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The Wines of Alsace
Winemakers in Alsace have been active since the Roman conquest.
The Alsatians themselves are a mixed French-Germanic lot, with many of the
older inhabitants still speaking Alsatian, a Germanic dialect, at home.
Despite living in the smallest winemaking region in France, these proud
people rightfully boast of their centuries old winemaking traditions.
Six thousand wine growers live in a long sliver of land — 190km (118 mi) by
50km (31mi) near the German border, bordered on the West by the Vosages and
the East by the Rhine. Strasbourg alone is home to over 450,000 of the areas
1.8 million residents.
Theirs is a difficult endeavor, wrestling with hot summers and cold winters
that see frequent snowfall. Soil in the region is among the most diverse
types of all France's famous grape producing regions. From sand and granite
to clay and marl, with a smattering even of volcanic soil, emerges some of
the finest Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer grapes, nestled on
neatly laid out rows of hardy vines.
The juice of these grapes, grown on an area covering 37,000 acres,
eventually fill 165 million bottles, some 20 percent of France's annual wine
output. Ninety percent is dedicated to making the region's world famous
whites, whose names betray their German influence.
Along with the more well-known Riesling and Gewürztraminer, which
respectively comprise 23 percent and 18 percent of Alsace's unique grapes,
there are Tokay and Sylvaner.
Tokay is a delightful full-bodied white made solely from Pinot Gris. On a
mere 3,200 acres of clay-limestone is produced 22 million bottles of this
liquid treat with aromas of wood and spice. It goes perfectly with Quiche
Lorraine, but can even substitute for a red when serving a red meat dish.
Sylvaner, originally from Austria, has been made in Alsace for over two
hundred years. Or, as the Alsatians would say 'only' two centuries. It forms
the starting point of a fruity, dry white that's a perfect pairing for fish
or pork. Though Alsatians don't object to serving it with nothing more than
fresh sauerkraut.
On only 3,000 acres, 12 percent of the Alsace vineyards' area, 20 million
bottles are produced of this refreshing, light white that ages well up to
five years.
For those who enjoy a fruity wine, the Pinot Blanc makes a dry white that
hints of peaches or pears, which pairs perfectly with a Munster cheese. Some
7,000 acres of sandstone of all things provides the soil from which
ultimately comes 33 million bottles.
Crémant d'Alsace, a sparkling white made the same way as Champagne, is a
blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris or Pinot Noir. Its aroma of red fruits,
apricots and almonds make a wonderful pairing with Langres cheese.
When investigating any Alsatian wine, be sure to look for the classification
'Grand Crus', a grade which distinguishes the best of the regions' wines.
© 2006 Winelovers2.com. Used by permission. All rights reserved. See
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Les
Vins l'Alsace
Source: Conseil
Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace
A solid introduction to the wines of Alsace
Alsace, in France's northeastern corner, is achingly picturesque — and linguistically and culinarily confusing. Because the region, between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, has bounced back and forth between French and German control over the centuries, it has become something of each.
The INAO's decision to allow Alsace producers
the option not to indicate grapes used for grand cru wines has divided
opinion in the region.
Lying in the far northeast of France, divided
from Germany to the east by the Rhine River, Alsace is picturesque wine
country, and relatively unknown by American visitors to France.
In glorious Alsace, gewurztraminer is so
baroque, exuberant, and distinctive that you'll either love it
or hate it
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