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.
Domaine Marcel Deiss 2000 Engelgarten Riesling
- $46
The Bergheim Engelgarten “Angel’s garden” vineyard has fine, gravelly soil, ideally suited for Riesling. You can taste the minerality in this rich, steely wine. It’s so fresh and so intense. Delicious flavors of white currants and acidity give it a lift. Imported by New Castle Imports.
— R.V.
(11/1/2005)
René Muré 2002 Clos Saint Landelin Vorbourg Grand Cru Riesling
- Cellar Selection
- $50
Within the grand cru vineyard of Vorbourg is this 54-acre vineyard, owned by René Muré. This is one of the great Rieslings of Alsace. It’s elegant and layered with huge, ripe peaches and apricots, along with toast and caramel. It should age well over the next 10 years or more. Imported by Robert Kacher Imports. more.
— R.V.
(11/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2002 Grand Cru Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Riesling
- $103
With its tiny chapel, the Clos Saint Urbain is one of the great Alsace landmarks. On possibly the steepest vineyard in the region, the Humbrechts are able to make some of the greatest wines. It may be labeled Riesling, but the spiciness of this wine makes it almost like a Pinot Gris. It is so hugely rich that it is easy to lose track of its dryness and its fine…
— R.V.
(11/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2002 Clos Windsbuhl Hunawihr Vendange Tardive Pinot Gris
- $68
A huge, opulent wine that oozes botrytis flavors, yet is not overtly sweet; it’s a fine package of richness, dryness and sweetness. Balancing acidity shows through on the fresh finish.
— R.V.
(4/1/2005)
Domaines Schlumberger 2002 Grand Cru Kitterlé Pinot Gris
- $44
A beautiful wine, balancing acidity, spice and fresh peach flavors with structure and ageability. This brings out all the characters of great Pinot Gris, elegance and power combining in harmony. Imported by Maisons Marques & Domaines USA.
— R.V.
(2/1/2006)
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