Alsace
Alsace is an Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC, or controlled designation of origin) wine region in the north-east of France. The AOC covers around 14,500 hectares and produces a variety of wine styles from sparkling Crémant d ‘Alsace to late harvest Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles styles. With the Vosges mountains and the remainder of France to the west and the Rhine and Germany to the east, Alsace is unique compared to other French wine regions in that it has changed hands many times over the centuries and has taken on aspects of the cultures of both countries. Most famous for its Riesling, the region is also home to Pinot Noir, Tokay-Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Sylvaner, Chasselas, Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc, as well as a smattering of lesser varieties (up to 150 different varieties in the 1840s).
- Key Varieties: Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling
- Climate: Sheltered from oceanic influence by the Vosges mountains, Alsace enjoys some of the lowest rainfall in France (just 400 mm - 500 mm per year) and is blessed with a semi-continental climate—sunny, warm and dry. Summer 18C, Winter 3.5C.
- Soil: Sandstone, granite and limestone-rich marl
- Did You Know: Alsace is one of the only AOC regions in France to produce varietally labelled wines from similar grape varietals to those used in Germany.
