Alsace, located in the northeastern part of France.

Alsace

• Location: Northeastern France, near the German border.

• Area: The total area of vineyards in Alsace is about 15,000 to 16,000 hectares, distributed in a narrow strip between the eastern foothills of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River, covering 119 villages.

• Main grape varieties: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat.

• Famous wines: Trimbach Riesling, Hugel Gewürztraminer, etc.

France has a historic wine-making gem (especially in white wine): Alsace. This charming wine region is located in northeastern France and, with its unique terroir and grape varieties, produces countless exquisite wines that tempt the palate. Today, let us embark on a luxurious tasting journey to delve into the soul and essence of Alsatian wines.

Geographical Location

Alsace is located in northeastern France, adjacent to Germany and Switzerland, situated between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. The region extends from the northern Bas-Rhin to the southern Haut-Rhin, with a total length of over 100 kilometers. The Vosges Mountains create an important rain shadow effect, giving Alsace a dry and sunny climate, which is very suitable for grape cultivation. The region's vineyards are mostly located on southeast-facing slopes that enjoy good sunlight, covering an area of about 15,600 hectares, making it one of France's main white wine regions.

Environmental Characteristics

The Mediterranean continental climate of Alsace provides grapes with a very high sugar and acidity ratio, offering winemakers ideal base materials for producing ice wines and sweet wines:

• Climate: Alsace has a cool continental climate with cold winters, warm dry summers, and long stable autumns that help grapes to mature fully. The rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains makes this area one of the regions in France with the lowest rainfall (about 500 mm/year), forcing grapes to root deeply into the soil and absorb more minerals, which directly reflects in the delicate taste of the wines.

• Soil: The soil types in the region are diverse, including granite, limestone, sandstone, clay, and volcanic rock, with each type of soil affecting the flavor of the wine differently.

• Production Data: Alsace produces about 15 million cases of wine annually, around 90% of which are white wines. Most are classified as AOC Alsace or Alsace Grand Cru. The region has 51 Grand Cru vineyards, most of which are located in Haut-Rhin, making it synonymous with the world's top white wines.

Main Grape Varieties:

The grape varieties of Alsace are considered to encapsulate the essence of French wines, especially the following varieties, which have made significant contributions to the region's reputation:

1. Riesling

• Description: The most representative variety of Alsace, known for its charming acidity and nearly transparent purity.

• Tasting characteristics: High acidity, strong minerality, with notes of green apple, lime, beeswax, and jasmine aroma; it is refreshing when young, and after years of aging, it presents complex and layered aromas of beeswax and petroleum.

2. Gewürztraminer

• Description: This is one of the most characterful aristocratic varieties in Alsace, with rich and intense aromas; wines made from this grape are best enjoyed while young, at peak acidity; its natural sweetness makes it a top choice among sweet wine lovers, especially pairing well with spicy dishes or blue cheese.

• Tasting characteristics: Aromas of lychee, rose, and intense tropical fruits, with hints of floral notes and some spiciness (ginger), resulting in a rich mouthfeel with a touch of sweetness.

3. Pinot Gris

• Description: Originating from Burgundy, known for its rich mouthfeel and multi-layered flavors; due to its robust structure, it often stands out as a centerpiece at the dinner table.

• Tasting characteristics: Aromas of ripe pear, apricot, almond, and honey, balanced acidity and sweetness.

4. Muscat

• Description: The Muscat from Alsace is one of the purest representatives of this variety, used to produce fresh and fruity white wines, ideal as an aperitif on hot summer days.

• Tasting characteristics: Overflowing with floral notes, with natural sweetness of grapes, orange blossom, and tropical fruits.

5. Pinot Noir

• Description: The only red grape variety in Alsace, used to produce fresh fruity red wines or sparkling wines.

• Tasting characteristics: Notes of red berries, cherries, and a hint of earthiness, with a delicate structure.