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. The climate is dry and warm as the Vosges protects the region from wine and rain. Hot summers and long autumns create perfect conditions for vines to thrive. The best vineyards here are situated on eastern facing slopes while the lower quality vines sit on flatter land. Heavier clay and marl soils produce wines of a heavier and broader style while sand and limestone produce more delicate and lighter bodied wines with flinty aromatics.
Unlike elsewhere in France, grape variety is the major indicator of wine style in Alsace and Riesling is king. Winemakers aim to keep the primary fruit aromatics by using a gentle Pneumatic press on whole clusters and little new oak is used. 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. The Grand Cru wines of Alsace only account for 20% of production, yields are extremely limited, grapes must be hand harvested, and they often tend to spend more time aging on its lees before bottling. 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.
