Alsatian Wines
The Alsace wine region is virtually unique in France in that producers are allowed to put the grape variety on the label of their appellation contrôlée wines. It is also unique in that the grapes are both German and French: Riesling and Gewürztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. These are not light wines, but they have a combination of fruitiness and richness quite different from the German models just across the Rhine. Although primarily dry, some are sweet, so consult individual Alsace wine reviews to see in which style each wine is made. Our Alsace wine guide contains hundreds of Alsace wine ratings.
Jean-Baptiste Adam 2005 Sélection de Grains Nobles Gewurztraminer
- Editors' Choice
- Online Exclusive
- $90
With its distinctive bouquet of rose petals and lychee fruit, this dessert wine’s Gewürztraminer character shines clearly through a modest veil of botrytis. It’s sweet and viscous without being overly heavy, with a long, spice-driven finish. Tremendous stuff, with a wonderful sense of harmony and balance.
— J.C.
(12/15/2008)
René Muré 2004 Clos St Landelin Vorbourg Grand Cru Pinot Gris
- $61
Stunning aromas of orange, clove and gingerbread follow through to a dense palate with intriguing notes of white chocolate and honey. The high level of sweetness is effectively countered by bright acidity. Serve with a mousse of foie gras.
— W.E.
(4/1/2009)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2007 Turckheim Brand Vielles Vignes Grand Cru Riesling
- $106
A real stunner; a full-bodied, ripe, luxurious expression of Riesling. There’s opulent fruit here and sweetness but the impression in the mouth is dry and steely due to a laser-like undercurrent of acidity. Flavors run to petroleum and candied lemon peel, brightened up by a light cinnamon note. Long, long, long finish of applejack, butter and cream. Will benefit…
— J.R.
(10/1/2010)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2007 Wintzenheim Clos Häuserer Riesling
- $60
An astounding wine, the 2007 Zind Humbrecht Clos Häuserer Riesling opens with a tightly wound bouquet of petrol, gardenias and lemon skin while the dry palate is packed with dense dried fruit and pear flavor. Long, long gardenia-scented finish. Despite all the concentration, it’s quite light on its feet and would pair well with Japanese cuisine. Can be drunk now…
— J.R.
(10/1/2010)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Turckheim Clos Jebsal Vendanges Tardive Pinot Gris
- Online Exclusive
Initially, the acidity shoots through this wine. Then it reveals equally intense honey and spice flavors. The wine is complex, with yellow fruits laced with nutmeg and finished with a tender, crisp aftertaste. It is never too sweet, a beautifully balanced wine in which all the elements play their part.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Grand Cru Pinot Gris
- Online Exclusive
- $74
This ultrarich, opulent wine has such purity of fruit. With its pepper and spice flavors layered over mango and ripe nectarine, it is a straight line of pure flavor, rich and complex.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Grand Cru Gewurztraminer
- Cellar Selection
- $84
Hints of smokiness combine with a perfumed character in this wonderful wine. It has richness, with lychee and spice flavors, while adding the extra complexity of a touch of toast and green tea. Wonderful now, but will age for five years and more.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Brand Grand Cru Riesling
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $85
). With the most wonderful Riesling aromas, this is an impressive and powerful statement of the combination of rich fruit and steeliness that marks Riesling in 2009. There is great intensity of white currants, ripe pears, shot through with lime and nectarines. Age for 3–5 years.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
Most Reviewed Sub Regions
Most Reviewed Varietals
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2010 Pence Ranch Westslope
This is sourced from the winery's steepest and most wind-exposed blocks…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity