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.
Trimbach 2000 Selection de Grains Nobles Pinot Gris
- $150
Already developing a depth of orange-gold color, this wine is maturing beautifully. It is more rich than overwhelmingly sweet, showing structure, acidity and a toasty character. A finely crafted wine, packed with intense flavors and a fresh aftertaste. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates.
— R.V.
(2/1/2006)
Leon Beyer 1998 Sélection de Grains Nobles Tokay Pinot Gris
- $60
Beyer makes a habit of holding back old vintages of SGN wines, selling them in half bottles. Even for this producer, a believer in dry Alsace wines, the sweetness of this SGN style is impossible to avoid. But the sweetness is tempered by toasty, mature fruit that shows elegance as much as richness, great acidity and botrytis. Imported by Martine’s Wines.
— R.V.
(2/1/2006)
Hugel 2005 Sélection de Grains Nobles Gewurztraminer
- $210
Full-bodied, lush and sweet, yet despite the presence of ample botrytis, the wine retains a sense of varietal character in its lychee-scented aromas. Dried apricot and pineapple flavors linger for a long time on the mouthwatering finish. Delicious now, and should age well for at least 10 years. The 2001 and 2002 vintages are also currently available, and not far…
— J.C.
(12/15/2007)
Domaine Ehrhart 2003 Grand Cru Hengst Riesling
- Editors' Choice
- $33
A standout in the impressive Ehrhart range, the nose explodes with lime and petrol. Citrus fruit is intense on the palate, interwoven with lower mineral tones that linger nicely on the long finish. A real stunner.
— W.E.
(4/1/2009)
Jean-Baptiste Adam 2006 Vendanges Tardives Gewurztraminer
- Editors' Choice
- $50
Cotton candy notes overlap with licorice and spice aromas to create a very enticing bouquet. The luxurious, concentrated palate serves up flavors of brown sugar and honey. Set aside a good amount of time to enjoy the finish.
— W.E.
(4/1/2009)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2007 Gueberschwihr Goldert Grand Cru Gewurztraminer
- Editors' Choice
- $84
The Zind-Humbrecht Goldert has everything you have a right to expect from the exotic Gewürztraminer grape: it’s packed with loads of Asian spices, dried fruit and honey flavor and it offers up intense scents of lychee and pear that jump right out of the glass. An exceptional level of concentration allows this wine to carry its 15% alcohol, though the finish is a…
— J.R.
(10/1/2010)
Domaines Schlumberger 2007 Kessler Grand Cru Riesling
- Cellar Selection
- $36
With a few years’ aging, this is beginning to show its almond and toast side. The fresh acidity is now melding beautifully into a soft, ripe texture with layers of spice and acidity. Certainly worth aging further.
— R.V.
(10/1/2010)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Clos Windsbuhl Hunawihr Pinot Gris
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $60
The Clos Windsbuhl produces an opulently rich and sweet wine, gorgeously ripe and packed with tropical fruits. It is dense and powerfully concentrated, intense and very ageworthy.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
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