Discover Alsace Wines with Vinifyed and learn more about wines.
Geography Fact:
Eastern France on border with Germany: separated from Germany by the Rhine river and from the rest of France by the Vosges mountains
History Fact:
Because of its location the area has been the subject of a territorial dispute between France and Germany, and for much of its existence it has been the western German region, Elsass.
Technic Fact:
Alsace is about 86 miles long and 2.5 miles wide stretch of vineyards
It is separated in 2 parts: Bas-Rhin (to the North, by Strasbourg) and Haut-Rhin (to the South in low slopes of the Vosges Mountains); ⅔ of grand cru vineyards
It is a Cool continental climate with longer summers.
And guess what it's easy, Appelations are based on the varietals!
Only one varietal allowed per Appellation
With 8 Appellations representating 80% of the production: Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner & Chasselas
But don't think it is that easy! it gets tricky for the remaining 20% of it
With in an order of increasing quality, Communales, Lieux-Dits and Grands Crus appelations
Basically, more accurate appellations based on the village location and the plot selection!
Tasting
In terms of style, the wines are dry to sweet but mostly dry. Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer are often sweeter.
The most noble grapes and thus prestigious wines are made of either Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer or Muscat
Cheers!