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Do you know which grape varieties are used to craft Alsace wines?
As in every wine-growing region in France and around the world, Alsace cultivates its own distinctive grape varieties. Let us introduce them to you.
Riesling: ancient and renowned
Grown in Alsace since Roman times, Riesling offers consistent production and is the most common grape variety in Alsace (covering over 23% of the vineyard area). It produces beautiful, aromatic, elegant and powerful wines with good aging potential. Riesling is one of the grape varieties authorized for Grands Crus.
Gewurtzraminer: full-bodied and sensitive
Grown mainly on hillsides, Gewurtzraminer is an early-ripening grape variety with low yields. Very distinctive, it produces superb, powerful, full-bodied white wines, sometimes with hints of leather, smoke or licorice.
Gewurtzraminer produces many Grands Crus and high-quality Vendanges Tardives.
Pinot Gris: powerful and opulent
Pinot Gris was originally known as Tokay. It has been grown in Alsace since the 17th century. Today, it accounts for over 15% of Alsace's vineyard area. Its beautiful power and mellowness give it a unique character, making it one of the stars of the Grands Crus of Alsace. It also ages very well.
Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois: the grape varieties of Crémant d'Alsace
In Alsace, wines sold under the name Pinot Blanc (or Klevner) d'Alsace may be made from the "true" Pinot Blanc grape alone or blended with Auxerrois. These two undemanding grape varieties produce fresh, supple, fruity and full-bodied wines.
Originally from Lorraine, Auxerrois is a recent grape variety developed inthe 20th century. It rarely appears on labels but is widely used to make Crémant d'Alsace and Edelzwicker.
Pinot Noir: the only red wine in Alsace
Established in Alsace since the Middle Ages, Pinot Noir is used in the region to make the wine of the same name. It produces light-colored, low-tannin, and very fruity wines.
Sylvaner: abundant and lively
Originally from Austria, Sylvaner has been grown in Alsace since the 18th century. Late-ripening and very productive, it has long been used for entry-level wines. With a reduced area under cultivation and improved quality, Sylvaner is now much more interesting. Lively, thirst-quenching and fruity, the wine produced from this grape variety is typical.
Muscat: the grape variety above all else
Used in the region since the 16th century, three varieties of Muscat are used to make Muscat d'Alsace. These are the small-grained Muscat Blanc, known as Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat Ottonel and the small-grained Muscat Rose. Depending on the dominant variety, the wine can be rather lively or round. But in all cases, Muscat is remarkably aromatic.
Chasselas: dry and light
The two varieties of Chasselas used in Alsace, white and rosé, are early-ripening grapes that produce dry, light wines. Mainly used in Edelzwicker blends, Chasselas is not permitted in Grands Crus.
Alsace offers a diversity of grape varieties that reflect the richness of its terroirs and the finesse of its winemaking expertise. From essentials such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris to more discreet but no less expressive varieties such as Sylvaner, Muscat andAuxerrois, each brings its own personality to the Alsace vineyards. Whether you prefer dry, fruity, sweet or sparkling wines, there is bound to be an Alsace grape variety that will appeal to you. All you have to do is discover them... with a glass in your hand!
