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The Alsace wine growing region is located in the North East of France, bordering Germany. It follows the Rhine Valley, from the south of Colmar right to the north of Strasbourg. Of average size, the wine growing region covers 15,500 hectares of vines. It has a continental but fairly sunny climate. Its thirteen terroirs form a patchwork and give this wine growing a region the land for white wine. These grand Alsace wines owe their reputation predominately to the Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Sylvaner grape varieties, which currently produce the best and most well-known Alsace wines. Most of them produce dry (without sugar) or sweet white wines. A small amount of rosés and reds are also produced with Pinot Noir. However, Alsace is also famous for its crémants.

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Anthocyane

Anthocyane

Domaine Humbrecht 1619 Alsace
€10.30
Cazindale

Cazindale

Maison Albert KLEE Alsace
€14.10

Alsace

Alsace Wines

The Alsace region is renowned for its great white wines. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, or Sylvaner – this region, with its long winegrowing history, offers grands crus with an intense aromatic bouquet that reflects a unique terroir. Terroir, climate, best food and wine pairings – discover everything you need to know about Alsace wines in our detailed guide.

The History of Alsace Wines

Vines have been present in the Alsace region for millennia. However, viticulture became more intensive under the Roman Empire. Indeed, as early as 52 B.C., the Romans cultivated the Alsace region to produce wine for export. With its mild, dry climate, the region is well-suited for growing vines. Over the centuries, the Alsace vineyard has developed and modernized. After the phylloxera crisis and World War II, the Alsace vineyard rose again. In 1962, the AOC Alsace was created, recognizing the unique characteristics of this terroir.

The Alsace Vineyard Today

The Alsace vineyard has undergone many modifications and restructuring over past centuries. Today, the vines cover approximately 15,000 hectares under controlled designation of origin. Alsace produces over 150 million bottles per year, and its global reputation is the pride of its 4,000 winemakers and growers. Around 14% of the vineyard area is organically farmed. This region primarily produces white wine, accounting for nearly 90% of production, and is home to 51 grands crus. These grands crus follow strict specifications, allowing only four grape varieties: Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurztraminer.

The Different Appellations of Alsace Wines

The Grands Crus of Alsace

Early in its history, the Alsace region identified its terroirs with precision through soil, exposure, and inclination observations. As early as the 11th century, the concept of grands crus appeared in Alsace.

Today, Alsace has 51 grands crus, which represent around 5% of total production. These grands crus are delineated based on very specific criteria, including soil geology, altitude, yield limitations, and grape varieties. All these microclimates are classified and listed. Only four grape varieties are permitted for the production of Alsace Grand Cru wines: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat.

Late Harvest and Selection of Noble Grains

The designations "Late Harvest" and "Selection of Noble Grains" can be attributed to certain Alsace Grand Cru wines. The "Late Harvest" designation applies to wines harvested at overripeness, offering round and very aromatic wines.

The "Selection of Noble Grains" designation applies to wines whose grapes are selected by hand. Only berries affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) are used. The resulting wine is rich and complex, with a pronounced sweetness and depth. These two designations are unique to the Alsace vineyard, where the climate and terroir allow this type of grape development.

The Climate and Terroir of the Alsace Vineyard

The Alsace vineyard thrives in a climate ideal for vine cultivation. Situated along the Vosges mountains, it benefits from low rainfall and a high temperature range. The geology of the Alsace vineyard also contributes to the high quality of its wines, with vines cultivated on ancient geological formations. The richness of the soil and the favorable climate support the production of high-quality wines that reflect their terroir.

The Grape Varieties of Alsace Wines

Riesling

Riesling is one of the emblematic grape varieties of the Alsace wine region, representing nearly 22% of the vineyard. It offers dry white wines but can also be semi-sweet or sweet. Mainly cultivated in the Moselle and Rhine Valley, Riesling produces wines with a pale yellow color and soft green highlights. It has an intense nose with citrus and white flower notes. Riesling wines from grand terroirs develop tertiary mineral aromas, such as flint notes.

Pinot Blanc

Pinot Blanc produces balanced dry white wines with fruity notes. This grape variety represents about 20% of the Alsace vineyard. It produces supple wines with a hint of acidity that pair well with many dishes.

Gewurztraminer

Gewurztraminer produces both dry white wines and sweet or luscious wines in the case of Late Harvest or Selection of Noble Grains. This variety offers an intense and expressive aromatic bouquet, with exotic fruit notes like lychee, mango, and honey. These are powerful wines, full-bodied on the palate.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Gris represents 15% of the vineyard and produces a balanced white wine, which may be dry, sweet, or luscious. Pinot Gris has a rich aromatic complexity with notes of yellow fruit, dried fruit, and mineral hints. It balances perfectly between freshness, tension, and full-bodied texture on the palate.

Sylvaner

Sylvaner generally produces dry white wines but may also be luscious or sweet. It represents 7% of the vineyard, developing citrus and white flower notes. This variety offers liveliness and freshness on the palate, pairing well with many dishes.

Muscat

Muscat is one of the least cultivated grape varieties in Alsace, representing 3% of total vineyard area. It offers dry white wines that are very aromatic, with intense fruity notes.

Pinot Noir

Alsace Pinot Noir wines are balanced and fruity red wines. This grape variety represents around 10% of the total vineyard area. On the nose, red Pinot Noir wines have notes of small black fruits and may develop musky, leathery aromas. On the palate, red wine is balanced with soft tannins.

Crémant d'Alsace

The AOC Crémant d'Alsace was created in 1976 and has since become one of France's favorite sparkling wines. Today, Crémant d'Alsace continues to grow in popularity and represents more than a quarter of Alsace wine production.

Alsace Wine Pairings

Alsace Wines as an Appetizer

If you’re enjoying seared foie gras or foie gras toast, sweet, semi-sweet, or luscious Alsace wines are perfect for a festive sweet-salty pairing. Choose a bottle of Late Harvest or Selection of Noble Grains, made with Gewurztraminer or Pinot Gris. A dry Alsace white wine is ideal to pair with a seafood platter or a light appetizer.

Alsace Wines to Accompany Main Dishes

Alsace wines can be paired with a variety of dishes, including regional specialties and exotic cuisine. Riesling is particularly suited to Alsatian recipes such as choucroute or coq au Riesling. Fish dishes in sauce or simply grilled can also be paired with a white wine from an Alsace estate. Finally, you can enjoy a great dry Alsace white wine with a cheese platter.

Alsace Wines with Dessert

Sweet, semi-sweet, or luscious Alsace wines can enhance any dessert. For a balanced pairing, opt for a fruit-based dessert. For a richer experience, you can pair a chocolate dessert with a bottle of Late Harvest or Selection of Noble Grains.

Great Alsace wines reflect their history and unique terroir. Dry white wines, grands crus, or exceptional sweet wines – the Alsace vineyard offers unique cuvées to accompany all your celebratory meals. On Avenue des vins, find the best Alsace wine selections, sourced directly from the region’s estates and wineries.