Alsace

French name for the wine-growing region in the northeast of France, on the German border, known in German as Elsass. Alsace (or Vin d´Alsace) is also the all-encompassing appellation name fort he entire region. It applies to all AC wines produced in Alsace, with the exception of the appellations Alsace Grand Cru and Crémant d´Alsace, and may be used in a total of 110 local wine-growing areas. The AC designation consists of Alsace plus the name of the variety or style of wine, for example Alsace Riesling. The following grape varieties resp. styles of wine are permitted for this:

Auxerrois: The name will not appear on the label. However, Auxerrois is on of the varieties that may be used in the AC „Alsace Pinot”.

Chasselas or Gutedel: Available in white and rosé versions. The variety accounted for 40% of the vineyard area in the early 1960’s, today that has shrunk to 1%.

Clevner or Klevner: This is not a separate grape variety. The name is usually used to designate a Pinot wine: see there.

Edelzwicker: a blend of the so-called noble varieties, see under Edelzwicker.

Gewurztraminer: This variety (sic – spelt with a „u”) accounts for around 18% of the total vineyard area. Provided the strict regulations are adhered to, the wine may also be made as a „Vendange Tardive” (late harvest) and „Sélection de Grains Nobles” (from botrytised grapes).

Klevener de Heiligenstein: Not related to the AC Klevner (Clevner). See under Klevener de Heiligenstein.

Muscat: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is known here as Muscat d´Alsace. White and rosé versions as well as the Muskat Ottonel grape are permitted. Provided the strict regulations are adhered to, the wine may also be made as a „Vendange Tardive” (late harvest) and „Sélection de Grains Nobles” (from botrytised grapes).

Pinot: This does not refer to a single specific grape variety, but encompasses Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir (made as a white wine) and Auxerrois. In most cases, the wine will be a blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois. These two varieties together account for 21% of the vineyard area. However, there are also some straight varietal version (except from Pinot Gris, which has ist own AC). The alternative designations „Clevner” oer „Klevner” may also be used.

Pinot Gris: the previous designation Tokay-Pinot Gris has been prohibited since 1993. The variety accounts for 10% of the vineyard area, and this is increasing. Provided the strict regulations are adhered to, the wine may also be made as a „Vendange Tardive” (late harvest) and „Sélection de Grains Nobles” (from botrytised grapes).

Pinot Noir: The only red grape variety permitted. It accounts for 9% of the vineyard area. Most of this used to be turned into rosé wines, but an increasing proportion of red wine is now being produced.

Riesling: The most widely planted variety, at 23% of the vineyard area. Provided the strict regulations are adhered to, the wine may also be made as a „Vendange Tardive” (late harvest) and „Sélection de Grains Nobles” (from botrytised grapes).

Sylvaner: usually spelled with a „y”, as in Germany.