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 Huebuhl White
- Editors' Choice
- $47
A wine packed with noble rot, giving richness rather than sweetness. An intoxicating blend of smokiness and almonds mixes with flavors of citrus zest and toast in this complex, concentrated wine. From the tiny Huebuhl vineyard in Bergheim. Impressive. Imported by Lauber Imports.
— R.V.
(4/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2002 Grand Cru Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Pinot Gris
- $102
This is a wonderful wine, which comes from the vineyard in the south of Alsace that the Humbrechts brought back from obscurity. It has both intensity and also great elegance. It has flavors of currants, layers of orange zest and some fresh acidity. But it also has spice which lies gently with the fruit flavors. The taste just goes on forever.
— R.V.
(4/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2002 Grand Cru Heimbourg Turckheim Vendange Tardive Gewurztraminer
- $86
It may be vendange tardive, but the sweetness is the least of this wine’s qualities. It is more to do with how it relates to the terroir of the Heimbourg vineyard, with its mineral character, and its fine structure and texture. The fruit is still young, and would benefit from 5–10 years aging.
— R.V.
(4/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2001 Clos Jebsal Séléction des Grains Nobles Pinot Gris
- Editors' Choice
- $214
Smoky aromas followed by the explosion of sweet fruits, with flavors of ripe oranges, of wild flower honey and acidity. This is gorgeous now, but its sweetness should be tamed with aging. A fantastic wine.
— R.V.
(4/1/2005)
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht 2009 Clos Saint Urbain Rangen de Thann Grand Cru Riesling
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
- $104
The ultrasteep Rangen de Thann vineyard was rediscovered by Léonard Humbrecht and now is one of the top vineyard sites in Alsace. This impressive, elegant Riesling wears its ripeness easily, a streak of bright acidity with intense citrus character. It’s ready to age for 5–6 years and surely many more.
— R.V.
(12/1/2011)
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