Alsace
Located in northeast of France, Alsace is something of a hidden treasure, known for its very aromatic, floral and spicy white wines – and it’s white wines that make up over 90% of the region’s production.
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The region has a unique heritage, as it has changed hands between France and Germany on several occasions throughout history. The wines are heavily influenced by their German neighbours, and even the bottles share the same fluted shape.
Climate
Alsace benefits from a semi-continental climate, which is mostly sunny, hot and dry. Situated in the foothills of the Vosges mountains, the vineyards are located in a rain shadow and are well exposed to the sun, which suits the slow ripening grape varieties grown here.
Grapes
The key grape varieties include Riesling, Sylvaner, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris.
Quick links Wine reviews | Producer profiles | Ten top Alsace restaurants
There are 15,500ha of AOC vineyards and 53 appellations – 51 of which are designated grands crus.
As well as still wines, the region also produces the most popular AOC sparkling wine consumed in France, Crémant d’Alsace.
Made mainly from Pinot Blanc, but also from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay, it is a méthode traditionelle sparkling wine with a bright, fresh character.
Alsace Premiers Crus: What you need to know
Alsace Riesling: Comparing grand cru sites
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International Trophy Off-Dry over £15 - Paul Ginglinger, Gewurztraminer, Grand Cru Pfersigberg, Alsace, France 2013
For winemaker Michel Ginglinger, it’s also an ‘archetypal ambassador of the style of wines we want to express at Domaine Paul Ginglinger: a perfect balance of finesse, purity and elegance’.
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Producer profile: Hugel
Margaret Rand discovers what makes Hugel tick...
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Dry Alsace Riesling: Expert's Choice
Dry Alsace Riesling, Dry Alsace Riesling scores, Dry Alsace Riesling recommendations, best Dry Alsace Riesling, top Dry Alsace Riesling
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Famille Hugel in Alsace launches first Lieu-dit Riesling Cuvee
Etienne Hugel is to announce the release of a new Riesling that is named after a specific grand cru vineyard site - marking a first for his eponymous Alsace domaine.
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French appellation body considers Alsace Premier Cru plan
The French national appellation authority is examining a dossier that would create Cru and Premier Cru tiers in Alsace, but not all winemakers agree with the proposal.
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Alsace wine matriarch Colette Faller dies
Colette Faller, who rose to prominence as head of well-known Alsace winery Domaine Weinbach in Kaysersberg, has died aged 86.
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Alsace wine firm Hugel angered by supermarket listing
The Hugel family has launched a public protest after finding its wines listed in one of France's biggest supermarkets, E. Leclerc, against its wishes.
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Alsace: the new generation
Fresh-thinking young winemakers could be the shot in the arm that Alsace needs, as they focus more than ever on the terroir-driven, dry styles that today’s wine lovers want. Panos Kakaviatos reports.
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Hail hits southern Alsace vineyards
Hailstorms continue to batter French vineyards, this time in the heart of Alsatian wine country, with up to 60% damages reported in parts of Southern Alsace.
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Bordeaux exports up 26%, but Alsace, Languedoc, Loire down
In a difficult economic environment, French wine exports have risen dramatically so far in 2011.
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DWWA Quiz Special: Alsace
It's approximately three weeks until the DWWA international trophies are released and, to celebrate, we've got a quiz for you!
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Sweet Alsace over £10
This year's DWWA judging week was the busiest ever and amongst the throng we found this...
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White Alsace over £10
Find out who won the regional trophy for over £10 in Alsace. And the winner is...
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Chapoutier to release first Alsace wines
Rhone veteran Michel Chapoutier is about to release his first Alsace Riesling in the UK.
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Humbrecht: Alsace needs sweetness code
Alsace 'absolutely' needs a system to help consumers navigate the wildly varying levels of sweetness found in its wines, according to Olivier Humbrecht MW.
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New Alsace chief calls for sweetness code on labels
Sweetness codes could be a feature of every bottle of Alsace wine if the new president of the Alsace trade council has his way.
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What are the noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
