This week we're shining a spotlight on one of the less heralded wine regions of France but one we can't get enough of recently - Alsace. Tucked away in the north-east corner of France and bordering Switzerland and Germany (the latter of which it has been ruled by at several points in its history), Alsace is nestled neatly between the Vosges mountain range to the west and the Rhine river to the east.
Reflecting its unique Franco-German heritage, the wine and culinary culture of Alsace varies significantly from other parts of France, the pre-eminence of the German grape variety Riesling, the iconic Flûte d'Alsace bottles, and the custom of labelling the wines by single grape variety (rare elsewhere in France) to name a few.
Especially exciting for us is that winemakers in Alsace were very early adopters of organic and biodynamic viticulture: over 30% of all vineyards planted in the region are farmed organically, and Alsace comprises 13% of all certified biodynamic vineyards in France, despite only making up 5% of overall plantings. Coupled with an array of top quality white varieties in addition to Riesling (Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer) as well as spectacular Pinot Noir, this is a region to get on your wine map if it isn't already, starting with some of our latest Alsace arrivals below.
Domaine Henry Fuchs Riesling Grand Cru 'Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé' (£43)
Domaine Henry Fuchs is a 10 hectare organic estate in Ribeauvillé at the heart of Alsace. The soil is a combination of limestone and marl with the former contributing complex acidity to the wines and the latter providing power and drive.
Epic Grand Cru Riesling from a plot planted at the very top of the Kirchberg de Ribeauvillé GC with a south-facing exposure. An intense and complex wine with citrus peel aromas (grapefruit, lemon) accompanied by riper stone fruits. The palate is rich and powerful but linear and refined thanks to a beautiful acidity that carries the immensely long finish.
Domaine Leon Boesch Les Pierres Rouges (£23)
Matthieu and Marie Boesch are the 11th generation to take charge of this domaine, which has been in the hands of the family since 1640.
Les Pierres Rouges is from vines averaging 30 years old on gentle south facing hillsides with a sandstone/limestone base. Fermented dry it’s a really attractive ‘vin de plaisir’, perfect to drink as an aperitif. On the nose you find hints of mandarin, mint and white flowers, and the palate is zesty and racy, with pears showing on the finish.
Domaine Durrmann Pinot Noir Rouge Gorge (£29.50)
The Durrmann family make wine from their old family house in the middle of Andlau, a beautiful village nestled on the first slopes of the Vosges mountains south-west of Strasbourg. The family are true eco warriors, only having electric cars and using solar energy for hot water and heating.
This is their elegant and lifted Pinot Noir made without sulphur. Crunchy red cherry and blackberry aromas abound with light herbal overtones and an earthy, mineral edge to the palate.
Domaine Pierre Frick Riesling (£38)
Domaine Pierre Frick is a legendary name in Alsace. Led by Jean-Pierre, Chantal, and Thomas Frick, this estate is globally revered as an absolute pioneer of the natural and biodynamic wine movements.
Achillée Pinot Noir Libre (£36)
Libre is a minimal-intervention natural wine produced by Domaine Achillée, a forward-thinking, Demeter-certified biodynamic estate run by brothers Pierre and Jean Dietrich in Scherwiller, Alsace.
Vibrant and lifted aromatics of fresh red berries (tart cherry, wild strawberry, red currant), accompanied by subtle violet florals, forest floor, and a hint of wild herbs. Very light, bright, and juicy on the palate with fine, soft tannins, mouth-watering acidity and a crunchy, highly drinkable texture.
Domaine André Scherer is an historic, family-owned winery based in the village of Husseren-les-Châteaux, the highest viticultural village in Alsace. Perched at around 380 meters elevation on the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains, the estate benefits from a sunny, cool microclimate and limestone-rich soils that produce concentrated, elegant wines.
Pinot Blanc from 35 year old vines. Rich with tropical fruit, green apple, pear, and white flowers. It's medium bodied with chalky minerality and refreshing acidity.