Alsace 1000 Years of Tradition

The Grapes of Alsace

Alsace is know for Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Syvaner and Pinot Noir. The region is also noted for producing Cremant d’Alsace a sparkling wine  and some of the worlds finest dessert wines.

Alsace is located in northeastern France near the border with Germany.

There are over 38,000 acres of vineyards spread across 118 of the most picturesque villages set against the backdrop of the Vosges Mountains.

Like most of  European history the Romans controlled the region twice and 1000 years apart, they were persistent. More recent history or over the last 150 years it was controlled by Germany 3 times.  This Germanic influence  is still present in the local architecture and its single greatest legacy RIESLING.

White  wines dominate  the region led by Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, Muscat and the lone red grape being Pinot Noir  which accounts for 10% of the Vineyards.  Traditionally these wines have been noted for offering great aromatics and are medium to full bodied with the ability to age gracefully.

Soils and Climate

Each winery usually makes at least 3 levels of wine, there regular bottling, a Reserve or Grand Cru  ( for over 1000 years the growers of Alsace realized that several sites grew exceptional grapes, today there are 51 vineyards designated as Grand Cru) and  some of the most delicious desert wines known as Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Noble.  These wines are very rare in that they are produced in  exceptional years usually once or twice per decade and  pure ambrosia.