Alsace: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''Alsace''' (/ælˈsæs/; French: [alzas]) is a wine region in north-eastern France, situated along the Rhine River between the Vosges Mountains and the German border. It is distinguished by its aromatic white wines, unique history of alternating French and German influence, and a complex patchwork of soils that contribute to highly varied styles.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 21.</ref> == H..." |
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White varieties dominate production. [[Riesling]], [[Gewürztraminer]], [[Pinot Gris]], and [[Muscat]] are considered the four noble grapes of Alsace.<ref>Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace (CIVA), “Vins d’Alsace”, vinsalsace.com. (French original)</ref> Wines are typically varietal and labelled by grape, a practice more common in Germany than in France. [[Pinot Noir]] is the only permitted red grape, producing light [[red wine|reds]] and [[rosé wine|rosés]], though warmer [[vintage|vintages]] and changing consumer tastes have led to deeper styles. | White varieties dominate production. [[Riesling]], [[Gewürztraminer]], [[Pinot Gris]], and [[Muscat]] are considered the four noble grapes of Alsace.<ref>Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace (CIVA), “Vins d’Alsace”, vinsalsace.com. (French original)</ref> Wines are typically varietal and labelled by grape, a practice more common in Germany than in France. [[Pinot Noir]] is the only permitted red grape, producing light [[red wine|reds]] and [[rosé wine|rosés]], though warmer [[vintage|vintages]] and changing consumer tastes have led to deeper styles. | ||
In addition to dry table wines, Alsace is known for late-harvest styles: Vendanges Tardives (VT) and Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN), which are made from grapes affected by botrytis or left to overripen.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 22.</ref> [[Crémant d’Alsace]], a traditional-method sparkling wine, has become a significant category, accounting for around one quarter of the region’s output. | In addition to dry table wines, Alsace is known for late-harvest styles: [[Vendanges Tardives (VT)]] and [[Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)]], which are made from grapes affected by botrytis or left to overripen.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 22.</ref> [[Crémant d’Alsace]], a traditional-method sparkling wine, has become a significant category, accounting for around one quarter of the region’s output. | ||
== Appellations and regulation == | == Appellations and regulation == | ||