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Alsace Bas-Rhin

Alsace

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 Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling.

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the south Alsace Haut-Rhin

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Terroir & Classification

Soils

LimestoneSandstoneGraniteMarl

The Bas-Rhin sits on complex Triassic and Jurassic bedrock formations, with limestone from ancient marine deposits, Bunter sandstone from fluvial origins, and granite intrusions from the Vosges massif. The varied substrates create well-drained soils with marl providing water retention, while the granite and sandstone allow deep root penetration and excellent drainage on the hillside sites.

Classification

14

Premier Cru vineyards

A significant number that speaks to the quality and variety of vineyard sites here.

Elevation

200-400m, predominantly east and southeast-facing slopes

Microclimate

The northern position creates a slightly cooler, more continental climate than southern Alsace, with the Vosges providing rain shadow protection. The varied elevations and exposures create diverse mesoclimates, with higher sites experiencing greater diurnal temperature variation.

Typical Aromas

white peachcitrus peelwet stonewhite flowersgreen herbssaline minerality

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 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