Alsace, or Alsace , is one of the most famous regions in the French wine scene for the production of white wines. Located in the north-east of 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 Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin ; the latter is actually the southernmost area and also the one where viticulture is most concentrated, due to better exposure to the sun and more favorable climatic conditions.

Despite its latitude, which would make it a cold and rainy region, Alsace enjoys a rather mild and sunny climate, thanks to the protection offered to the west by the Vosges mountain range, which shelters it from strong cold westerly winds and significantly reduces rainfall. Between granite, sandy, volcanic, clay, marl and limestone sediments, almost exclusively aromatic white grapes are grown.

Alsace is the kingdom of Riesling but it is also home to Moscato Bianco and Gewürztraminer grapes. These, together with Pinot Grigio , are called noble varieties and are generally vinified in purity and offer the best expressions. To these are added other interesting non-aromatic white grape varieties such as Sylvaner, Pinot Bianco, 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 sensory profile of these wines and their quality that only in the Alsace AOC denomination is it entitled to an exclusive indication on the label , the only case among all the French denominations. But Alsatian wines are not just grapes: also fundamental is the unique combination that is created with the territory, which although very varied and diversified, everywhere confers a characteristic spiciness that takes the name of “flavour of Alsace”.

Alsatian wines are often confused with the neighboring German 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 only in steel.

The highest level of quality is achieved with the Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines, obtained from 51 locations established by the production regulations that must be specified on the label. Here, more restrictive rules apply in terms of yield and these are the areas identified among those with the 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 grapes, including exclusively Chardonnay.

Other typologies are indicated with the terms Vendange Tardive , in the case in which the harvest is postponed by a few weeks to allow the grapes to dry on the vine. And Sélection de Grains Nobles , in which only the bunches attacked by the noble rot Botrytis cinerea which takes root with difficulty are collected, released only in exceptional years. The terms Sélection, Réserve and Special Cuvée are also foreseen 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, an exuberant wine with an intense bouquet; Alsace Réserve Riesling, dry, fruity and refined; Alsace Réserve Pinot Blanc “Klevner”, rounded, fresh and delicate.

Willm , on the other hand, is a small company of only three hectares that has been producing one of the best Gewürztraminers such as the Sélection de Grains Nobles since 1856 , Gewürztraminer grapes harvested from vines that are at least 15 years old, when the bunches have been attacked by Noble Rot.

Finally, the meeting between the Humbrecht family, experts in the sector since 1600 and the Zind family has given life to another of the most representative companies of the Alsatian region since 1959, Domaine Zind Humbrecht . Among the most prized: "Clos Windsbuhl" , 100% Pinot Grigio, intense and fruity; “Clos Jebsal” Trie Spéciale Sélection de Grains Nobles, comes from a very careful selection conducted on individual Pinot Gris grapes, an expression of Alsatian excellence, with a highly complex aroma, sculpted in its fruity and spicy tones.