Alsace

Alsace, or Alsace , is in the French wine scene one of the most famous regions for the production of white wines. Located in north-eastern France, it consists of a narrow belt of land that extends along the western bank of the Rhine, on the border with Germany. The wine region is divided between the departments of the Lower Rhine and the Upper Rhine ; the latter is counterintuitively the southernmost area and also the one where viticulture is more concentrated, due to better sun exposure and more favorable climatic conditions.

In spite of its latitude that a cold and rainy region would like it, Alsace enjoys a rather mild and sunny climate, thanks to the protection offered to the west by the chain of the Vosges mountains which shelters it from strong cold western winds and significantly reduces rainfall . Between granite, sandy, volcanic, clayey, marly and limestone sediments, aromatic white berried grapes are grown almost exclusively.

Alsace is the kingdom of Riesling but it also hosts Moscato Bianco and Gewürztraminer grapes. These, together with Pinot Grigio , take the name of noble varieties and are those generally vinified in purity and which offer the best expressions. To these are added other interesting non-aromatic white berried varieties such as Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Klevner, Auxerrois, Chardonnay and a small percentage of black grapes of the Pinot Noir and Gamay varieties.

The role of the grape is so crucial in defining the sensorial profile of these wines and their quality that only in the proper denomination Alsace AOC is entitled to an exclusive indication on the label , the only case among all the French denominations. But Alsatian wines are not only grapes: the unique combination that is created with the territory is also fundamental, which although it is very varied and diversified, gives everywhere a characteristic spiciness that takes the name of "Alsace flavor".

Alsatian wines are often confused with German neighboring ones but unlike the latter they are dry and aromatic wines , much more full-bodied. Their fermentation is completed without leaving residual sugars and the fruity and floral olfactory components are preserved by vinifying in steel only.

The highest quality level is reached with the Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines , obtained from 51 locations established by the production specification which must be specified on the label. Here there are more restrictive rules in terms of yield and they are the areas identified among those of greatest vocation.

The other regional denomination, Crémant d'Alsace AOC , refers exclusively to the delicate and lively classic method sparkling wine produced with blended white berried grapes, including chardonnay exclusively.

Other types are indicated with the terms Vendange Tardive , in the event that the harvest is postponed for a few weeks to allow for drying on the plant. And Sélection de Grains Nobles , in which only the bunches attacked by the noble mold Botrytis cinerea which takes root with difficulty, are released, released only in exceptional vintages. Sélection, Réserve and Special Cuvée mentions are also provided for wines obtained from particular selections or of superior quality.

Among the most exemplary producers of this land we certainly remember Hunawihr , a cooperative winery located north of Colmar, in Alsace, and owner of ancient vineyards dating back to 1123 . The protagonists of this company are: Alsace Réserve AOC Gewürztraminer, exuberant wine with an intense bouquet; Alsace Réserve Riesling, dry, fruity and refined; Alsace Réserve Pinot Blanc "Klevner", round, fresh and delicate.

Willm is instead a small company of only three hectares that since 1856 produces one of the best Gewürztraminer such as the Sélection de Grains Nobles (92 pt Wine Enthusiast) , Gewürztraminer grapes harvested from vines of at least 15 years old, when the clusters were attacked by the Noble Mold .

Finally, the meeting between the Humbrecht family, experts in the sector since 1600 and the Zind family gave birth to another of the most representative companies in the Alsatian region since 1959, Domaine Zind Humbrecht . Among the most prized: "Clos Windsbuhl" , awarded in the 2010 vintage with 99 pt. Wine Spectator , 100% Pinot Grigio, intense and fruity; “Clos Jebsal” Trie Spéciale Sélection de Grains Nobles (98 pt. Wine Spectator) , comes from a very careful selection carried out on individual Pinot Gris grapes, an expression of Alsatian excellence, with a very complex perfume, sculpted in its fruity and spicy tones.