Alsace makes some of the most instantly appealing white wine in France: dry, intensely aromatic and labelled by grape, so you always know what is in the glass. It sits in France's north-east corner on the German border, sheltered from Atlantic rain by the Vosges mountains, which makes it one of the country's driest, sunniest vineyards. That long, gentle ripening gives the wines real perfume and precision.
Riesling, Gewürztraminer and the noble grapes of Alsace
Four grapes earn 'noble' status here. Riesling is the benchmark, vinified bone-dry, with citrus, orchard fruit, stony minerality and years of ageing potential. Gewürztraminer is the flamboyant one, full-bodied and perfumed with lychee, rose and spice. Pinot Gris brings a richer, smoky, honeyed texture, while Muscat is all fresh grape and spring flowers. Rounding out the classics are gentle Pinot Blanc and underrated Sylvaner, easy everyday pours in our white wine range.
Grand Cru vineyards, Crémant and sweet late harvests
Alsace has 51 Grand Cru vineyards, single sites whose granite, limestone and volcanic soils give the region's most concentrated, ageworthy wines. Crémant d'Alsace is one of France's best-value sparkling wines, made in the traditional method from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. And when autumn mists bring noble rot, growers craft lusciously sweet Vendanges Tardives and rarer Sélection de Grains Nobles, honeyed wines that rival the finest dessert bottlings in the rest of France.
Alsace wine FAQ
Are Alsace wines sweet or dry?
Most are dry, which surprises those who expect German-style sweetness from the same grapes. Riesling and Muscat are crisp and dry, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer can carry a little richness, and only Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles are properly sweet.
What food goes with Alsace wine?
This is hearty, German-influenced country. Riesling loves choucroute, tarte flambée and shellfish, while a perfumed Gewürztraminer is the classic partner for pungent Munster cheese and spiced Asian dishes.
Which Alsace wine should I try first?
Begin with a dry Riesling for the region's precision, then a Pinot Gris for texture. For a treat, a Grand Cru shows how profound these wines can be.