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Alsace

France

About Alsace

France's Germanic wine region, sheltered by the Vosges Mountains, producing aromatic white wines of exceptional purity. Riesling reigns as the noble grape, achieving a dry, mineral style distinct from German counterparts. Gewurztraminer offers exotic lychee and rose petal aromas, while Pinot Gris delivers rich, honeyed complexity. The 51 Grand Cru vineyards showcase diverse terroirs from granite to limestone. Late-harvest Vendange Tardive and botrytized Sélection de Grains Nobles represent some of the world's finest dessert wines. The region's unique position—French in culture, Germanic in grape varieties—creates wines found nowhere else.

Vintage Ratings

Rating:
5
4
3
2
1
PeakReadyHold
Year20242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990
White

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Outstanding Alsace Vintages

The best recent vintages rated excellent or exceptional.

White

2023

Almost ready
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with ideal conditions. Perfect balance across all varieties.

2027Peak 2033–20472053

2022

Ready
Excellent

Excellent vintage despite summer heat. Best sites maintained freshness.

2026Peak 2031–20412046

2021

Ready
Excellent

Classic cool-climate vintage. Racy acidity and pure aromatics.

2025Peak 2030–20402045

2020

Ready
Exceptional

Superb vintage combining richness with freshness. Profound Rieslings and exceptional Gewurztraminers.

2026Peak 2032–20462052

2019

Ready
Excellent

Very good vintage with ripe, generous character. Gewurztraminer particularly successful.

2024Peak 2029–20402046

2018

Ready
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with exceptional ripeness and balance. One of the finest in recent memory.

2024Peak 2030–20442050

2017

Ready
Excellent

Excellent vintage with classical character. Fresh acidity and pure fruit expression.

2023Peak 2028–20382043

2016

Ready
Excellent

Very good vintage with elegant, balanced wines. Grand Cru Rieslings particularly fine.

2022Peak 2028–20392044

2015

Ready
Exceptional

Superb vintage with ripe, opulent character. Exceptional across all varieties.

2023Peak 2029–20442050

2014

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with classic Alsace character. Fresh acidity and aromatic precision.

2020Peak 2026–20362042

2012

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with excellent concentration. Balanced wines with aging potential.

2018Peak 2024–20352040

2011

At peak
Excellent

Excellent vintage with ripe, generous character. Drinking well with years ahead.

2017Peak 2023–20342039

2010

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with classic proportions. Exceptional Rieslings with decades ahead.

2018Peak 2026–20422048

2009

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with opulent style. Ripe and harmonious.

2016Peak 2022–20332038

2008

At peak
Excellent

Excellent vintage with classical character. Racy acidity and fine minerality.

2015Peak 2022–20352040

2007

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage with profound depth. Exceptional Rieslings and Pinot Gris.

2015Peak 2023–20402047

2005

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with excellent structure. Rieslings still developing beautifully.

2013Peak 2020–20342040

2004

At peak
Excellent

Excellent vintage with classical proportions. Drinking well with years ahead.

2012Peak 2019–20302036

2002

At peak
Excellent

Very good vintage with classic character. Balanced wines still holding.

2010Peak 2017–20282034

2001

At peak
Exceptional

Outstanding vintage of exceptional quality. Profound Rieslings still improving.

2011Peak 2020–20382045

Subregions & Appellations

Regional Appellations

Crémant d'Alsace

Sparkling wines made in the traditional method from Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, or Chardonnay. Produced across the entire region.

Alsace AOC

The regional appellation covering all still wines from Alsace, typically single-varietal bottlings labeled by grape.

Terroir & Character

Climate

sunnydrywarm summerssemi-continentallong growing seasonsheltered

Semi-continental with the Vosges Mountains providing crucial protection from Atlantic weather systems, creating one of France's sunniest and driest wine regions with long, warm growing seasons perfect for aromatic development.

Terroir

diverse soilsschistgraniteclaylimestone

Incredibly diverse soils ranging from granite and schist in the mountains to limestone, clay, and volcanic deposits in the foothills, with each of the 51 Grand Cru sites offering distinct geological signatures that create uniquely expressive wines.

Typical Aromas

white flowerslycheepetrollime zesthoneysucklewet slate
Explore the aroma wheel

Classification System

Alsace identifies its best vineyard sites as Grands Crus, each with defined boundaries and permitted grape varieties.

Grand Cru

51 designated vineyard sites

Lieu-dit

Named vineyard plots, a step below Grand Cru

Alsace AOC

Regional appellation

Grapes of Alsace

Gewürztraminer

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lycheerose petalpeachapricot

One of the most distinctive aromatic white grapes. Easily recognised by its intense lychee and rose character. Low acidity makes it feel rich and heady.

Pinot Gris

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemonpeachmangobanana

Rich, spicy; can be dry to sweet

Riesling

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelimelemonwhite peach

Dry to very sweet; rich and concentrated

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Alsace wine special?▼
Alsace is France's most Germanic wine region, sheltered by the Vosges Mountains which creates a unique microclimate. The wines achieve exceptional purity and aromatic intensity, with Riesling producing a distinctly dry, mineral style that's different from German versions. The region's focus on single varietals and terroir expression makes these some of France's most distinctive whites.
What are the best Alsace vintages?▼
2023 and 2020 are outstanding 5-star vintages with perfect balance and ideal conditions. 2022, 2021, and 2019 are all excellent 4-star years - 2021 was a classic cool-climate vintage with racy acidity, while 2019 produced particularly successful Gewürztraminer. These recent vintages show Alsace is on a remarkable quality streak.
What grapes are grown in Alsace?▼
The key grapes are Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Gewürztraminer. Riesling is considered the noble grape of the region, producing dry, mineral-driven wines. Gewürztraminer offers exotic lychee and rose petal aromas, while Pinot Gris delivers rich, full-bodied wines with excellent aging potential.
Is 2023 a good year for Alsace?▼
2023 is an outstanding vintage for Alsace - rated 5 out of 5 stars with ideal growing conditions. The vintage achieved perfect balance across all varieties, making it one of the best recent years. You can expect exceptional quality and aging potential from 2023 Alsace wines.
When should I drink Alsace 2023?▼
Given that 2023 is an outstanding vintage with perfect balance, you can enjoy these wines now for their fresh aromatics, but they'll reward cellaring. Most Alsace wines from great vintages like this can age beautifully for 10-15 years, developing more complexity while maintaining their signature purity. I'd suggest drinking some young and saving some for 5-10 years.
What food pairs well with Alsace wines?▼
Alsace wines are incredibly food-friendly - Riesling pairs beautifully with seafood, pork, and Asian cuisine. Gewürztraminer is fantastic with spicy dishes, foie gras, and strong cheeses like Munster. Pinot Gris works wonderfully with rich poultry dishes, mushrooms, and cream-based sauces - the region's Germanic influence makes these wines perfect for hearty, flavorful cuisine.
How does Alsace compare to German Riesling regions?▼
Alsace Riesling is distinctly drier and more mineral-driven compared to German styles, which tend to have more residual sugar and lighter body. The Vosges Mountains create a warmer, more continental climate than most German regions, resulting in riper, more powerful wines. While German Rieslings often emphasize delicate fruit and acidity, Alsace focuses on terroir expression and food compatibility.

Map data: INAO