With 15 600 hectares of vineyards, the Alsace wine region is renowned for its production of exceptional white wines. With its semi-continental climate, varied soils, and stunning vineyard landscapes sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, it indeed offers a unique terroir conducive to the cultivation of numerous white grape varieties.
Among all the grape varieties in the Alsace vineyard, 4 stand out and are considered noble, allowing for the creation of the finest wines and being the only ones authorized (with exceptions) to be planted on the 51 parcels of the region classified as Grand Cru.
The Riesling
The Riesling is undoubtedly the most emblematic noble grape variety of Alsace.It gives rise to white wines with a beautiful acidity and great finesse. Riesling-based wines regularly exhibit notes of citrus, white flowers, peach, as well as a distinct mineral character. The preferred terroirs for this grape variety are schist and granite soils, and on the finest of these, it can enjoy a magnificent aging potential.
It is also worth noting that Riesling alone represents 21% of the region's vineyards and has an exceptional ability to reflect its terroir. Furthermore, it is almost exclusively vinified on its own but can also be used in blends for crémants, for example.
If you wish to discover the most beautiful aspects of Riesling, do not hesitate to turn to those from the Barmès-Buecher estates (we particularly think of the sublime Grand Cru Hengst), Boehler (Riesling Holderhurst) or even Mittnacht Frères (Riesling Muehlforst or Grand Cru Rosacker), no disappointment possible!
The Gewurztraminer
The Gewurztraminer is also very present in Alsace as it represents 20% of the vineyard. After Riesling, it is probably the most well-known grape variety of the region and is also one of the four noble grape varieties of Alsace.
This one is capable of producing dry wines but also semi-dry, sweet, and liqueur-like wines. Its substance exudes opulence and generosity while its aroma is of rare expressiveness. It is indeed a variety that is easily identifiable thanks to markers such as lychee, mango, pineapple, rose, and some sweet spices. The favorable terroirs for Gewurztraminer are generally clay-limestone and marly.
Like Riesling, it is capable of long aging when it comes from beautiful terroirs, such as the Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Steingrubler from the Barmès-Buecher estate.
The Pinot Gris
Originally from Burgundy, Pinot Gris, formerly known as Tokay (now prohibited since the official recognition of the eponymous Hungarian sweet wines), is a grape variety with pretty pink berries 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 in over-ripeness (Late Harvest, Selection of Noble Grains).
It represents 16% of the Alsatian vineyard and can give rise to wines of incredible richness and power, presenting a full-bodied texture as well as aromas of pear, apricot, honey, and spices.
The Muscat
It is the 4th noble grape variety of the region and although it represents only 4% of the Alsatian vineyard, the Muscat also holds a prominent place in the region.
Unlike the Muscats from Languedoc-Roussillon or the Rhône Valley, the Muscat from Alsace is largely vinified dry and therefore generally does not have residual sugar. Nevertheless, its fragrant and gourmet aroma is always present : notes of fresh grapes, dates, and elegant floral aromas make it identifiable.
PS : when we talk about Muscat in Alsace, we are actually referring to two varieties : Muscat d’Alsace "à petits grains" and Muscat d’Ottonel.
Besides these four noble grape varieties, Alsace also has other interesting varieties.
Pinot Blanc offers, for example, light and fresh white wines, exuding aromas of green apple and white flowers. It is often used in the region's crémants and adds roundness. It is very present in Alsace as it is planted as much as Riesling (21% of the vineyard) !
Sylvaner is another white grape variety present in Alsace. Once very widespread, it now represents only 5% of the vineyard.It is a variety that allows the production of dry and light white wines, expressing notes of citrus and fresh herbs.
Finally, although white grape varieties represent the majority of the Alsace 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, and Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin rose) are also present in the region, contributing to the great viticultural richness of Alsace.
Conclusion
You now know the 4 noble grape varieties of Alsace as well as the other main varieties of the region. All that remains is to move from theory to practice ! And for that, do not hesitate to call on
Cheers !
