AOC Alsace grand cru

History of the AOC Alsace Grand Cru Appellation

The AOC Alsace Grand Cru is the jewel of the Alsace vineyard. Established in 1975, this appellation encompasses the region’s exceptional terroirs, steeped in an ancient winemaking tradition. These parcels, selected from over fifty distinct locations, stand out from other terroirs due to their unique characteristics. As a result, AOC Alsace Grand Cru wines are the product of a skill passed down through generations, guaranteeing white wines of the highest quality.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Alsace Grand Cru Appellation

Climate: Benefiting from a semi-continental climate, Alsace is shielded from oceanic influences by the Vosges Mountains, resulting in low rainfall and hot, dry summers.

Soils: The diversity of soils (granite, schist, limestone, sandstone) gives the wines of AOC Alsace Grand Cru a distinctive complexity and rich aromatic profile.

The Iconic Grapes of AOC Alsace Grand Cru

The only grapes permitted within the AOC Alsace Grand Cru appellation are Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. These four noble white grape varieties produce remarkable wines of great finesse when grown on the exceptional terroirs of Alsace’s Grands Crus.

Style of AOC Alsace Grand Cru Wines

Dry White Wine: Golden yellow, brilliant in color. Depending on the grape used, notes range from citrus and white-fleshed fruits to spices and exotic fruits. Dry AOC Alsace Grand Cru white wines are often lively and structured, with complex aromas that lead to a long, mineral finish.

Sweet White Wine (Late Harvest & Selection de Grains Nobles): Intense yellow, almost amber in color. The nose offers enchanting aromas of candied fruits, honey, sweet spices, and botrytis (noble rot). On the palate, these wines are opulent, rich in flavor with a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness.

Best Food Pairings with an AOC Alsace Grand Cru Wine

Here are some recommendations for creating the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry or sweet AOC Alsace Grand Cru wine from a winery or estate: Dry White: sauerkraut, almond trout, sushi Sweet White: foie gras, blue cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu d’Auvergne), Tarte Tatin