Alsace Wine Region

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The wine region of Alsace, located in northeastern France, is known for its white wines that is quite unusual for France where the reds are often the stars. The region is situated on the border of Germany and is influenced by both French and German culture and winemaking traditions which is perhaps explained by the fact that the ownership has been exchanged 4 times between the two countries.

The wine region of Alsace stretches along the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and is divided into two main areas: the Bas-Rhin and the Haut-Rhin. The Bas-Rhin is located in the north of the region and is known for its dry and full-bodied wines, while the Haut-Rhin is located in the south and is known for its more delicate and floral wines.

What is so lovely about wine is that there is always change and evolution and when it comes to Alsace the grape composition has changed the last 20 years. Melange, Chasselas and Sylvaner were huge in the past but now Riesling, Pinot blanc, Pinot Gris and Gerwurztraminer are the main grapes. Most of the wines are dry but there are two notable wine types which is Vendanges Tardives (late harvest) and Selecion de grains nobles (selection of noble grapes) which are highly collectible. The first (VT) refers to late-harvest grapes which make a sweeter wine. The second one is a botrytis-affected grape which leads to a very concentrated wine.

Except for the dry wine and the sweeter wines 20% of the total wine production is for Cremant d’Alsace which here is made by Pinot blanc, pinot noir and riesling grapes.

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The prevalent winemaking philosophy in the region is that a wine should be a pure expression of the area and the grape. This is potentially why the labels from Alsace differ from the rest of France as they show the grape on the label and also it is mainly monovarietal wines (meaning that it only uses one grape). What this pure expression also means is that oak aging, malolactic fermentation and other influences are not used. The fermentation of the wine usually happens in inert tanks such as stainless steel, concrete or potentially foudres which are very large wooden barrels of up to a thousand liters. In the case of the foudres the idea is that the relationship between the wine and surface area is quite small in comparison to typical barrels that have 225 liters.

The winemakers in Alsace use traditional methods, such as hand-harvesting and long fermentation periods, to produce wines that are highly expressive of the terroir. They also use a technique called “Elevage sur Lies” or aging on lees, which is a process of leaving the wine in contact with the dead yeast cells for a longer period of time to give the wine a more complex flavour profile.

In Alsace, the Riesling wines are known for their crisp acidity, minerality, and floral aromas. Gewürztraminer wines are known for their spicy and floral aromas, while Pinot Gris wines are known for their rich and full-bodied flavors. Muscat wines are known for their sweet and floral aromas.

The wine region of Alsace is also famous for its picturesque villages and towns, such as Riquewihr and Eguisheim. These charming towns are home to many wineries and tasting rooms, and they are a great place to explore the wines of Alsace. Visitors can take a tour of the wineries, sample the wines, and learn about the winemaking traditions of the region.

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In recent years, Alsace wines have gained recognition and awards at international wine competitions. The region has also seen a significant increase in tourism, with many wine lovers visiting the region to discover its unique wines and charming villages.

In conclusion, the wine region of Alsace is known for its unique and diverse wines, influenced by both French and German culture and winemaking traditions. The region is home to some of the most distinctive and high-quality wines in the world, and it is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. From the crisp acidity of Riesling to the spicy and floral aromas of Gewürztraminer, the wines of Alsace offer a wide range of flavors and aromas that are sure to please any palate. And with its picturesque villages and towns, Alsace is a perfect destination for a wine-tasting holiday.

 

Links

Riel, Mosel Trip Report – 2022

Northern Italy White Wines (Including Sparkling)

External Links

47 flashcards (questions and answers) about Alsace Wine