|
Alsace
French Wine
The region of Alsace
which spreads along the French bank of the Rhine produces dry,
fresh, fruity, white wines.
Although the wines of this region, alone
among French wines, are sold under the grape variety name, the
label must also read “Appellation Controlée Alsace”.
Alsatian wine has a long history. The wine producing region of
Alsace in France primarily produces white wines. Its wines,
which have a strong Germanic influence, have the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlées Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC and
Crémant d'Alsace AOC. It produces some of the world's most noted
dry rieslings and is the only region in France to produce mostly
varietal wines, typically from similar grapes as used in German
wine.
Almost all wines are white, except those made from the pinot
noir grape which are very pale red, often rosé. Typically they
are dry, although some are off dry (and not labelled as such,
causing confusion among buyers). There are two late harvest
styles, vendange tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
(similar to German trockenbeerenauslese). Sparkling wines known
as Crémant d'Alsace are also made.
Grape Varieties include : Sylvaner, Muscat grape, Riesling,
Gewürztraminer,
Clevner de Heiligenstein, Auxerrois Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot
gris, Pinot noir
The principal wines of Alsace are:
-
Riesling -- a
very dry, elegant and classic wine.
-
Gewurztraminer -- a very fruit y, supple wine which holds
the distinction of having probably the greatest bouquet of any
wine in the world.
-
Traminer --
of the same family as the Gewurztraminer but lighter in
bouquet and flavor.
-
Sylvaner -- a
fresh, light, fruity wine.
Alsatian
wines are served chilled. They make
delightful aperitifs and may be served throughout the meal.
|
