Encyclopedia · France · moderate climate
Alsace.
3 grapes we teach are grown in Alsace.
Gewürztraminer
Climate
Rain shadow of Vosges Mountains. Warm, dry, and sunny. Grand Cru volcanic and limestone sites.
Style
Usually dry to off-dry. No MLF. High extract, phenolic bitterness on finish. Oily, viscous texture.
Tell
Rose petal and lychee, ginger spice, oily texture, phenolic bitterness, low acid
Pinot Gris
Climate
Rain shadow of Vosges. Warm and dry. Grand Cru sites add volcanic or limestone complexity.
Style
Dry to off-dry depending on producer and vintage. Fuller body than most whites. No MLF. High extract.
Tell
Stone fruit and spice, smoke and lard, oily texture, off-dry richness, phenolic weight
Riesling
Climate
Rain shadow of Vosges Mountains. Warm, dry, sunny. Driest wine region in France.
Style
Usually dry to off-dry. Fuller body than German counterparts. High extract and phenolic weight.
Tell
Rich apple and peach, phenolic weight and extract, fuller body, dry to slightly off-dry