5th May 2026 | Cork Talk | 5 minute read
Alsace is a wonderful region! From its ground-breaking winemakers to its fascinating terroir, there are endless reasons why Alsace rocks, so we’re making it our mission to shine a spotlight on this. Producing delightful, great-value wines, this is a French region you definitely need to know about.
Alsace continues to make moves in the world of wine, with winemakers here using their inherent drive and passion to push boundaries and produce great quality wines which are enjoyed across the world.
Located in the north-east of France, stretching over 100 miles, the region is nestled between the Vosges mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east. Producing wines in a variety of styles, including still, sparkling and sweet, this region is really not slowing down.
With almost 90% of the wines produced here being white, it will come as no surprise that this is what the region is most famous for – and rightly so! Alsatian wine is all about the aromas, known for its lusciously floral wines with spicy notes and a brilliant acidity. Several grape varieties thrive here, from AOC Riesling to Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc to Pinot Gris and Sylvaner to Muscat – there really is huge diversity, which is one of the many reasons why we love this place.
Situated in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, Alsace enjoys a largely continental climate with cold winters and long warm summers.
The vines here are often located on slopes, giving them great exposure to the sun allowing for the slow ripening of the grapes. The region sits in the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains meaning the vines receive slightly less rainfall and are well protected from heavy down pours. This is why Alsace is the second driest viticultural area in France.
The sheer variety in soil types found here helps the array of grape varieties grown in Alsace thrive. With as many as 800 soil combinations of granite, volcanic, sandstone, chalk and clay, this French region is arguably one of the most complex in the country. There are 51 AOC Grand Cru plots found in Alsace, each with the perfect harmony of good terroir, location and climate. Here, winemakers create the best of the best when it comes to Alsatian wine and are required to follow the strictest of guidelines. These wines are therefore of the highest quality and offer an exceptional palate that is typically rich, structured and age-worthy.
The overall terroir created by this perfect harmony and range of conditions is crucial to the quality and diversity found here.
We couldn’t give you a list of reasons why Alsace really rocks and not mention the dedicated and passionate people who are the driving force in making Alsace wine so exceptional. Let’s find out more about the wonderful winemakers behind the wines in our portfolio:
Arthur Ostertag
An incredibly talented winemaker leading the estate of Domaine Ostertag, Arthur has been involved in winemaking for as long as he can remember. The estate was founded by his grandfather in 1966 and shaped by his father André, making him the third generation of this influential and pioneering family. He focuses on biodynamic farming and capturing the purity of the vineyard in his delicious wines, such as Domaine Ostertag, Alsace Riesling 2024.
Evelyne Dodelinger
Evelyne works as part of a grower cooperative to produce wonderful wines with a key focus on working organically and crafting a collection of wines that truly express the land they come from. This Cave de Ribeauvillé Alsace Pinot Blanc is no exception, with plenty of fresh fruit character to counter the richer notes; it’s a fabulous choice to enjoy throughout the summer season.
Francis Klee
An exceptional winemaker upholding years of winemaking traditions, Francis Klee has been crafting wines with personality at Kuehn for many years. Nestled in the village of Ammerschwihr, Francis has produced a selection of outstanding AOC Alsace wines and Crémants such as Kuehn Alsace Muscat. A light and bright wine with expressive floral characters, and great to enjoy alongside a fresh summer salad.
Christian Beyer
Crafting with precision and traditional practices, Christian Beyer’s incredibly talented winemaking skills have remained in his family for decades. Being the 14th generation of his family in Eguisheim, he leads the estate of Emile Beyer with his wife Valérie. Together, they focus on bringing passion and modern vision to their wines, and our latest edition to our portfolio is no exception: Emile Beyer Crémant d’Alsace Extra Brut 2022.
From AOC Alsace Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris to Muscat and Riesling d’Alsace, our wine range has something for every wine lover to try. Or why not try a variety of styles in our Alsace wine case!
