian wine glasses are easily recognizable. But why exactly are their stems green? Legend has it that these glasses appeared in the 19th century. At that time, vintners prioritized quantity over quality, resulting in wines with greenish hues, indicating the grapes' lack of maturity. To mask this "flaw," winemakers served their wine in green-stemmed glasses, claiming that the slightly greenish tint came from the glass, not the wine! Today, Alsatian glasses are rare because they are not ideal for tasting. The goblet (the part of the glass where the wine is poured) is so small that it is difficult to swirl the wine without spilling a drop! But if you absolutely want to acquire a traditional Alsatian glass, rest assured, it is possible. You can find this type of glass in the region's souvenir shops or directly online.

In Alsace, They Drink Hot White Wine!

Spices, cinnamon, red wine, lemon... Just like grog, mulled wine has become one of the French's favorite winter beverages. But have you ever tried hot white wine? An aberration, you say? Yet, it is common in Alsace. Why? Red wine represents only 3% of Alsace vineyard productions. For La Tribu des Gourmets, whose members define themselves as "promoters of hot white wine from Alsace," it is natural to favor white wine. "Alsace is a land of white wines. And, with Strasbourg as the 'Christmas capital,' it is logical that mulled wine has many connections with this part of France!" says Didier Bonnet, president of La Tribu des Gourmets. The Alsatian mulled wine recipe combines typical Alsace grape varieties such as Sylvaner, Riesling, or Pinot Blanc. "The citrus notes of the white wine are highlighted by the fresh fruits (orange, lemon) that we add to the recipe," explains Didier Bonnet.

The Alsatian vineyard, a mosaic of terroirs and styles

Behind these anecdotes lies a fascinating Alsatian vineyard that stretches from north to south between the Vosges and the Rhine. Long known only for its Alsace white wines, winegrowers today claim a whole palette of styles, from dry or off-dry white wines to delicate red wines, not forgetting rosé wines, Crémant d’Alsace, and fruit eaux-de-vie. The Alsace vineyard is shaped by a multitude of terroirs (sandstone, limestone, marl, gneiss, granite soils, etc.). Although it is a northern vineyard, the hillsides benefit from a warm, dry microclimate, particularly favorable to the aromatic ripeness of the grapes.

The great classics remain the emblematic Alsatian grape varieties, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, alongside curiosities such as Klevener de Heiligenstein or blends in a Muscat, Sylvaner style. Alsace is a true paradise for lovers of white wines, often seen as straight, precise wines with a very appealing fruity character, yet they can also prove complex and built for ageing.

Grands Crus, Vendanges Tardives, and great wines for ageing

Unlike wines from Languedoc-Roussillon or Burgundy, there are only three main Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC): AOC Alsace, AOC Alsace Grand Cru, and AOC Crémant d’Alsace. Although the vast majority of Alsace wines carry the AOC Alsace designation, it is often complemented by a lieu-dit highlighting the link between soil, climate, and grape variety. The terroirs classified as Grands Crus (often indicated on the label with the mention Grand Cru) are governed by a strict set of specifications. Lovers of great whites know Vendanges Tardives wines and Sélection de Grains Nobles wines well, two prestigious mentions that denote off-dry or luscious cuvées of great complexity. While Vendanges Tardives are made from very ripe grapes, sometimes slightly affected by botrytis, Sélections de Grains Nobles require meticulous sorting of the most concentrated berries. For festive moments, one should not forget Crémant d’Alsace, produced using the traditional method, which rivals many sparkling wines from other regions.

Pinot Noir and Alsace red wines, a story still being written

Although the image of Alsace wine remains closely tied to whites, red wines are taking on an increasingly important place, notably thanks to Pinot Noir. Long discreet, this grape variety now finds magnificent expressions on certain slopes, with deeper wines, sometimes aged in barrel, that have nothing to envy Burgundy. Alsace red wines, both fresh and delicate, allow for very fine food-and-wine pairings with white meat.

Ecological viticulture, living wines, and new practices

Faced with environmental challenges, more and more winegrowers are moving toward ecological viticulture, organic farming, or even biodynamic viticulture. Indeed, organic and biodynamic farming are booming in Alsace, where many certified organic cuvées are flourishing in the vineyard. Wines in a freer style, sometimes claimed as “living wines” or natural wines, limit inputs in the cellar and treatments in the vineyard. These practices follow on from local history, since the Alsatian vineyard is one of the first in France to have developed, very early on, a more responsible vision of viticulture.

FAQ - Alsace wines

What is the oldest wine in the world?

It is an Alsatian white wine made in 1472, kept at the Historical Wine Cellar of the Civil Hospices of Strasbourg. Tasted only three times since it was made, it reportedly still shows a lively acidity and an expressive nose.

Why do Alsatian wine glasses have green stems?

Legend traces the colour to the 19th century, when some wines took on greenish hues because the grapes lacked maturity. Winemakers served their wine in green-stemmed glasses so drinkers would think the tint came from the glass rather than the wine.

Why do people drink white mulled wine in Alsace?

Because red wine accounts for only about 3% of the Alsace vineyard's output. As a land of white wines, the region makes its mulled wine from grape varieties such as Sylvaner, Riesling or Pinot Blanc.

What are the main grape varieties of Alsace wines?

The emblematic varieties are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. You will also find curiosities such as Klevener de Heiligenstein or Muscat-Sylvaner style blends.

What are the appellations of Alsace wines?

There are three main AOCs: AOC Alsace, AOC Alsace Grand Cru and AOC Crémant d'Alsace. The Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles mentions distinguish the most prestigious off-dry and lusciously sweet cuvées.