Alsace, located in the extreme north-east of France, is Distinguished from other French wine regions by its strong Franco-Germanic influences. These influences are the result of a back-and-forth between the German and French sovereignties over the last few centuries. They can be seen not only in the architecture and culture of Alsace, but also in the wines. Alsace wines are produced under three main appellations: Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru for still white wines (Sweet and Dry), and Crémant d'Alsace for Sparkling wines.
Almost all the wines produced in this region fall under one of these three appellations. Alsace Grand Cru wines are produced from one of the 51 privileged vineyards spread along the Length of the region. Alsace is the only French wine region to produce significant quantities of Riesling and Gewurztraminer. These two grape varieties are more commonly associated with German wines and are reminiscent of Alsace's history.
Mainly cultivated in the Languedoc region, carignan originates from Spain. Because of its very resistant branches, it is often called hardwood. Its bunches are quite large. They are compact and winged with a lignified stalk. The berries are spherical in shape and take on a bluish-black colour. Carignan has a total of 25 approved clones, the best known of which are 274, 65 and 9. The carignan buds at the beginning of June and is protected from spring frosts. It does not reach maturity until the third period. Also, this grape variety needs warmth and sunshine. It appreciates dry and not very fertile soils. Carignan vines can live for more than 100 years. Those that are more than 30 years old produce a better wine. This wine is well coloured. It is generous and powerful at the same time. Pepper, cherry, blackberry, banana, raspberry, almond, prune and violet are some of the aromas that this grape variety gives off.
sparkling wines from the region of Alsace go well with generally quite well with dishes of shellfish, poultry or appetizers and snacks such as recipes of clams in white wine, moist parmesan steak or hummus.
On the nose in the region of Alsace often reveals types of flavors of tree fruit, citrus fruit or red fruit and sometimes also flavors of citrus, non oak or microbio. In the mouth in the region of Alsace is a powerful with a nice vivacity and a fine and pleasant bubble.
