Alsace, France

A Tale of Two Identities ...

Alsatian wines have often mistakely been referred to as German, due to this particular track of land lying on the eastern border of France, adjoining Germany.

In the late 17th century, it became French territory, however during the 1871 Franco-Prussian war, it became part of Germany.

The end of WWI (1918) saw Alsace returned to France, only to be annexed once more to Germany in 1940.

It's worth reflecting at this point how this would have affected the mood of the Alsatians. During WWII, they were drafted as German soldiers and expected to fight against their fellow frenchmen, and the very distributors who peddled their wines around France for them!

Fortunately, after the defeat of Germany in 1945, France once again opened its arms and welcomed the Alsatians back as their own. It has remained so to this day.

Produces World's Best Rieslings ...

Despite the association with Germany, and the similarities in grape varieties used (mainly Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer), Alsatian wines are drier and fuller-bodied, with less residual sugar.

Rieslings and Gewürztraminer from Alsace in particular are world reknowned for excellence.

Appellations History

Alsace finally became part of the Apellation Contrôlée in 1962, and since 1972 only the Alsace flûte style bottle is permitted for these wines.

Contrary to other appellations, Alsace wineries are allowed to include the grape varietal on the labels of their wine - but only if it is made from 100% of the varietal.

The Alsace apellation consists of two départements: Haut-Rhin (considered the best) and Bas-Rhin.

In 1975, Alsace became elegible for the classification of Grand Cru.

For a vineyard to attain this status, it must make wines from one of four noble varietals:

Riesling,

Gewürztraminer

Pinot Gris

Muscat.

Yields are maximised at 65hl/ha and minimum natural alcohol must reach 10% or 12% depending on grape. Both grape and vintage must be shown on the label.

Where to Visit

I never made it to Alsace when I was in that part of the world. It was getting close to winter - I was tired from months of touring and in need of a break (not to mention a job so I could save for more travelling!). I do have fond memories of several hours waiting in Strasbourg train station on my way east from Champagne, though. Small compensation, I know ...

However, there is one little village I will surely visit next time I get on the road!

Riquewihr is a quaint, quintessential Alsatian village, located on the region's fringe NNW of Colmar in the Haut Rhin. Looking like something out of a medieval fairy-tale, this insanely beautiful village is home to some of the most famous Riesling houses in Alsace. If you don't believe me, grab yourself a copy of Decanter magazine (March 2012):

Now, how gorgeous is that!!

Just north of the village, you will find the famous Grand Cru vineyard - Schoenenberg; 53.4ha of Keuper subsoil with marl, gyspum and dolomite.

Schoenenberg is home to dry Rieslings, as well as late harvested "Vendanges Tardives" (grapes left on the vines to shrivel to concentrate sugars/flavours in the wines) and "Selection de Grains Nobles" (grapes affected by noble rot -even sweeter wines).

Special Thanks!!

I must extend a big THANK YOU, to my friend Phillipe Durst, Export Manager of the wine house Dopff au Moulin, for providing the pictures on this page.