This is a region in which wine cultivation has been going on for centuries which reached its peak in the 16th century. It was disrupted by the Thirty Years' war which devasted the region and it only started to recover only after the First World War when the focus was getting the best quality wines.
In this region, the main focus of the grape varieties are Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat D'Alsace, Piont Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. Among all the grape varieties, only the pinot noir is made as a red wine. The rest are all whites. Hence Alsace is a region famous for the quality of their white wines. Two of the most famous grape varietals from that region would be Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
During the tasting, I managed to try quite a few different style of Riesling from Alsace. There is quite a different taste between the Alsace Riesling and the Riesling from Germany. The Riesling from Alsace are more of a drier style with a refined and delicate fruitness. Some of which also have mineral notes. Personally I prefer the German Riesling as it is not so dry and like the sweetness of the German Riesling especially the Spatlese.
However the Alsace Gewurztraminer is something which I enjoyed. It has a full body with a very rich bouquet of sweet fruits,flowers and spice. It is also full of flavour and totally enjoyable.
I also managed to try a bit of the Pinot Blanc. It is a dry style white as well which is well rounded and delicate. The one which I tried did not have a long finish. There is a good acidity and will go well with seafood.
It was really an eye opening experience and really let me know more about Riesling as have always tried German Riesling and thought Riesling in general is of the sweeter variety. I also was surprised about the Alsace Gewurztraminer.
The below is a photo of a bottle of Riesling from Alsace. The design of the bottle is always this elegant shape.
Photo from Wine foot
