AOC Alsace Riesling

History of the AOC Alsace Riesling

Riesling is, without a doubt, one of Alsace’s king grape varieties. With a history dating back several centuries, Alsace Riesling is often considered one of the best white wines in the world, enjoying an international reputation for its complexity and remarkable aging potential.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Alsace Riesling

• Climate: Alsace benefits from a semi-continental climate with hot, sunny summers and cold winters. This combination, along with the region’s low rainfall, ensures slow and complete ripening of the grapes.
• Soils: The extraordinary mosaic of soils in the Alsace vineyard, alternating between limestone, granite, schist, and clay, provides the ideal environment for Riesling to express itself.

Riesling: The Signature Grape of AOC Alsace Riesling

Unsurprisingly, the signature grape of the AOC Alsace Riesling appellation is Riesling! This essential white grape variety in Alsace is one of the four noble grapes, alongside Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat. Its adaptability to Alsace’s diverse terroirs allows AOC Alsace Riesling to showcase a beautiful diversity of aromatic and taste expressions.

Style of AOC Alsace Riesling Wines

Appearance: Pale yellow with green highlights.

Nose: Aromatic and elegant, Riesling reveals aromas of citrus, peach, white flowers (lime, orange blossom), and often a distinctive mineral hint of petrol as it ages.

Palate: Straightforward and racy, AOC Alsace Riesling dry white wines captivate with their vibrant acidity and purity. The finish is long and persistent, marked by a typical minerality.

Serving Temperature: 8°-10°

Aging Potential: 2 to 10 years

Best Food and Wine Pairings with AOC Alsace Riesling Wines

Follow our guide for the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry or sweet white wine from an AOC Alsace Riesling estate or château:

• Dry white: Sauerkraut with white wine, seafood platter, John Dory with orange butter, coq au Riesling
• Sweet white: Foie gras, maroilles, apricot tart