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Alsace is an official AOC appellation of Alsace, France.
Covering the French départements of Haut-Rhin to the South, and Bas-Rhin to the North, Alsace vineyards lay between Vosges mountains and the river Ill, from Mulhouse to Strasbourg, on a 100 km length and 2 to 4 km width.
edit Tasting
edit Facts and figures
- Varietals: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat are the "noble" grapes of Alsace, and the most commonly grown in the appellation. Six other varietals can be used: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc (under the local name Klevner), Malbec (Auxerrois), Pinot Noir, Chasselas (Gutedel), and Traminer.
edit A specific labelling system
Unlike other French appellations, Alsace wines can use a very detailed labelling, indicating their varietals, vineyards of origin, and production techniques.
The name Alsace can be associated with the name of the dominant varietal of the wine (see sub-appellations in the sidebar). It may mention an additional indication of origin, such as the town where its grapes were grown. Also, one of the following indications can be used, referring to specific production methods:
- Sélection de grains nobles (Selected noble grapes): when mentioned on the label, this indication refers to the exclusive use of the four "noble" varietals of Alsace: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat.
- Vendanges tardives (Late Harvest): this indication refers to a method called passerillage, where grapes are harvested late in the season when they begin to dehydrate.
edit History
edit Geography
edit Climate
edit Viticulture
edit See also
