CorkCork

Alsace Haut-Rhin

Alsace

The southern heartland of Alsace wine, stretching from Ribeauvillé to Thann. The Haut-Rhin contains 37 of the 51 Grand Crus and is where Alsace’s most celebrated vineyards are found, including Schlossberg, Brand, Rangen, and Hengst. The soils are extraordinarily diverse, from the volcanic terroir of Rangen to the granite of Brand.

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

Vineyard Map

Loading map...

Nearby Appellations

To the north Alsace Bas-Rhin

Scan a Alsace Haut-Rhin label and Cork fills in producer, vintage, and appellation for you. Sign up

Terroir & Classification

Soils

GraniteLimestoneVolcanicSandstoneMarlClay

The Haut-Rhin sits on a complex geological foundation where the ancient Hercynian massif meets sedimentary deposits from the Rhine graben. Granite bedrock dominates the higher slopes around Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg, while Triassic sandstone, Jurassic limestone, and Oligocene volcanic outcrops create a mosaic of well-draining soils that force vine roots deep into fractured bedrock. Marl and clay deposits in lower sections provide water retention, creating excellent drainage gradients from slope to plain.

Classification

37

Premier Cru vineyards

One of the largest collections in Alsace, reflecting exceptional terroir diversity.

Elevation

200-450m, predominantly east and southeast-facing slopes

Microclimate

Protected by the higher Vosges peaks, the Haut-Rhin enjoys warmer temperatures and significantly lower rainfall than northern Alsace, creating ideal ripening conditions. The varied topography creates numerous mesoclimates, with granite slopes providing excellent heat retention and limestone areas offering cooler growing conditions.

Typical Aromas

wet stone mineralitywhite flowerscitrus zesthoneyed richnessspice boxpetrichor

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 Haut-Rhin known for?▼
Alsace Haut-Rhin is known as the southern heartland of Alsace wine and home to the region's most celebrated vineyards. It contains 37 of Alsace's 51 Grand Crus, including prestigious sites like Schlossberg, Brand, Rangen, and Hengst, stretching from Ribeauvillé to Thann.
What does Alsace Haut-Rhin wine taste like?▼
Haut-Rhin wines display exceptional complexity and minerality due to the extraordinary diversity of soils, from volcanic terroir to granite and limestone. The wines are typically dry, elegant, and expressive, with each Grand Cru site imparting distinct mineral characteristics and terroir-driven flavors.
What grapes are grown in Alsace Haut-Rhin?▼
Haut-Rhin grows the classic Alsace varietals including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, which are the four noble grapes allowed in Grand Cru vineyards. Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Pinot Noir are also cultivated throughout the region.
How many premier crus does Alsace Haut-Rhin have?▼
Alsace Haut-Rhin has 37 Premier Crus (Grand Crus in Alsace terminology). This represents the vast majority of Alsace's 51 total Grand Cru vineyards, making it the most prestigious sub-region of Alsace.
What soil types are found in Alsace Haut-Rhin?▼
Haut-Rhin features extraordinarily diverse soils including granite, limestone, volcanic soils, sandstone, marl, and clay. This remarkable geological diversity across the Grand Cru sites creates distinct terroir expressions and contributes to the complexity of the wines produced.

Map data: INAO