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[title]Another winter is finally behind us, which means it’s time to celebrate all things spring—and there’s perhaps no better way to do that than by popping the corks on the exceptional wines of Alsace. These wines, which come from the northeastern part of France near the Swiss and German borders, include a diverse variety suited to every taste: from dry Rieslings and earthy Pinot Gris to refreshing Pinot Blancs, aromatic Gewurztraminers and elegant Pinot Noirs. And this spring, you can try them all right here in Boston.
Alsace wines are born between the Vosges Mountains and Rhine River, an area that’s home to some of the most diverse geology in the world. Ample sunshine allows the region’s seven distinct grape varieties to mature slowly, creating balanced, complex wines. Further differentiating Alsace from the other wine regions of France is that these wines are labeled by grape variety in addition to place. When an Alsace AOC wine lists a variety on the label, the wine must contain 100% of the stated grape. Within the region, there are three appellations: AOC Alsace, offering elegant, fresh and affordable still wines, Crémant d’Alsace, known for traditionally-made festive bubbles, and AOC Alsace Grand Cru, notorious for complex wines marked by the influence of their terroir.
These nuances make for an impressive adaptability to a host of dishes and palates, with options that range from crisp and refreshing to rich and full-bodied. And with many of us prioritizing environmentally-friendly choices, Alsace delivers sustainable options, as about a third of the vineyards in the region are certified organic or biodynamic.
All of these factors make Alsace wines fantastic options regardless of your familiarity with the region. There’s so much to taste and learn, that everyone—from the novice taster to the seasoned connoisseur—has an opportunity to discover something new.
And if the long flight to Alsace isn’t in the cards for you right now, you’re in luck—Alsace wines are coming to Boston this spring! Throughout April and May, you can join wine specialist Beth von Benz at select shops in the city to sample several different Alsace wines. For more information about Alsace wines, and details about the tasting events, go to https://www.alsacerocks.com/.