Alsace Grape Varieties
The 7 noble grape varieties of Alsace
THE MUSCAT
Two varieties of Muscat are grown in Alsace. First, the Muscat known as “à petits grains” or “Muscat d’Alsace.” Then, the Muscat Ottonel, which is historically a hybrid of Chasselas and another Muscat.
The wine is light yellow in color with slight silver highlights. It is the best example of Alsace wines with primary aromas. The powerful aroma is undeniably reminiscent of grapes. Moreover, this fruity intensity is complemented by subtle floral notes.
Vinified dry, it truly gives the impression of biting into grapes. The freshness and hint of bitterness contribute to the wine’s spontaneity and harmony.
This is a wine to be enjoyed young. Moreover, thanks to its dry character, Muscat d’Alsace truly whets the appetite. It is also served as an aperitif at the region’s finest restaurants. Muscat is also a favorite with asparagus. It complements light cuisine based on cooked or raw vegetables (steamed dishes, vegetarian, or Asian dishes).
THE RIESLING D’ALSACE
Riesling is mainly produced as dry wines. Grown in the Silberberg area (Silver Mountain in German), the clay and limestone soils of the Vosges foothills give it volume, structure, elegance, and a delicate acidity. Furthermore, this Alsace grape variety has a clear and brilliant color, without excessive smoothness, it displays a pale yellow color with green highlights in its early years before evolving towards more golden shades over time. On the other hand, we find fresh and mineral notes on the palate. Its aromas of citrus and delicate fruits have made it the Rhine grape variety par excellence. In addition, the delicacy of its aromas makes it a wine of great elegance that will happily keep for four to ten years. It goes very well with seafood and fish, poultry and nut cakes.
THE PINOT BLANC
Known for being the most drinkable of Alsatian wines. First, its rich and delicate palette of aromas (peach, apricot, citrus, and white flowers). Second, its pale yellow color suggests a fresh and supple wine with spicy notes on the palate. In short, this balanced wine will accompany many dishes. Finally, Alsace Pinot Blanc is recommended to be enjoyed young (two to five years).
We are increasingly finding it in the form of crémant because its freshness and fruitiness allow for the creation of fresh and light crémants.
THE PINOT GRIS
Pinot Gris produces dry, sweet (late harvest), or liqueur (selected noble grapes) wines. These opulent wines are ideal for aging for four to ten years. The Pinot Gris grape variety was originally called Tokay d’Alsace, but since there is an appellation in Hungary called Tokaji, and to avoid confusion, since 2007, we have been calling it Pinot Gris.
Its yellow-green color, in its early years, acquires golden or even amber highlights over time. Later, the finesse of its aromas gives way to great class with age. The fruity nuances of its beginnings subtly transform into aromas reminiscent of undergrowth. Persistent and full-bodied, despite their low acidity, these wines reveal themselves to be exceptionally powerful on the palate. Moreover, full of nobility, they will deliver their full range of complexity when decanted a few moments before being served as an aperitif or with a poultry dish or cheese.
THE SYLVANER D’ALSACE
To begin with, Sylvaner is one of the oldest grape varieties in Alsace. Long cultivated en masse for its excessive yields and poor fruitiness, it was uprooted in large numbers during the 1970s and 1980s to make way for Pinot Gris, which was the popular grape variety at the time. Today, almost completely wiped out from the Alsatian vineyard, Sylvaner is regaining its former glory because, when grown on poorer terroirs to bring out its dry and distinguished character, it offers an intense aromatic palette. In summary, it is a dry wine with character that will quench your thirst as an aperitif but will also be a very good companion to sauerkraut, fish or the typical Alsatian stew “Baeckeoffe”.
THE GEWURZTRAMINER
Appearing at the end of the 19th century in Alsace, Gewurztraminer, made from an older grape variety – Traminer rose – has become the undisputed emblem of the Alsatian vineyard.
First of all, Gewurztraminer differs from other Alsatian grape varieties by the pink color of its ripe berries, which gives it a subtle yellow color with golden highlights in the bottle. Then, it is velvety on the palate, releasing characteristic aromas of exotic fruits, rose, and gingerbread (Gewürz means spices in German).
In addition, the Alsatian terroir, conducive to its expression, gives it floral and elegant notes that make it a warm wine that can be declined in dry (low sugar), sweet (late harvest), or sweet (selected noble grapes). In short, the inimitable and intense bouquet of these full-bodied and well-structured wines is particularly appreciated as an aperitif or to accompany foie gras, spicy dishes, strong cheeses such as Munster, or fruit tarts. Lovers of good wines will keep it in the cellar for between two and ten years.
THE PINOT NOIR
Alsace’s grape varieties are predominantly white, but only one red grape variety is found in Alsace: Pinot Noir. This wine, already cultivated in the Middle Ages, hides behind its light and bright red color a strong aromatic identity that seduces with its fragrances of small red fruits (blackcurrant, raspberry, black cherry). In addition, it boasts a beautiful structure and great persistence on the palate. Its silky tannins will lend themselves well to aging for 4 to 6 years. Its finesse will be revealed on the palate with grilled meats, smoked pork shoulder, Baeckeoffe cheese, or cheeses.
Pinot Noir has found its terroir in the soils of Saint-Hippolyte, earning it the Rouge de Saint-Hippolyte appellation. We work with lower yields, harvested exclusively on the slopes of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg. This red will be more robust and full-bodied than a traditional Pinot. It is a wine for laying down that evolves very well over time. You can keep it for up to 15 years depending on the vintage. It will pair perfectly with red meats and game.
CHASSELAS
This is one of the Alsace grape varieties often used to produce the base of Edelzwicker. It is rarely vinified as a single varietal. We are among the few winemakers to offer it, grown on clay-limestone soil, which highlights its character.
It produces light and elegant wines with low acidity.
CHARDONNAY
This is a white grape variety widely grown throughout the world. Originally from Burgundy in France, it has spread to many wine-growing regions. Wines produced from this grape variety can exhibit aromas and flavors of apple, pear, peach, lemon, melon, pineapple, and butter.
In Alsace, this grape variety can only be used to make Crémant.
AUXERROIS
Auxerrois is a white grape variety. It is often associated with Pinot Blanc due to their similarities. Wines produced from Auxerrois generally have delicate floral aromas, accompanied by notes of white fruits such as pear, apple, and sometimes hints of citrus. Their texture on the palate is pleasant, with a certain roundness and a fleshy character.