Wines from Alsace

The vineyards of Alsace span 14,500 hectare. They fill the landscape between Marlenheim and Thann and sit on the slopes between the Vosges and the Rhine Valley at an altitude of 180 to 400 metres. When the Romans arrived in this region, they began to use the grapes they found growing here to make wine, introducing the locals to vinification and wine consumption! Alsatian whites were popular amongst the religious order during the Middle Ages and this region supplied more than 300 abbeys with their wine. Alsace is France’s most northerly wine region with a climate that encourages grapes to ripen slowly and gain complex aromas. It received little rainfall so grapes can be harvested late. Many different soil types can be found in this region (granite, chalk, schist and sandstone) so, as a result, many different varieties are planted (some of which have been planted since the 15th century). Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, Auxerrois and Chasselas are the grapes that go into the famous Alsatian whites. The region also produces a small quanity of red wine from Pinot Noir. Similarly to German labelling, Alsatian wines carry the name of the grape variety used and their place of origin. Alsace became an appellation in 1945 and an AOC (appellation d'origine controlee) in 1962. Between 1975 and 1982 the Alsace Grand Cru AC was introduced and there are currently 51 vineyards with Grand Cru status. Two other classifications exist in Alsace: the Vendange Tardive (Late Harvest) and the Sélection de Grains Nobles (Selection of Nobly Rotten Grapes). In order to qualify, the grapes must be of excellent quality in order to reach a certain sugar ripeness. Only wines made out of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris and, sometimes, Muscat can carry these names. Some truly exceptional wines are produced in this region yet it is often overlooked. Wines from Alsace are characterised by their intense aromas, freshness and fruit. Different methods of vinifcation will produce different styles but the best Gewurztraminers, Rieslings and Pinot Gris all have immense ageing potential.