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What is the difference between the 7 Alsace grape varieties?
In brief
Alsace grows seven main grapes: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Muscat and Sylvaner. Six make whites, from dry to sweet, and Pinot Noir makes the reds and roses. Riesling is crisp and mineral, Gewurztraminer powerful and aromatic: the two most contrasting profiles.
Alsace stands out in France for labelling by grape rather than by estate. Seven main varieties make up most of the production, six white and one red. Understanding their differences helps you choose your tastings and food pairings. Here is an overview of the seven, from the crispest to the most aromatic.
The crisp, dry grapes: Riesling and Sylvaner
Riesling is the king grape of Alsace: dry, taut, mineral, on citrus and white flowers, with fine ageing potential. It pairs with fish, sauerkraut and cheese. Sylvaner, more discreet and light, makes a thirst-quenching white with vegetal notes, ideal as an aperitif and with seafood. These are the driest profiles of the vineyard.
The aromatic grapes: Gewurztraminer and Muscat
Gewurztraminer is the most expressive: powerful, on lychee, rose and spices, sometimes sweet. It pairs with curries, strong cheeses and desserts. Muscat d'Alsace, dry here unlike other regions, captures the crunch of fresh grapes. Crisp and fragrant, it is a great aperitif wine and the ally of asparagus.
The Pinots: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
Pinot Blanc is supple and balanced, easy to drink, a frequent base for Cremant d'Alsace. Pinot Gris is ample and round, on undergrowth and dried fruit, perfect with white meats and foie gras. Pinot Noir is the only Alsace red grape: it makes light reds and roses, increasingly structured with warming vintages.
Grands Crus, Cremant and pairings
Four so-called noble grapes, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat, can claim the Grand Cru mention, across 51 classified plots. Cremant d'Alsace, a traditional-method sparkling, is often made from Pinot Blanc. To discover these grapes, a comparative cellar tasting, from the driest to the most aromatic, is the best introduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best-known Alsace grape?
Riesling, regarded as the king grape of the Alsace vineyard. Dry, mineral and long-ageing, it is also one of the most planted. Gewurztraminer, more aromatic, is the second iconic one.
What is the difference between Riesling and Gewurztraminer?
Riesling is dry, crisp and mineral, on citrus; Gewurztraminer is powerful and aromatic, on lychee, rose and spices, sometimes sweet. They are the two most opposite profiles in Alsace.
Are Alsace wines sweet?
Not necessarily. Most are dry, notably Riesling, Sylvaner, Muscat and Pinot Blanc. Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris can be dry or sweet depending on the cuvee and vintage. The label and the winemaker make it clear.
Is there red wine in Alsace?
Yes, from Pinot Noir, the region's only red grape. It makes light to medium-bodied reds and roses. Warmer harvests produce increasingly structured reds.