Alsace Wine Overview

1. The Region

Alsace is a beautiful wine region in northeastern France, between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River near Germany. The mountains protect it from rain, making it one of the driest and sunniest parts of France.
The long, warm autumn helps grapes ripen slowly, keeping bright flavours and high acidity. Spring frosts and hail can sometimes damage the vines.

2. Main Grapes

Alsace is known for its aromatic white wines and small amounts of red.

White grapes:

• Riesling: Crisp, citrusy, sometimes shows a light petrol aroma with age.
• Gewurztraminer: Perfumed and spicy, with lychee and rose flavours.
• Pinot Gris: Richer and fuller than Italian Pinot Grigio; peach and honey notes.
• Pinot Blanc / Auxerrois: Softer style, used mostly for Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wines.
• Sylvaner: Light and fresh; once common, now rare except for a few old-vine plots making concentrated wines.
• Klevener de Heiligenstein: A very rare local grape (Savagnin Rose) found near the village of Heiligenstein.

Red grape:

• Pinot Noir: Makes light, fruity reds, best from Ottrott, where the soils are warm and rich in iron.

3. Styles and Wines

• AOC Alsace: Varietal still wines (mostly white).
• AOC Alsace Grand Cru: Top vineyard sites for the main four grapes.
• AOC Crémant d’Alsace: Traditional-method sparkling wine made mainly from Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois.

4. Why Alsace Is Special

Alsace’s sunny climate, varied soils, and focus on pure, aromatic grapes make its wines unique.
From crisp Rieslings to spicy Gewurztraminer and elegant Crémant, the region offers a mix of French precision and German-style grape varieties — producing wines that are fragrant, expressive, and full of character.