Terra Vitis in Alsace:
discover our Alsace wines

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer … Alsace’s grape varieties are widely known throughout the world, and their fruity and floral aromas are enjoyed by both curious amateurs and seasoned oenologists alike. Discover the fragrant richness of Alsace wines that have been produced sustainably by the region’s Terra Vitis-certified grapefarmers and winegrowers.

3 things to know about Alsace wines

In Alsace, most of the wines are aged in large casks whose atypical size prevents the wine from being too marked by a woody aroma.

Alsace wines must be bottled in the region and in the same type of bottle, called a flûte d’Alsace.

Crémants d’Alsace are the most widely produced sparkling wines in France (apart from champagne).

Alsace: a wine region of contrasts

Alsace wines come from a wide range of terroirs but they all share exceptional aromatic elegance. Nestled in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, the region is a mosaic of geology and climate, allowing its winegrowers to produce such distinctive wines.

In terms of climate, contrary to what is often imagined, it rains little in Alsace. Although winters can be cold, summer temperatures are quite high. This meteorological termperature range gives grapevines the perfect conditions to thrive.

There is also significant variation in elevation, so Alsace has many microclimates. This partly explains why the aromatic notes vary so greatly between the grape varieties typical of the region, although the entire area covers less than 200 km from north to south.

The region’s soils are also highly varied. Some areas are quite chalky, others have mainly granite or schist soils. These differences contribute to the distinctive aromas of Alsace wines.

Alsace wines can be made from 10 different grape varieties, including seven noble grapes which are those mainly grown in the region: Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner.

Only four of these seven grape varieties are authorised for the production of Alsace grands crus: Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. There are some exceptions to this rule, but they are rare. Most Alsace wines are made from a single grape variety, with the exception of a few grands crus, which are blends, and Crémant d’Alsace, which may or may not be made from a single grape variety. Knowing if an Alsatian wine is a varietal or a blend is easy: when a wine is made from one grape variety, its name is indicated on the label.

With 10 grape varieties and 51 grands crus, Alsace’s winegrowing terroir offers an aromatic bouquet that is as diverse as its geography. In France and abroad, Alsace is best known for its dry white wines, which represent the vast majority of the wines made in the region.

Alsace’s distinctive climate provides ideal ripening conditions for grapes with green skins (sometimes simply referred to as “white grapes”), as well as for Pinot Noir, the exception that proves the rule. The latter produces particularly famous wines which for certain connoisseurs rival Burgundy wines and offer unbeatable value for money.

The white wines are fresh racy, and have good acidity; some have citrus notes, while others are more mineral. Alongside these dry wines, Alsace also produces sweet wines – the famous Vendanges Tardives, or “late harvest” wines, and Sélection de Grains Nobles – which are made from overripe grapes and whose production meets strict criteria, particularly with regard to sugar levels. The region is also renowned for its sparkling Crémant d’Alsace wines which are aromatic, lively and delicate, made mainly from Pinot Blanc, and sometimes with Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling or Chardonnay. Alsace’s rosé and red wines are less well known but well worth tracking down.

The Alsace wine route: one of the oldest in France

There are currently more than 700 wine producers in Alsace whose vineyards and wineries are open to visitors, about 15 of which are certified by Terra Vitis.

Officially designated as a “tourist route” in 1953, the Alsace wine route has been pleasing the palates of wine enthusiasts and the eyes of landscape lovers for decades. A real treasure for wine connoisseurs, this wine route crosses the region from north to south over more than 170 km, passing through more than a hundred winegrowing towns and villages.

It is also a destination for fans of sustainable tourism, as the Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route allows you to do the whole wine route by bike. Whether you choose to travel by car, by bike or on foot, you will be charmed by the traditional Alsatian villages, the beauty of the countryside, the enticing wines and the conviviality of the region’s many family-owned wine estates.

Terra Vitis members in Alsace

Created in 2012, Terra Vitis Alsace includes some 15 independent winegrowers and estates. They are found across the entire wine region and produce wines typical of the area that express the diversity of the terroirs in Alsace. Find all our Terra Vitis certified winegrowers below.

Further information

Official website of Alsace wines

Discover the other Terra Vitis regions

L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé. À consommer avec modération.

Terra Vitis in Alsace: discover our Alsace wines