Alsace Region

Everything you need to know about the Alsace region

Alsace is a wine-growing region located in eastern France, along the Rhine River, between the Alsatian Plain and the Vosges Mountains. Despite its modest size, it is distinguished by a wide diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Production is predominantly white wines, but reds, rosés, and sparkling wines, both dry and sweet, are also produced.

A long, narrow vineyard

The Alsatian vineyards cover approximately 15,600 hectares , spread across 119 communes , forming a narrow north-south strip. They benefit from a temperate continental climate, protected from oceanic influences by the Vosges Mountains. This location provides dry summers, long autumns, and cold winters, all conducive to the gradual ripening of the grapes.

The soils are very varied: limestone, sandstone, granite, schist, gneiss. This geological diversity allows for a very differentiated expression of the grape varieties depending on the plots and areas.

Emblematic grape varieties of Alsace

Thirteen grape varieties are permitted in the Alsace AOC, including twelve white and one red . The main grape varieties cultivated are:

Riesling : a dry, lively and aromatic wine, with notes of citrus, flowers and minerality.
Pinot Blanc : a supple and balanced wine, with aromas of white fruits and flowers
Gewurztraminer : a powerful and very aromatic wine, marked by rose, lychee and spices
Pinot Gris : a more structured wine, with notes of yellow fruit, dried fruit and sometimes honey
Sylvaner : a fresh and light wine with floral and fruity aromas
Muscat : a dry and expressive wine with aromas of fresh grapes
Pinot Noir : the only red grape variety in the region, producing fruity and low-tannin wines
Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin rose) : a rare grape variety, producing aromatic and structured wines

White wines largely dominate Alsatian production.

Appellations of Alsace

The region is structured around several designations:

AOC Alsace , which represents the majority of production
AOC Crémant d'Alsace , for white and rosé sparkling wines
AOC Alsace Grand Cru , reserved for plots recognized for the quality of their terroir

A peculiarity of Alsace is that the name of the grape variety is required to be mentioned on the label , making it easier to read and choose wines.

Food and wine pairings in Alsace

Alsatian wines offer great versatility at the table.
Riesling pairs well with fish, seafood and traditional dishes like sauerkraut.
Gewurztraminer pairs well with foie gras, strong cheeses or spicy dishes.
Sylvaner is suitable for charcuterie and simple dishes.
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris pair well with poultry and cream-based dishes.
Pinot Noir can accompany both light red meat and an aperitif.