Alsace
Alsace lies on the east border of France, adjacent to Germany and Switzerland. It is a long narrow north-south band, on the west bank of Rhine River. Because of its location, it has been the subject of many a territorial dispute between France and Germany. For much of its existence, it has been called Elsass by Western German. It was returned to France, being an AOC region after the World War II. Thus, it is a region which contains mix culture of French and German.
The viticulture area of Alsace is protected by the Vosges Mountain. 90% of its production is white wines. Hence, it is famed for its dry, rich, powerful white wines, such as Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Muscat. However, in recent years, the wines tend to be sweeter.
Major grapes varieties grown in Alsace are: Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Blanc (Auxerrois), Sylvaner, Pinot Noir. The first four varieties are also recognized as noble varieties in Alsace.
Alsatian’s classification is slightly different to other AOC classification in France. There are four classes: Alsace AC, Alsace Grand Cru AC, Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles.
Alsace AC accounts for over 80% of the total production of the region. Unlike any other AOC regions in France, Alsace AC wines will have a variety name or equivalent if blend wine printed on the label.
Alsace Grand Cru AC is a more strict AC system in Alsace.
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Restriction of grape varieties: only four noble grapes, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat are permitted.
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Restriction of yield: the maximum yield has to be less than 65 hectoliters per hectare.
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Grapes has to come from the Grand Cru Vineyards
Vendange Tardive means late harvest. These wines can only be made from the four noble grapes with a minimum natural potential alcohol level.
Selection de Grains Nobles means the selection of nobly rotten grapes. The wine is produced in outstanding vintages only and it is sweet. At least, some of the grapes have been affected by noble rot (similar to Sauterne). Also, there is a higher minimum natural potential alcohol limit, which is higher than that of Vendange Tardive.
The soil types varied across the whole region. But in general, on the steep slopes of Vosges Mountain, top soil is thin over subsoil of sandstone, granite, volcanic sediment etc. On the other hand, on the gentle lower slopes, top soil is deeper, over subsoil of clay, marl, limestone and sandstone.
Style: Alsatian whites tend to be spice, aromatic, oily and great texture. Normally, they will taste more mineral than other aromatic wines.
Food Pairing:
Alsace AC wine could play a big role in Asian style restaurants. The spiciness, mildness and oily texture, moderate acid pairs very well with gently spiced food such as Thai, Japanese and Chinese etc. They normally go well with shellfish, white fish or purely act as an aperitif without any food. Alsace Selection de Grains Noble is a great compliment to rich dessert like crème brulee, soft blue cheese or the great Foire Gras.
