Alsace
Alsatian wine is produced in the Alsace region in France. Almost all wines are
white, except those made from the Pinot Noir grape which are pale red, often
rose. Sparkling wines known as Cremant d'Alsace are also made.
These wines have a strong Germanic influence, and are produced under three different Appellation d'Origine Controlees (AOCs): Alsace AOC for white, rosé and red wines, Alsace Grand Cru AOC for white wines from certain classified vineyards and Cremant d'Alsace AOC for sparkling wines. Both dry and sweet white wines are produced, and are often made from aromatic grapes varieties. Along with Austria and Germany, it produces some of the most noted dry Rieslings in the world, and is also noted for highly aromatic Gewürztraminer wines.
The main concentration of vineyards in Alsace are situated in a narrow strip, running in a north-south direction, on the lower eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. The altitudes provide a good balance between temperature, drainage and sun exposure. The mountains shelter the vineyards from the westerly winds, rain and maritime influence and the region is therefore quite dry and sunny. While the slope down the Vosges is generally east-facing, many of the best sites are south-west to south-east facing, and benefit from extra sun exposure. Alsace's varied soils are a result of its location at a geological fault.
These wines have a strong Germanic influence, and are produced under three different Appellation d'Origine Controlees (AOCs): Alsace AOC for white, rosé and red wines, Alsace Grand Cru AOC for white wines from certain classified vineyards and Cremant d'Alsace AOC for sparkling wines. Both dry and sweet white wines are produced, and are often made from aromatic grapes varieties. Along with Austria and Germany, it produces some of the most noted dry Rieslings in the world, and is also noted for highly aromatic Gewürztraminer wines.
The main concentration of vineyards in Alsace are situated in a narrow strip, running in a north-south direction, on the lower eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains. The altitudes provide a good balance between temperature, drainage and sun exposure. The mountains shelter the vineyards from the westerly winds, rain and maritime influence and the region is therefore quite dry and sunny. While the slope down the Vosges is generally east-facing, many of the best sites are south-west to south-east facing, and benefit from extra sun exposure. Alsace's varied soils are a result of its location at a geological fault.