Wine-producing region special feature "Alsace"

About Alsace wine

The Alsace region is located in the northeast of France, close to the border with Germany.

Located in the north of France, many of the grape varieties grown there are similar to those grown in Germany (such as Riesling) , and over 90% of the wine produced is white . Among these, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris are known as "noble varieties" and are extremely popular.

Another characteristic of Alsace is that all wines, except for sparkling wine, are served in long, thin flute bottles .

Although it is not as well known as Burgundy or Bordeaux, Alsace wines are intuitively delicious , making it a recommended wine producing region for both advanced wine drinkers and beginners.

Why not take this opportunity to experience the transparent and beautiful world of Alsace wine?

• Alsace wine highlights
• Mavi's Alsace wine producers
• Enjoy Alsace wine and gourmet food
• Recommended Alsace wines and beers

Alsace wine highlights

1. History with Germany

Alsace has a history of alternating between France and Germany due to wars, and its food and wine culture still retains a strong German influence.

2. Vosges Mountains and Climate

Alsace has little rainfall thanks to the Vosges Mountains behind it, and a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making it ideal for growing grapes.

3. Alsace varieties

Over 90% of the wine produced in Alsace is white , including noble varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris.

4. Sparkling wine from Alsace

25% of the wine produced in Alsace is traditional Crémant , making it the second largest sparkling wine producing region in France after Champagne.

5. Alsace AOC

The AOCs in Alsace include "AOC Alsace", "AOC Alsace Grand Cru", "AOC Crémant d'Alsace" , and special designations such as "Vendanges Tardives" and "Sélection de Grands Nobles" .

• 1. History with Germany
• 2. Vosges Mountains and cool climate
• 3. Alsace varieties
• 4. Sparkling wine from Alsace
• 5. Alsace AOC

1. A history with deep ties to Germany

Located near the border with Germany, Alsace has a long history of alternating between France and Germany, and its food and wine culture are strongly influenced by Germany . Many of the grape varieties grown there are the same as those grown in Germany (such as Riesling), and beer is also popular. As for food, hearty dishes using pork and potatoes are often eaten.

2. Vosges Mountains and Climate

Located in northeastern France, the Alsace region has a relatively cool climate , and the grapes mature slowly, resulting in wines with a beautiful acidity. The Vosges Mountains act as a barrier, blocking rain clouds from the west, resulting in low precipitation throughout the year and a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters . The lack of rain reduces the risk of mold, and the temperature difference is ideal for growing grapes.

Due to its climate being ideal for grape cultivation and the influence of the philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who was active in Austria and Germany, Alsace is a region where organic and natural wines are often produced .

3. Alsace grape varieties

More than 90% of the wine produced in Alsace is white wine . White wines include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Sylvaner , while a small amount of red wine is produced, such as Pinot Noir .

The focus is on mono-varietal (single-varietal) wines , but Edelzwicker and Gentil are blends of multiple varieties .

4. Sparkling wine from Alsace

25% of the wine produced in Alsace is traditional Crémant, which is made using the same method of secondary fermentation in the bottle as Champagne, and is characterized by its rich flavor while being more affordable than Champagne.

5. AOCs and special notations in Alsace

The AOCs in Alsace include "AOC Alsace", "AOC Alsace Grand Cru", "AOC Crémant d'Alsace" , and special designations such as "Vendanges Tardives" and "Sélection de Grands Nobles" .

■AOC Alsace

It is brewed from a single variety and is labeled with the name (e.g. Alsace Riesling). The characteristics of the variety are well expressed and you can enjoy a delicate taste . Edelzwicker (white) and Gentil (white) are blends of multiple varieties.

■AOC Alsace Grand Cru

Basically, only four noble varieties, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer, can be used for Grand Cru (with some exceptions). They are produced in 51 Grand Cru districts called "Lewu-dit". The names are German, such as Spiegel and Schclossberg.

■AOC Crémant d'Alsace

Sparkling wine made using the Champagne method with secondary fermentation in the bottle . It is made primarily from Pinot Blanc, but also Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Auxerrois and Chardonnay.

□ Special notation: Vendanges Tardives

Vendange Tardive means "late harvest" . It is given to AOC Alsace and AOC Alsace Grand Cru, which are noble varieties that meet very strict standards. Overripe fruit is hand-picked several weeks later than normal AOCs. The fruit is concentrated and noble rot develops, resulting in a sweet, high-quality dessert wine with a unique flavor that expresses the characteristics of the variety .

□ Special notation: Selection de Grains Nobles

It is given to AOC Alsace and AOC Alsace Grand Cru, which are made from noble varieties that meet very strict standards. It is made only from fruit infected with noble rot, and produces a unique flavor, powerful, complex, and long-lasting noble rot wine . It is a high-class sweet dessert wine.

AOC Quick Reference

AOC Alsace

Gewurztraminer White	Gewurz, meaning "spice", has a noble scent of rose and lychee.
Riesling White	A perfect example of a dry Riesling. Also great with dinner.
Pinot Gris White	A gorgeous aroma and a mellow peach-like aftertaste.
Muscat White	The fresh and beautiful aroma of Muscat is impressive.
Edelzwicker White	A blend of popular varieties. A recommended bottle that allows you to enjoy the charm of Alsace wine at an affordable price.
Pinot Noir Red	The only red wine in Mavi's Alsace range. Delicate and light.

AOC Alsace Grand Cru

Alsace Grand Cru Riesling Spiegel White	A special wine that combines elegance and power. Perfect with pork main dishes.

AOC Crémant d'Alsace

Crémant d'Alsace Rose Sparkling	The most gorgeous rosé sparkling wine. You'll be enchanted by its fruitiness and beautiful color.
Cremant d'Alsace Sparkling	A beautiful dry sparkling wine with plenty of bubbles.
Cremant d'Alsace Sparkling 375ml [Half Bottle]	Half size for easy enjoyment.
Cremant d'Alsace Blanc de Noir Sparkling	A sparkling white (blanc) wine made from black (noir) grapes used for red wine.

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Mavi's Alsace wine producers

The Meyer family/Alsace, France

Domaine Eugene Meyer

Domaine Eugène Meyer is a family-run wine farm that has been handed down from parent to child since its founding in 1620. It is located in the village of Bergholtz, in the south of Alsace.

The previous owner, Mr. Meyer, once adopted chemical farming after the war, but after a serious experience in which he suffered optic nerve paralysis due to pesticide poisoning, he switched to organic farming in 1969. He decided to cultivate his fields using biodynamic farming , which was considered heretical among organic farming methods at the time. Biodynamic farming is based on the philosophy of natural living advocated by Rudolf Steiner, an Austrian thinker known for Steiner education . It promotes soil revitalization and restores the natural balance that had been disturbed. In this way, it was possible to remove all synthetic chemicals by fertilizing the soil while increasing the resistance of the vines and protecting them from disease, and in April 1980, he obtained the French Demeter certification at the same time as it was established . He is, so to speak, a native of the family. Also, since 1991, he has been inspected and certified by ECOCERT in accordance with the EU organic standards.

His son, François, is now head of the family and has taken over the domaine.

The Meyer family produces seven Alsace AOC varietals: Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Muscat d'Alsace, Tokay Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir. The wines are generally excellent and crisp. Some of the vineyards are Grand Cru rated, and they produce small quantities of very powerful yet refined wines.

>>Go to the list of Meyer family wines

Alsace beer producers in Mavi

The Blessing family/Alsace, France

Brasserie Blessing

Located near the border with Germany, Alsace is also a thriving beer producer. The Blessing family is a brewery run by three parents and children in a small village at the foot of the Vosges Mountains. The husband-and-wife team, Thomas, a former biotechnology researcher, and Nathalie, a former architect , are particular about using local Alsace ingredients and finish their beer with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The quality of their beer is so excellent that just two years after they first released their beer on the market in 2014, they won a gold medal and a silver medal at the 2016 Paris Agricultural Competition. They have continued to win awards every year since, and in 2019, they were awarded the top prize, the Prix d'Excellence, for their achievements to date.

Since the company's founding , they have been committed to using locally sourced and organic ingredients, and the water they use to brew their beer is natural water from the Northern Vosges Mountains . They only use barley (wheat), hops, water, and yeast to make their beer, which is roasted and brewed to create a complex flavor . Blessing's organic craft beer should be served at the same temperature as white wine (10℃ to 14℃) without being too chilled, to enjoy its deep flavor.

>> Blessing family wine list

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Enjoy Alsace wine and gourmet food

Alsace is also known as a gourmet region, and people are known for eating and drinking a lot. ( → Go to "Column: The Charm of Alsace" )

The Alsace region is close to Germany, and so the food culture there is similar to that of Germany . In addition to processed pork products such as ham and sausages , many local dishes also use pork, and stews such as choucroute and beckoffe are also popular. Tarte flambée , a thin crust pizza that is easy to enjoy, is also famous.

Desserts include kougelhopf, made in a distinctive shape, and vacherin , a combination of vanilla ice cream and meringue.

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Recommended Alsace wines

Alsace wine list

Recommended popular wines

• The classic dry Riesling

  
  

• Immerse yourself in the gorgeous aftertaste

  
  

• For those who seek elegance and delicacy

  
  

• Gorgeous white like perfume

  
  

• A bold white with a luxurious feel

  
  

• The noble taste of champagne

  
  

• The best of five grape varieties

  
  

• A gorgeous piece

  
  

• Can be consumed by one or two people

  
  

• Sparkling with a sweet aroma

  
  

Recommended Alsace beer

• A gorgeous and oily balance

  

  1. Blonde

  

• A slightly strong drink with rich flavor and bitterness

  

  2. Amber

  

• A light, bitter and fruity drink

  

  3. White

  

• A dry and powerful bottle with floral and fruity aromas.

  

  4.IPA

  

• A rich, dark coffee with a strong roasted aroma.

  

  5. Stout

  

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