Region · Alsace, France
Alsace
al-SASS
Aromatic, dry, and misunderstood
A French region with a Germanic grape set: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir. Tall bottles, often dry, always about varietal perfume and geology.
- citrus
- smoke
- spice
- stone fruit
- flowers
Alsace labels the grape, unlike most of France. That helped and hurt: people still expect sweetness. Most noble-grape AOC wine is dry now; look for 'Vendanges Tardives' and 'SGN' when you want sugar. Grand Cru vineyards are a map of hillsides on the Vosges foothills.
Crémant d'Alsace is one of France's best-value traditional-method sparklings. Pinot Noir is the quiet red renaissance.
Onion tart, choucroute, Munster, and Thai food. Alsace is a spice-friendly cellar.
At the table
Service
Whites 46–52 °F (8–11 °C); Pinot 54–57 °F (12–14 °C).
