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Overview
Alsace is so close to Germany, that it keeps going back and forth from Germany to France, depending on the outcome of the last war. The wines are similarly inspired by the Germans, but with the important difference that Alsatian wines are vinified dry.
Even the late harvest wines (Vendage Tardive) that would be sweet anywhere else in the world are dry when made in Alsace. Dry, but unbelievably rich.
Grapes
Riesling is king, with Gewurztraminer a close second.
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris make the more simple wines.
Muscat as well is found here, and is very important.
Sub Regions
There are no real sub regions in Alsace, as far as the scope of this primer is concerned.
Label Info
Cuvee, means blend, an important and common practice in Alsace.
Grand Vin means the good stuff, with at least 11% alcohol, rarely is anything else exported.
Grand Cru, like Burgundy this means the best vineyards, it also, in this case, means the grapes can only be Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat or Pinot Gris (once more commonly called Tokay d'Alsace).
Vendage Tardive, literally late harvested. Richer, and within the limits of Alsatian style, sweeter wines.
Selection des Grains Nobles, wines made from hand sorted bunches. Only the very best grapes go into this wine. the German term is Beerenauslese; but unlike the German version, these wines are dry, or nearly so.