Unlike some other wine regions, the Alsace appellation system is relatively simple. There are two main classifications for still wines: Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru. Because of its simplicity, some producers use language on labels to try to distinguish between their different qualities of wines. You might find the terms ‘Réserve Personnelle’ or ‘Cuvée Spéciale’ on labels, but they don’t have any legal status within the classification system; they are just some terms the producers use. 

It’s important to know that the noble grape varieties are: Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Gris. In Alsace, the best wines will be 100% of a single variety, and bottles will be labeled with the name of the grape. 

Your Guide to Alsace’s Wine Classification System

Alsace AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée)

The ‘Alsace’ appellation accounts for the majority of the wine produced in the region. Most wines are made from a single grape variety, and the name of the grape will be on the label, unlike some other areas, like Burgundy, where the region names are on the label rather than the grape variety. In Alsace, if the grape variety is listed on the label, 100% of the wine is produced from that single variety. 

It’s rare, but there are cases where the villages have the right to add their name to the appellation on the label for certain styles; however, for the vast majority of the wines in this appellation or classification, you’ll only find the grape variety on the label. 

Alsace Grand Cru

The top quality wines in Alsace are Grand Cru wines, and there are more than 50 vineyards that have their own Grand Cru classification. 

Alsace Grand Cru wines must be produced from a single noble grape variety. But, as always, a few rare exceptions exist. The label on Alsace Grand Cru wines must have the vineyard name, the vintage, and the name of the grape variety and will include the term ‘Grand Cru’. If you’re looking for the best of Alsace wine, look for Grand Cru wines.

Two other classifications of Alsace wines depend on the sugar level of the wine and can be either the Alsace or the Grand Cru appellation. 

Vendanges Tardives (VT)

This means ‘Late Harvest’, and the wine must have a minimum sugar level depending on the grape variety. Here again, the wine can only be made from one of the four noble varieties. The sugar levels required are a minimum of 235 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling and 257 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

In the best examples of Alsace late-harvest wines, the grapes will have dried on the vine, turning to raisins and concentrating the sugars and flavors, which is known as ‘passerillage’. 

VT wines may or may not be affected by botrytis.

Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)

These grapes are required to be affected by botrytis or ‘Noble Rot’. Here, the minimum sugar level must be higher than in Vendanges Tardives wines: a minimum of 276 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling and 306 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Again, only the noble grape varieties can be used for SGN wines. 

Other Labeling Terms

Gentil and Edelzwicker

These are terms on Alsace wine labels that designate that the wine is a blend. 

Gentil must be from at least 50% noble grape varieties, and the remainder can be any other Alsace grape variety. 

Edelzwicker means ‘noble mixture’ and is an inexpensive blend of wine.

Cremant d’ Alsace 

The sparkling Crémant d’Alsace can be a delicious value. Pinot noir is the only red grape allowed in Alsace AOC wines and may be included in these sparkling blends, but Pinot Blanc is generally the base variety. Crémant d’Alsace is also the only appellation in the region to allow Chardonnay in the blend.

Don’t Miss: Learn more about  Alsace, France