Translation missing: en.Alsace: The Region and it's Producers: Alsace: The Region and it's Producers
The Region
Alsace is a unique French wine region often over shadowed by it's neighbours Burgundy and Champagne. Alsace is famed for producing very aromatic, floral and spicy white wines from its alpine slopes.
Alsace is quite unlike any other wine region in France, it is a amalgamation of both French and German cultures. For centuries the picturesque region was caught in a tug-o-war between the two countries and the German influence is still evident today. The Germanic traditions that are still in place include the flute bottle, varietal labelling and of course the use of the iconic German grape, Riesling.
Alsace is located in North Eastern France, along the border of Germany. It is the driest wine growing region in France and enjoys a continental climate with considerable seasonal and diurnal temperature swings. These cool nights help to preserve the grape's natural acidity, keeping the wine both fresh and vibrant on the palate.
The Vosges Mountains are an iconic part of Alsace's terroir, without them the wines would not be what they are today. The mountain range protects the grapes from the Atlantic influences and are tall enough to block rain laden clouds pushed by the westerly winds. The vineyards are planted effectively in the mountain's rain shadow. The majority of vineyards are planted on the Vosges foothills at altitudes ranging between 200-500 meters with the vines facing south and south-east, in order to capture optimal sunlight and maximum warmth.
The varieties planted in Alsace are unique to the region within France. Yes, they have spread their "seed" to the far reaches of the globe, but they are very much at home here. According to French Wine Law Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewurztraminer are the regions "noble varieties". Yet, unbeknown to most, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Slyvaner are still traditional to the region. Wine produced in the region is primarily white and based upon a single varietal.
The Producers
Mader (Biodynamic) - View Products
It's beyond belief that a domaine this small can produce such high quality wine at unbelievably affordable prices. Jean-Luc Mader's 9 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards are based around the town of Hunawihr, with some additional fruit coming from the very famous Grand Cru Rosacker and Schlossberg vineyards. Everything from Mader is produced in small batches, low yields and worked by hand to ensure the utmost quality in all the wines.
Trimbach (Organic) - View Products
When it comes to Alsace there is no other name more synonymous than Trimbach. With viticultural origins dating back to 1626, their success and quality of holdings is no surprise. The organically farmed vineyards are based around the renowned townships of Ribeauville and Hunawihr. The Trimbach wines have a certain presence to them. Rich but not viscous, fruit-driven yet not sweet and delicate rather than heavy footed. They really are a benchmark for producers around the world of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer.
Kientzler - View Products
We're excited! This is a new producer for us and we love showing you these cool little finds. Andre Kientzler is yet another small producer in our range from Alsace, but what separates him from the rest is the location of his vineyards. Kientzler is located in the heart of the Grand Cru terroirs - Giesberg, Osterberg and Kirchberg - where aspect and exposure, soil type and elevation are in perfect harmony to ripen its fruits in this alpine region of France. As a result these are wines reflect class and finesse.