Alsace
Alsace sits in a rain shadow beneath the Vosges, producing intensely aromatic dry whites and rich late-harvest sweets in some of Europe's most beautiful villages.
Fast facts
At a glance
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Climate | Cool, semi-continental, dry |
| Geography | Foothills of the Vosges on France's eastern border |
| Key appellations | Alsace Grand Cru · Riesling Hengst · Gewürztraminer |
| Main grapes | Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat |
| Famous for | Aromatic whites, Grand Cru whites, Christmas markets |
Grapes
Signature grapes of Alsace
The varieties that define this region's wines.
Riesling
Riesling is one of the world's greatest white grapes — aromatic, intensely acidic, and profoundly age-worthy. …
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is one of the most aromatic and distinctive white grapes, famed for its intense, perfumed chara…
Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris
Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris in French) produces two very different styles. Italian Pinot Grigio is light-bodied, …
Muscat
Muscat is one of the oldest and most fragrant grape families, recognisable by its distinctive grapey, perfumed…
Nearby
Related regions
Explore neighbouring wine areas.
Wine travel
Visiting Alsace
The Route des Vins d'Alsace strings together half-timbered villages from Marlenheim to Thann.
FR Explore all of France
Country-wide wine guide with regions, grapes, classification and food culture.