Do you know which grape varieties are used to craft Alsace wines?
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Do you know which grape varieties are used to craft Alsace wines?

Like every winegrowing area in France and throughout the world, Alsace grows specific grape varieties. Let us tell you more…

 

Riesling: ancient and renowned.

Grown in Alsace since Roman times, Riesling offers a steady yield and is the most prevalent in the region (more than 23% of the wine-growing area). It produces very fine, aromatic, elegant and powerful wines which offer good ageing potential. Riesling is one of the varieties allowed in Grand Cru wines.

Gewurztraminer: full-bodied yet delicate

Grown mainly on hillsides, Gewurztraminer is an early variety with a low yield. With a very distinctive character, it produces superb wines, ample, full-bodied and powerful, sometimes with hints of leather, smoke or liquorice.

Gewurztraminer is used in many Grands Cru and high quality Vendanges Tardives wines.

Pinot Gris: powerful and opulent

Originally, Pinot Gris was called Tokay. It has been grown in Alsace since the 17th century. Today it represents more than 15% of the entire area planted to vines in Alsace. Its great power and smoothness give it a unique character that makes it one of the stars of Alsace Grand Cru wines. It also ages very well.

Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois: the varieties used for Crémant d’Alsace

In Alsace, wines sold as Pinot Blanc (or Klevner) can be made from the Pinot Blanc variety alone or from a blend with Auxerrois. These two undemanding varieties give fresh, supple wines that are fruity and full-bodied.

Originally from Lorraine, Auxerrois was developed recently in the 20th century. Its name appears only rarely on labels, but it is widely used for crafting Crémant d’Alsace and Edelzwicker.

Pinot Noir: the only Alsace red

Grown in Alsace since the Middle Ages, Pinot Noir is used in the region to craft the varietal wine. It produces wines that are light in colour, not very tannic and beautifully fruity.

Sylvaner: abundant and lively

Originally from Austria, Sylvaner has been grown in Alsace since the 18th century. A late and very productive variety, for a long time it was used for entry-level wines. With a planted area that has decreased in size and increased in quality, Sylvaner is now far more interesting. The wine from this variety is characteristically crisp, refreshing and fruity.

Muscat: according to the grape

Grown in the region since the 16th century, three varieties of Muscat are used to produce Muscat d’Alsace. These are small-grape Muscat Blanc, also called Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat Ottonel and small-grape Muscat Rose. Depending on the dominant variety, the wine can be crisp or round. But whatever the proportions, Muscat is remarkably aromatic.

Chasselas: light and dry

The two varieties of Chasselas used in Alsace, white and pink, are early cultivars that deliver light, dry wines. Mainly used to produce Edelzwicker, the use of Chasselas is not allowed in Grand Cru wines.

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Riesling
AOC Alsace
Gewurztraminer
AOC Alsace
Pinot Gris
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Pinot Blanc
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Pinot Noir
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Sylvaner
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Muscat
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