14th September 2022 | Cork Talk | 7 minute read
Alsace is an awesome 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 bring it to your attention! Producing cracking, 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 the boundaries and produce top quality vino which is 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 one that’s 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. A number of grape varieties thrive here from Riesling to Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc to Pino Gris and Sylvaner to Muscat – there really is huge diversity, which is one of the many reasons why we love this place.
Alsace is also home to over 51 Grand Cru sites. These are specific vineyard areas which are selected based on their ability to produce wine of exceptional quality. For a wine to be classed as Grand Cru it needs to come from one of these sites and be produced in accordance with strict rules which ensure the quality of these wines is second to none. Produced generally from a single grape variety, Grand Cru wines are world-renowned for their complexity and finesse, and are really worth getting your hands on!
Alsace is the second largest viticultural region and the richest in France, meaning it has heaps of diversity when it comes to terroir. 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 help the array of grape varieties grown in Alsace thrive. With as many as 800 soil combinations of granite, slate, sand, chalk and clay, this pretty French region is arguably one of the most complex in the country. The gentle slopes towards the base of the mountains are some of the most sought after locations in Alsace due to the fact soils here used to form part of the river bed, and are therefore rich in nutrients and minerals. It’s here where most Grand Cru sites can be found.
The overall terroir created by this perfect harmony and range of conditions is crucial to the quality and diversity found here.
The undisputed king of all grapes in this region is Riesling – so if you are a fan of this grape then look no further. Riesling d’Alsace is deliciously dry with a lively nature to it, giving a luscious intensity. Fine, elegant aromas of citrus, pear and fruit compote are commonly found with plenty of floral notes. These aromas are carried on to the palate, complimented by a structure that makes this wine feel luxurious. Often notes of honey and tropical fruits can be found too.
The even better thing about Riesling from this region is you can find great value for money with these wines. The fact that Alsace has kept out of the spotlight means that prices have been driven down and therefore you can find top quality Riesling for a bargain price!
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. Winemaking here is often passed down through families who have been producing vino for centuries. In fact, some winemakers in Alsace are up to the 14th generation of winemakers in their family!
Each with their own style and skill, these winemakers all have one thing in common, and that’s there goal to produce wine of next level quality. They work hard to express their own style and taste and are not afraid to push the boundaries and experiment, whilst respecting the land, region and community of Alsace at the same time.
A region which really is world-class, Alsace is producing top notch vino. Luckily for you we have a whole range of wines from this corner of France which you can get your hands on. Check out the video below where Wine Buyer, Dave Roberts, introduces us to a few of his favourites.
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