The Grapes and Styles of Alsace Wine

In Short:

Alsace is one of the wine world’s hidden gems. This north-east region of France is home to some unique styles unlike those made anywhere else in the country.

The wines of Alsace express outstanding elegance and finesse which showcases the skill and dedication of the region’s producers – many of whom have had winemaking in their families for generations. The region, which is often cited as a favourite among wine professionals, produces authentic, elegant and well-balanced wines to be shared and enjoyed.

Key grape varieties in Alsace winemaking include Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc. Like several other signature wine-producing regions in France, you’ll also find exceptional sparkling wines called Crémant.

In addition to the exceptional terroir, what also makes the Alsace region so special is the people who work there. Many of the winemakers in Alsace are from families who have been involved with winemaking for centuries. Each having their own style, whilst working with respect to the land, the region and the community; all sharing the common goal to produce exceptional wines which best convey the fruit and terroir of Alsace.

Discover some of Alsace's famous grape varieties in this hand-picked selection:

Domaines Schlumberger 'Les Princes Abbés' Gewürztraminer
This intensely fragrant wine is made with a portion of grapes from Grand Cru vineyards. It’s off-dry with notes of candied citrus, exotic fruits, rose and ginger. All that fruity flavour makes it an ideal choice for spicy dishes.

Famille Hugel ‘Classic’ Riesling
The Hugel family is one of the great winemaking dynasties of Alsace, so expect real excellence here. Discover flavours of apple and pear and a fresh streak of minerality. Pair it with fish dishes to make its flavours sing.

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Gewurztraminer
Lychee. Mango. White pepper. This is a textbook Gewurztraminer from a cooperative that helped to restore Alsace’s winemaking industry following World War II. We love this with Asian cuisine.

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz ‘Cuvée Prestige’ Pinot Gris
Pinot Gris is one of the four ‘noble’ grape varieties of Alsace – and it shines in this rich, aromatic bottling. Discover lush notes of pear and white flowers. Give it a try with everything from fresh salads to fish pie

Cave Vinicole de Hunawihr Kuhlmann-Platz 'Cuvée Prestige' Pinot Noir
Alsace may be better known for its white wines, but as this vibrant Pinot shows, its reds are not to be missed. Expect notes of cherry, strawberry and sweet spice. Its juicy character makes it ideal for charcuterie.

Domaines Schlumberger ‘Spiegel’ Pinot Gris Grand Cru
This hails from one of Alsace’s best sites for Pinot Gris. It’s richly textured, with complex notes of ripe pear and stone fruits, with a fresh, lingering acidity. Just the thing for creamy chicken or fish dishes.

Domaine Zind Humbrecht ‘Clos Jebsal’ Pinot Gris
We first introduced this bottle in Wine Club and it’s gone down a storm. The Humbrecht family use grapes from the Clos Jebsal vineyard to make a rich wine with fruity, toasty notes. This will work brilliantly with breaded fish or poultry such as scampi or Wiener schnitzel.

Trimbach Pinot Blanc
Trimbach is arguably the first name in Alsace fine wine. This is made from 50-year-old vines and aged for two years before release. It’s complex, rich and rounded with elegant stone-fruit flavours. Try it with canapes or finger food at your next dinner party.

Cave de Ribeauvillé 'Les Comtes de Ribeauvillé' Crémant d'Alsace Brut
Alsace has been producing traditional method sparkling wine since the 19th century. If you've never tried it, this racy and elegant blend of Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay will show you what you're missing. We love this with fish and chips.

Discover more great Alsace wines from Majestic here