Alsace wines
The Alsace region is to the far East of France, on the border with Germany and is stuck between the Vosges mountains to the West and the River Rhine to the East. Travelling around the region you can get confused as to whether you are still in France or in Germany.
The main grape varieties are:
Riesling, often described as the King of Alsace wines
Gewurztraminer, a pungent, high alcohol, low acidity wine
Pinot Blanc – good for young, light, fruity wines
Sylvaner – making not very interesting wines (in my opinion)
Tokay-Pinot Gris – high acidity and alcohol and quite spicy
Pinot Noir – see Burgundy
The best wines from Alsace have the Alsace Grand Cru AC and most be made from either Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat.
Pocket Vintages Recommends
Go on, be daring and try to first pronounce and then get your lips around this giant Gewurtzraminer (ger vortz tra meener) - Phillipe Zinck 2006.
At 13% it is not for the faint-hearted, but it is such a unique taste that you really have to give it a go. Described by Majestic as having aromas of lychees, roses and cinammon spices, I am confused as your palate will be!
Which French wine vintages were the best? Click here to find out.
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