Alsace

The wines of Alsace reflect the region’s unique position within France. Isolated from the rest of the country by the Vosges mountains and from Germany by the Rhine, the wines made in Alsace are a dazzling combination of influences from both countries. Unlike elsewhere in France, grape variety is the major indicator of wine style in Alsace and Riesling is king. In Germany, the classic style of Riesling is delicate, fine and slightly sweet. In Alsace, it is more typically full-bodied, rich and bone dry. Other common varieties include the spicy, lychee-flavoured Gewürztraminer, the full-bodied Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner and (for reds) Pinot Noir. Across the region and its grape varieties, quality is consistently high, and the wines of Alsace must be some of the best value in all of France.