Want to know more about the best wines from one of France’s most famous wine-growing regions, Alsace? We’ll help you distinguish between the different Alsatian grape varieties, so you can make the right choice from among the best Alsatian wines.
If you’re a wine lover looking for the perfect bottle, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for in the region’s many appellations!
Alsace wines are world-renowned, but how well do you really know this delicate terroir product so dear to the hearts of the French?
First of all, grape varieties are differentiated by the type of grape used. There are a multitude of varieties, sizes and hues, giving each grape variety unique properties. They are also differentiated by the type of soil in which the vines are planted, the time of harvest or the combinations of different varieties with one another. This is why the aromas are so different, offering such a wide range of flavors on the palate.
Alsatian white wines are mostly dry and fruity. They offer a wide range of fruit aromas, often tinged with citrus notes. They are also accompanied by more floral, spicy or even full-bodied flavors.
Alsatian white wines include the following grape varieties:
On the other hand, when it comes to red wines, we can only mention Pinot noir. This light to medium-bodied red wine can have a lively acidity that can be appreciated on its own or as an accompaniment to poultry or charcuterie dishes, for example.
Of course, it’s hard to pinpoint just one wine as the best from Alsace. Indeed, the region produces a wide variety of high-quality wines. It’s all a matter of taste! We can, however, give you a few tips on how to choose your next bottle.
To begin with, several noble grape varieties share the top places in the ranking. These include Pinot, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. These grape varieties are among the great wines that are particularly well crafted and typical of the region.
What’s more, a wine aged between 5 and 10 years is considered ideal for optimal maturity and ageing.
Looking at the Alsace wine map, this wine-growing region lies between the Rhône Valley and the slopes of the Vosges valleys. The microclimate of this land favors the cultivation of vines. As a result, the grapes produced are perfectly suited to the art of winemaking.
From Sélestat to Mulhouse via Haguenau, you’ll find the best Alsace wine producers in both Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin.
The medieval city of Colmar is renowned as the wine capital of Alsace. As the Mecca of the wine route, it is still a must for lovers of Alsace’s grands crus.
In Colmar’s Musée des Vins d’Alsace, you can discover the history of this legendary route. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the region’s winegrowers and vineyards. You can also discover their bottling techniques and all the trades involved in growing grapes and producing Alsace wines.
Finally, during a tasting session, you can try out different wines from the Colmar winery. The perfect opportunity to find your favorite grape variety!
12 place de la Cathédrale
68000 Colmar
+33 (0)9 88 99 44 30