Alsace: The Wines

If you aren't sure what to drink, look for the signature long, green bottle, called a "Flute of Alsace," and you can't go wrong. All Alsace wines are "appellation wines," meaning that they belong to one of three Appellations d'Origine Controlees (AOC): AOC Alsace, AOC Grand Cru, or AOC Crémant d’Alsace (the region's famous sparkler). Simply put, the AOC laws ensure consistency in winemaking by defining where a particular wine can come from, how it is produced, and what grape varietals are used.

To learn more about these and other Alsace grape varietals, along with pairing suggestions, visit www.AlsaceWine.com.

Pale yellow with hints of green Fresh and subtly fruity nose, with notes of peaches and yellow apples, with floral notes A supple, fruit-forward wine, with medium acidity

• Macaroni & cheese
• Eggs Benedict
• Light fish and poultry dishes

Pale yellow, with bright green flecks Elegant and racy, with subtle fruity aromas, including lemon, lemongrass, grapefruit, peach, pear, stewed fruits, flowers, and spices Characterized by an ample freshness. Opulent and rich mid-palate, with a racy and delicately fruity body

• Sushi
• Vietnamese summer rolls
• Shellfish
• Goat cheeses
• Charcuterie
• Fish
• Poultry and pork dishes

Pairing Alsace Riesling with vegetarian cuisine, by the editors of Grub Street

Brilliant yellow-gold or even amber color Generally less intense nose, yet still with great aromatic complexity. Offers typical smoky notes: aromas of burnt vine shoots, mushrooms, moss, dried fruits, honey, and gingerbread A lively roundness that tends toward a slightly sweet opulence, yet always supported by a bright freshness

• Risotto with wild mushrooms
• Herb-roasted pork loin
• Game
• Polenta
• Pork and poultry with richer sauces
• Roasts

Throwing a paella party with Alsace Pinot Gris, by the editors of Grub Street.

Intense yellow with light golden highlights Incomparably rich nose, with aromas of exotic fruits (lychee, passion fruit, pineapple, mango), flowers, citrus, and spices Full-bodied, with solid structure and a round fullness. With Gewurztraminer, the freshness is more discreet than with other Alsace grape varietals

• Spicy chicken tagine with couscous
• Tandoori shrimp
• Spare ribs
• Blue and other strong cheeses
• Thanksgiving dinner

Pale to very pale golden hue Toasty, with aromas of honeysuckle and lemon Moderate effervescence. Crisp, minerally, and elegant, with hints of white peaches

• Smoked salmon pizza
• Crab and asparagus salad

Enjoying Crémant d'Alsace with hors d'oeuvres for celebrations, by the editors of Grub Street

Sylvaner: A fresh, light wine with a delicate flavor. Refreshing, lively and easy to enjoy.

Muscat d'Alsace: A very aromatic and opulent, dry wine. Totally different from the sweet Muscats of the Mediterranean.

Pinot Noir: The only Alsace varietal producing red or rose wines. Dried cherry-like character. Maturation in oak barrels gives these wines additional structure and complexity.

Vendanges Tardives: These nectar-like late-harvest wines are made from Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling or Muscat grapes, hand-picked when over-ripe.

Sélection de Grains Nobles: Literally meaning "Selection Of Grapes Affected By Noble Rot," these unctuous wines are produced from the same grape varietals as Vendanges Tardives, but are even sweeter and rarer.