Alsace Wine Region

The Alsatian vineyards are spread over the hillsides between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine valley, covering more than 12,000 hectares. Stretching from Wasselone near Strasburg in the north to Thann near Mulhouse in the south, the wine region is barely 100 kilometres long and varies in width from 1 to 5 kilometres. Facing east, south and south-east, it clings to the picturesque hillsides at an altitude of 200 to 450 metres, sheltered from the cold, wet winds of the north-western Vosges mountains. The vineyards are divided between the Haut-Rhin and the Bas-Rhin.

What distinguishes this prestigious wine region above all is its originality: the varied composition of the soils (gneiss, granite, pink sandstone, limestone and marl, silt, sand and gravel), the diversity of microclimates and the variety of grape varieties give the wines a very unique character. Finally, a particularity that is almost unique in the French wine world, Alsatian appellations are usually recognised by the name of the original grape variety and not by the name of the vineyard.

The frequency of conflicts explains in particular the fragmentation of the vineyards and a large number of properties, even to the point of extreme parcelling out. In order to face up to the dangers, the inhabitants often gathered in fortified villages, which favoured the sharing of inheritances through succession. Wars and annexations also had a clear influence on the structure of wine making. Thus, from the beginning of the 20th century, the German influence favoured the establishment of wine cooperatives, then the destruction caused by the fighting of the world wars imposed a new upheaval. Cooperatives were rebuilt despite the constant destruction caused by the wars, and then opened up to the Rhine market, which gave rise to the market we know today. Since 1918, the Alsatian vineyards have been reborn when winegrowers committed themselves to a quality policy by choosing to produce wines from noble grape varieties.

The 90% of the wines produced in Alsace are white wines (Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru appellations) and sparkling wines (Crémant d'Alsace appellation). Also some rosé and red wines are produced. The main grape varieties in the vineyards of the Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin are Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Pinot Noir. The range of white wines is wonderfully nuanced, absolutely unique, from dry to sweet, from fresh and light to heady. The range of grape varieties is extensive.