Alsace: Wine from the border region

Special features of Alsace wines

Unlike in the rest of France, the grape variety comes first in Alsace. In other words, it is also allowed on the label. At least if the wine is a single variety. And only if one of the four “noble grape varieties” is used. So Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. And then there is the so-called Edelzwicker. This is what a cuvée made from at least two different grapes is called in Alsace.

And the sale of cask wines is also prohibited in Alsace. All Alsace wines are therefore marketed exclusively in bottles. This is invariably a tall Schlegel bottle, also known as a Flûte d'Alsace. Yes, Alsace does have its special features. But that is precisely why it is worth taking a closer look at the different appellations and wine styles. Because the different taste profiles alone serve very large target groups. But let's start with the basics - geography and climate.

Alsace: Good to know

Alsace: Geography and climate

The Alsatian vineyard belt stretches for 120 kilometers from Strasbourg in the north to Mulhouse in the south. In some places, the growing area is just two kilometers wide - in others it is 15 kilometers. The fact that Alsace forms such a narrow strip is due to geographical reasons. While the Rhine forms a natural boundary to the east, the Vosges mountains are to the west.

The Vosges mountains hold back a large proportion of the clouds - and therefore also rainfall. Alsace is therefore very dry, which means that fungal diseases are often unable to spread. This is why Alsace has the highest density of organic and biodynamic wineries (15%) in the entire wine world. The Rhine, meanwhile, brings fresh breezes and enhances the sunlight with its reflections. This is a great advantage in the cool to temperate continental climate. The soils in Alsace are very diverse. In general, there are 13 different types of soil here, of which limestone, granite, slate, gneiss and sandstone are the most important. Alsace has to contend with two viticultural problems: drought and soil erosion. More and more wineries and contract winegrowers are now taking precautions to be prepared for the future.

Classification of Alsace wines

Of course, Alsace is also part of the French appellation system. What follows is a compact overview of the various AOPs, their significance and the different Alsace wines.

Alsace AOP

Regional protected designation of origin that covers 70% of all wines produced in Alsace. All wine colors are permitted. If it is not a Edelzwicker (a blend of at least two grape varieties), the grape is indicated on the label - but not the vineyard. This means that the grapes may come from the entire AOP. The wines are generally fruity and fresh, with a lovely balance of sweetness and acidity and great drinkability. These are wines that can easily appeal to a broad target group.

Alsace 'Communale'

For wines with a particular typicity and which meet a higher level of requirements, the name of the AOP may be supplemented by a communal designation (Dénomination Géographique Communale).

Alsace Communales and their authorized grape varieties:

• Bergheim (Gewürztraminer)
• Blienschwiller (Sylvaner)
• Côte de Rouffach (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir)
• Coteaux du Haut Koenigsbourg (Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer)
• Côtes de Barr (Sylvaner)
• Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin Rose)
• Saint-Hippolyte (Pinot Noir)
• Ottrott (Pinot Noir)
• Modern (Pinot Noir)
• Vallée Noble (Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer)
• Val Saint Gregoire (Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris)
• Scherwiller (Riesling)
• Wolxheim (Riesling)

Crémant d'Alsace AOP

Crémant d'Alsace accounts for 26% of Alsace wines. Although traditional bottle fermentation has been used for sparkling wines in Alsace since the 19th century, Crémant d'Alsace was only given its own appellation in 1976. Approved grape varieties are Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, Riesling and Pino Noir as well as Chardonnay. The latter may only be used in Alsace for the production of sparkling wine. A Crémant d'Alsace is usually light-footed and shines with floral and fruity notes.

Alsace Grand Cru AOP

Alsace currently has 51 Grands Crus. For an Alsace wine to bear this status, it must be made from a single variety of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. Blending is not permitted; the grape variety and location must be stated on the label. As a Grand Cru, Gewürztraminer in particular is very intense, complex and profound, with a great deal of substance and extract. However, the other growths are also very rich and often high in alcohol.

Alsace wines in detail

Alsace-Grands-Crus in alphabetical order

• Altenberg de Bergbieten, 29 ha
• Altenberg de Bergheim, 35 ha
• Altenberg de Wolxheim, 32 ha
• Brand, 58 ha
• Bruderthal, 18 ha
• Eichberg, 58 ha
• Engelberg, 15 ha
• Florimont, 21 ha
• Frankstein, 56 ha
• Froehn, 15 ha
• Furstentum, 31 ha
• Geisberg, 8 ha
• Gloeckenberg, 23 ha
• Goldert, 45 ha
• Hatschbourg, 47 ha
• Hengst, 78 ha
• Kaefferkopf, 72 ha
• Kanzlerberg, 3,2 ha
• Kastelberg, 6 ha
• Kessler, 29 ha
• Kirchberg de Barr, 41 ha
• Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé, 11 ha
• Kitterlé, 26 ha
• Mambourg, 62 ha
• Mandelberg, 22 ha
• Marckrain, 54 ha
• Moenchberg, 12 ha
• Muenchberg, 18 ha
• Ollwiller, 36 ha
• Osterberg, 25 ha
• Pfersigberg, 75 ha
• Pfingstberg, 28 ha
• Praelatenberg, 19 ha
• Rangen, 19 ha
• Rosacker, 26 ha
• Saering, 27 ha
• Schlossberg, 80 ha
• Schoenenbourg, 53 ha
• Sommerberg, 29 ha
• Sonnenglanz, 33 ha
• Spiegel, 18 ha
• Sporen, 24 ha
• Steinert, 39 ha
• Steingrubler, 23 ha
• Steinklotz, 41 ha
• Vorbourg, 73 ha
• Wiebelsberg, 13 ha
• Wineck-Schlossberg, 27 ha
• Winzenberg, 19 ha
• Zinnkoepflé, 69 ha
• Zotzenberg, 37 ha

More Alsace wines

In addition to the dry AOP wines, there are a few other types of wine that deserve attention. And not only in the residual sweet range. Here is a brief overview of the other Alsace wines.

Le Gentil

A Gentil is a dry, fresh and fruity white wine that is always an assemblage. 50% of the grapes must be a noble grape variety, the other 50% may be Sylvaner, Chasselas and/or Pinot Blanc. Each grape variety must be vinified separately. Only then is the assemblage made. The vintage must be stated.

L'Edelzwicker

As already mentioned, a Edelzwicker is a white wine cuvée. All light-colored grapes permitted in Alsace may be used. The producer is free to vinify the grape varieties together or separately. The indication of the vintage is optional.

Spätlese

Unlike in Germany, the late harvest is less common in Alsace, as it requires the formation of noble rot (Botrytis Cinerea), which is very rare due to the dry weather conditions. Only the four noble grape varieties Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Riesling are permitted for the Spätlese. The residual sugar must be at least 270 or 244 grams (for Muscat and Riesling). The minimum alcohol content is 16% or 14.5% for Muscat and Riesling.

Sélection de Grains Nobles

Botrytis also plays the decisive role here. The only difference is that the infestation must be even more severe than with a Spätlese, as the residual sugar and alcohol levels are significantly higher. Riesling and Muscat must have at least 276 grams of residual sugar and an alcohol content of 16.4 percent by volume. Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris must have 306 grams of residual sugar and 18.2% alcohol by volume.

Alsace: Wine as an economic factor

Only 26% of all Alsace wines are currently exported, meaning that 74% remain in the country. At first glance, this probably makes you furrow your eyebrows. But at second glance, this imbalance is quickly and logically explained. After all, Alsace is a tourist stronghold. It's not just the French who appreciate the romantic half-timbered houses and the good food and wine. Tourists also flock to Alsace from nearby countries such as Germany, Luxembourg and Switzerland. Thanks to the geographical proximity, vacationers also like to stock up on wine. And these sales count as domestic - and are not included in exports.

Above all, the purchases made by private customers directly from the farm or in Alsace wine shops should not be underestimated. The purchasing power here is enormous. Although the Covid pandemic has put a damper on vinophile tourism, the figures are recovering. Outside of France, Alsace wines are somewhat more difficult to sell than locally, where the idyllic atmosphere alone is a selling point in its own right. But on the world market, the region is simply still far too well known. But this is precisely where the great opportunity for stable growth lies. Wine merchants in particular, whose customers like to enjoy wines off the beaten track, can often be very positively surprised by Alsace wines. And even businesses that are always looking for something new can benefit from the Alsace underdog.

Your selling points for Alsace wines

• Still a French insider tip
• For customers who like to discover new things
• Intense and complex Grands Crus, fresh everyday wines
• Crémant d'Alsace is a very popular sparkling wine
• Many wines are organic or biodynamic
• “Exotic” on the wine shelf, without really being exotic
• Very good accompaniment to food