Love French wine? Alsace Rocks is headed to Chicago this year

An underrated wine region of north-eastern France, Alsace is home to one of the most geologically diverse wine regions in the world (13 distinct soil types). In fact, wines from Alsace have a heavy focus on terroir: a set of environmental characteristics which affect a wine’s taste, including the climate, soil and terrain.

While the region bounced from France to Germany for much of its history, the wines differ greatly from German styles. The process of fermenting the majority of the grape sugar into alcohol delivers full-bodied, potent, dry wines as opposed to German styles, which are often lighter and sweeter.

But what does that mean? Well, all kinds of wines are produced in Alsace, from the totally unusual to the timeless classics. We’re talking whites such as riesling, pinot gris, gewurztraminer and pinot blanc, which make up 90 percent of the regions production, sole red grape variety pinot noir and Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wines made in the traditional method. Not only that, but 15 percent of Alsace’s vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic, the largest of any French wine region. You’re feeling smarter already, aren’t you?

Alsace Rocks takes place in Chicago from June 1 to June 30, 2019.

For more information about events and tastings, visit www.AlsaceRocks.com and search for the hashtag #AlsaceRocks on social media.