You’ll find the picturesque Alsace region in northeastern France with breathtaking landscapes and charming medieval villages. Sharing borders with Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is a unique fusion of French and German cultures that are reflected in its architectural, culinary, and winemaking traditions. The region has a rich history, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and, most importantly to us, exceptional wines. 

Alsace enjoys a sheltered position, nestled between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine River, resulting in a continental climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The region’s diverse soils and geological history add complexity to the wines, giving them a terroir-driven character and contributing to the variety of wine styles produced. In the Alsace region, you’ll find wines that range from rich and full-bodied to young and fresh styles, as well as lusciously sweet.

The Grape Varieties of Alsace

One of the most interesting aspects of Alsace wines is the focus on bottling single-grape varieties, not blends of varieties, allowing each to showcase its distinctive characteristics. 

The region is famous for producing four primary grape varieties, often called the ‘noble varieties’: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, but Alsace also produces a range of grape varieties, so we’ve included a fifth that you’ll also find in the region.

Riesling

Often considered the king of Alsace grapes, Riesling is the most planted of the noble varieties, and the best examples yield dry and crisp wines with hints of green apple, stone fruit, lime, and often, a mineral, stony note. Renowned for its longevity, Riesling from Alsace can develop a profound depth of flavors over time. Yes, Riesling can age! 

Gewürztraminer

Known for its exotic and aromatic profile, Gewürztraminer offers an opulent bouquet of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits. In a blind tasting, the heady rose aroma will give it away every time. These wines tend to be rich and full-bodied, with low to medium acidity, making them a delightful choice for those who enjoy rich wines with intense flavors.

Pinot Gris

Offering a harmonious balance between richness and acidity, Pinot Gris wines are filled with flavors of ripe pear, peach, dried fruits, and honey. This grape variety can also produce lusciously sweet late-harvest wines.

In Italy, this grape is known as Pinot Grigio, where the style is lighter than here in Alsace, which produces more full-bodied Pinot Gris. 

Muscat

There are several grape varieties called ‘Muscat’, but here, the best wines are made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. Muscat wines from Alsace are known for their intense, floral aroma, with orange blossom and fresh grapey flavors. They are typically dry or off-dry and offer a refreshing and fragrant experience.

Pinot Blanc

Often overshadowed by its more famous ‘noble variety’ counterparts, Pinot Blanc is primarily used for sparkling wines, but as a still wine, it’s appreciated for its easy-going, simple, non-aromatic characteristics. 

Top Producers in Alsace

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

As one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Alsace, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht estate produces wines that are incredibly expressive of their terroir. Their offerings include magnificent examples of Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Trimbach

With a winemaking history dating back to 1626, Trimbach is famous for its Rieslings, particularly the Cuvée Frédéric Émile, which has become a benchmark for the variety.

Domaine Weinbach

Known for both their excellence in winemaking and their dedication to sustainability, Domaine Weinbach offers a luxurious range of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

Hugel & Fils

A family-owned producer with a rich tradition, Hugel & Fils is respected for creating wines that are both accessible and complex, including their celebrated late-harvest offerings.

A Trip Worth Taking

Alsace’s winemaking tradition is one of harmony between nature and craftsmanship. For those passionate about white wine or simply looking to discover something new, add Alsace to your travel list.

The charm of Alsace is captivating and offers an experience that goes beyond wine tasting. It’s a journey through history, medieval villages, and multiple cultures, and its cuisine and wines give you delicious flavors to discover.

Notable Places To Visit

Cities:

Strasbourg — The capital city and seat of the European Parliment offers a vibrant blend of French and German culture. The city offers a mix of history that dates back to the Roman empire and a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.

Colmar — A mid-sized town with out-sized charm full of half-timber medieval buildings as well as Renaissance and Gothic architecture. There’s plenty in this lovely town to keep you busy.

Riquewihr — This small medieval village is one of the most picturesque in Alsace. Located in the heart of the region’s vineyards with cobblestone streets and quaint shops, this is a true wine-making village.

Historical Sites:

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle — This medieval castle, with records dating back to 1147, is near the town of Orschwiller, and its authentic renovations offer a glimpse into the 15th century. The fortress is built on a rocky hilltop that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and on clear days you can see the Alps.

Don’t miss the Alsace classification system: