Wine Region - Alsace

History

Alsace wine has been influenced by countless changes in the demographic of the area, which has changed hands between France and Germany several times.  Alsace wine (or Alsatian wine) has long been known for fully fortified wines that departed from German wine influence, but in recent years has turned focus to lighter, sweeter and dessert wines, bringing this French wine region more inline with current German wine styles. 

Classifications

Alsace wines are subject to French wine laws and are categorized by one of three French wine AOC designations: Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru, and Crémant d'Alsace.  Although uncommon among French wines, the Alsace wine region does not include a Vin de Pays designation, which means that all Alsatian wines produced without qualifications for AOC status are sold as Vin de Table or table French wines.  Often this occurs when an Alsace wine producer wants to include varietals not allowed by the French wine laws governing the AOC designation system.

Geography

The Alsace wine region is bordered by the Vosges mountains in the west and the Rhine river in the east.  The vineyards, confined to a narrow central area, run along the lower slopes of the Vosges.  This altitude helps the land maintain a temperate climate, ample drainage, and proper sun exposure to maintain the production of quality Alsatian wines.  A variety of soil types are represented in this French wine region, due in part to the fault line running beneath the area.  This variation allows for the successful growth of several varietals for the production of the French wine.

Regions

The Alsace wine region is small and does not include any further French wine regions of significance.

Varietals

Popular Alsace wine varietals include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sylvanier, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Chasselas.