Alsace

Climate

Continental

Least rainfall in France due to rainshadow of Vosge.

Grapes ripen slowly to attain complexity.

Warmer vintages becoming more common, allowing for Pinot Noir to gain popularity.

Soil

13 Different soil types.

Varieties are now planted to specific soil types.

Topography

  • Alsace is in the Rhine Graben, which is an indentation formed by falling plains along fault lines. The land rose and then fell like a souffle.

 

  • Alsace is on the west side of the graben, Germany’s Baden region is on the east.

 

  • The Rhine River runs through the graben, but DID NOT FORM IT.

Varieties

Wine Styles

AOCs

53 Total AOCs

51 Grand Cru + 2 Regional

Notes

  • 175 producers account for 80% of wine.

 

  • Most large companies are family owned like Trimbach, who has a 33% share on the American market.

 

  • Most producers make at least 6-8 wines, usually more. This is because wines are varietally bottled, and the complexity of soils.

 

  • Alsace is a big supporter of organic and biodynamic farming.

 

  • 90% of wine is white.

 

  • 75% of wine is consumed in France.