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Alsace Bas-Rhin

Alsace

ColmarStrasbourgAlsace Bas-RhinAlsace Bas-Rhin

Alsace appellations

The northern stretch of Alsace’s vineyards, from Marlenheim to Dambach-la-Ville. The Bas-Rhin is home to 14 Grand Crus planted on a mix of limestone, sandstone, and granite slopes. Producers here tend toward a leaner, more mineral style, with excellent Riesling from sites like Kirchberg de Barr and Kastelberg.

The wines of Alsace Bas-Rhin are made primarily from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris.

174–349 m

Elevation range

whitedessert

Wine styles

14 Grand Crus

Avg. slope 10.1°

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the south Alsace Haut-Rhin

Add Alsace Bas-Rhin to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

The northern position creates a slightly cooler, more continental climate than the Haut-Rhin, with greater diurnal temperature variation that preserves acidity while extending the growing season. The Vosges foothills provide shelter from western winds while maintaining good air circulation through the valleys.

Terroir

LimestoneSandstoneGraniteMarl

The Bas-Rhin sits on a complex geological foundation of Triassic sandstone (Vosges grès), Jurassic limestone, and granitic outcrops from the ancient Vosges massif, with marlstone deposits in valley floors. The well-draining sandstone and granite allow deep root penetration, while limestone sectors retain more moisture and provide mineral complexity. Fossil-rich Muschelkalk limestone contributes to the distinctive mineral backbone found in wines from Grand Crus like Steinklotz and Wiebelsberg.

Typical Aromas

white flowerscitrus zestwet stonegreen appleherb gardensaline minerality
Explore the aroma wheel

Notable Producers

KreydenweissBiodynamic, Kastelberg and Wiebelsberg
OstertagTerroir-driven, Muenchberg Grand Cru
Albert SeltzBenchmark Sylvaner and Riesling

Grapes of Alsace

Riesling

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelimelemonwhite peach

Mostly bone-dry and full-bodied. Citrus, orchard fruit, and steely minerality, ageing beautifully into petrol and honey over a decade or more.

Gewürztraminer

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lycheerosepeachapricot

Alsace's flamboyant white. Lychee, rose petal, Turkish delight, and ginger spice on a full, low-acid palate, ranging from dry to lusciously sweet (Vendanges Tardives, SGN).

Pinot Gris

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemonpeachmangobanana

Rich, off-dry to sweet, with stone fruit and honey. Often labelled Pinot Gris.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alsace Bas-Rhin known for?▼
Alsace Bas-Rhin is known for its 14 Grand Cru vineyards and lean, mineral-driven wine style. The region stretches from Marlenheim to Dambach-la-Ville and is particularly renowned for excellent Riesling from sites like Kirchberg de Barr.
What does Alsace Bas-Rhin wine taste like?▼
Wines from Alsace Bas-Rhin tend toward a leaner, more mineral style compared to other Alsace regions. The diverse soils of limestone, sandstone, granite, and marl contribute to wines with pronounced minerality and crisp acidity.
What grapes are grown in Alsace Bas-Rhin?▼
While the region grows typical Alsatian varieties, Riesling is particularly notable and performs exceptionally well here. The Grand Cru sites showcase the classic Alsace noble varieties including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.
How many premier crus does Alsace Bas-Rhin have?▼
Alsace Bas-Rhin has 14 Grand Crus (not Premier Crus, as Alsace uses the Grand Cru classification system). These prestigious vineyard sites are planted on the region's mix of limestone, sandstone, and granite slopes.
What soil types are found in Alsace Bas-Rhin?▼
Alsace Bas-Rhin features a diverse mix of soil types including limestone, sandstone, granite, and marl. This geological diversity across the Grand Cru slopes contributes to the region's distinctive mineral-driven wine character.

Map data: INAO · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)