With 15,600 hectares of vines, the wine-growing region of Alsace is renowned for its production of exceptional white wines . With its semi-continental climate, its varied soils and its magnificent wine-growing landscapes sheltered by the Massif des Vosges, it offers a unique terroir, conducive to the cultivation of many white grape varieties.
Among all the grape varieties of the Alsatian vineyard, 4 of them stand out and are considered noble, allowing the creation of the most beautiful wines and being the only ones authorized (with some exceptions) to be planted on the 51 plots of the region classified Grand Cru.
Riesling
Riesling is undoubtedly the most emblematic noble grape variety of Alsace. It produces white wines with beautiful acidity and great finesse. Riesling-based wines regularly present notes of citrus fruits, white flowers, peach as well as a marked mineral character. The preferred terroirs of this grape variety are schistose and granitic soils and on the most beautiful of them, the latter can enjoy a magnificent aging capacity.
It should also be noted that Riesling alone represents 21% of the region's vines and has an exceptional ability to reflect its terroir. It is also almost exclusively vinified on its own but can also be used as a blend in crémants for example.
If you want to discover the most beautiful facets of Riesling, do not hesitate to turn to those of the Barmès-Buecher estates (we think in particular of the sublime Grand Cru Hengst) , Boehler (Riesling Holderhurst) or even Mittnacht Frères (Riesling The Fossils, Muehlforst or Grand Cru Rosacker), no disappointment possible!
The Gewürztraminer
Gewurztraminer is also very present in Alsace since it represents 20% of the vineyard. After Riesling, it is probably the best-known grape variety in the region and is also one of the four noble grape varieties of Alsace.
This one is able to produce dry wines but also semi-dry, sweet and sweet wines. Its substance exudes opulence and generosity while its aroma is of rare expressiveness. It is indeed a variety that is easily identified thanks to markers such as lychee, mango, pineapple, rose as well as certain sweet spices. The soils favorable to Gewurztraminer are generally clay-limestone and marl.
Like Riesling, this one is capable of keeping for a long time when it comes from beautiful terroirs, like the Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steingruler from Domaine Barmès-Buecher.
Pinot Gris
Originally from Burgundy, Pinot Gris, formerly known as Tokay (now banned since the official recognition of eponymous Hungarian sweet wines), is a grape variety with pretty pink grains that can be vinified from dry to sweet. In fact, it often has residual sugar because it is very receptive to noble rot and benefits from being harvested overripe (Vendanges Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles).
It represents 16% of the Alsatian vineyard and can give rise to incredibly rich and powerful wines, presenting ample body as well as aromas of pear, apricot, honey and spices.
Muscat
It is the 4th noble grape variety of the region and although it represents only 4% of the Alsatian vineyard, Muscat also occupies a place of choice in the region.
Unlike Muscats from Languedoc-Roussillon or the Rhône Valley, Muscat from Alsace is largely vinified dry and therefore generally has no residual sugar. Nevertheless, its fragrant and gourmet aromatic is still present: notes of fresh grapes, dates and elegant floral aromas make it easy to identify.
PS: When we talk about Muscat in Alsace, we are actually talking about two varieties: Muscat d'Alsace "à petits grains" and Muscat d'Ottonel.
In addition to these four noble grape varieties, Alsace also has other interesting varieties.
Pinot Blanc, for example, offers light and fresh white wines, exuding aromas of green apple and white flowers. It is often used in the crémants of the region and brings roundness. This one is very present in Alsace since it is planted as much as Riesling (21% of the vineyard)!
Sylvaner is another white grape variety present in Alsace. Formerly very widespread, it now represents only 5% of the vineyard. It is a variety allowing the production of dry and light white wines, expressing notes of citrus fruits and fresh herbs.
Finally, although white grape varieties represent the bulk of the Alsatian vineyard (90%), the remaining 10% are planted with a red variety: Pinot Noir. In the region, it gives rise to light to medium-bodied red wines, presenting delicate aromas of red fruits such as cherry, raspberry and strawberry, as well as floral and spicy notes.
Other grape varieties such as Pinot Auxerrois, Chasselas or Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin rose) are also present in the region, contributing to the great wealth of Alsatian wine.
Conclusion
You now know the 4 noble grape varieties of Alsace as well as the other main varieties of the region. Now all you have to do is go from theory to practice! And for that, don't hesitate to call on La Cave Éclairée who will be happy to guide you in your choices.
Cheers!
