Discover the essential grape varieties not to be missed during a wine fair in Alsace
Wine fairs are events eagerly awaited by wine lovers. They offer a unique opportunity to discover a wide selection of quality wines, and Alsace is no exception. This wine region, renowned for the diversity of its grape varieties, offers an exceptional taste palette during these wine fairs.
Riesling, elegance in a bottle
Riesling is undoubtedly one of the emblematic grape varieties of Alsace. Known for its finesse and elegance, it offers wines of great aromatic complexity. Its most striking characteristic is undoubtedly its fine acidity, which gives it a lovely freshness. During your visit to the wine fair, don’t miss the opportunity to taste a Riesling. You will be seduced by its subtle aromas of lemon, peach and citrus, as well as its long finish on the palate.
Gewurztraminer, aromatic intensity at its peak
If you are looking for powerful wines with intense aromas, Gewurztraminer is for you. This grape variety produces rich and opulent wines, with notes of lychee, rose, honey and spices. During your stroll at the wine fair, be sure to stop in front of the stands selling Gewurztraminers. Their golden color and their captivating bouquet will undoubtedly seduce you.
Pinot Gris, the versatile grape variety
Pinot Gris is a versatile grape variety that can produce dry, semi-dry and sweet, even sweet wines. It offers rich, full and smooth wines, with aromas of dried fruits, honey and exotic fruits. During your visit to the wine fair, don’t miss this opportunity to taste a Pinot Gris. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for a dry wine to enjoy as an aperitif or to accompany fish dishes, or for a sweet wine to enjoy with a dessert.
Pinot Blanc, freshness and lightness
Pinot Blanc is a grape variety that seduces with its freshness and lightness. It offers delicate wines with aromas of apple, pear and white flowers. They are easy to drink and are perfect with fish or white meats. During your visit to the wine fair, take the time to taste a Pinot Blanc to discover the full extent of its qualities.
The Sylvaner, refreshing simplicity
Finally, don’t miss the opportunity to taste a Sylvaner during your visit to the wine fair. This grape variety offers simple and refreshing wines, perfect for an aperitif or to accompany seafood. With its aromas of lime, green apple and white flowers, Sylvaner is a wine that can be enjoyed with pleasure and lightness.
Explore food and wine pairings in Alsace
When discovering Alsace grape varieties at a wine fair, it is fascinating to see how wines from this region can pair wonderfully with a variety of foods. Alsace wines, with their own characteristics, can enhance your meals, depending on the occasion and the menu chosen.
THE Riesling, for example, with its balanced acidity and citrus aromas, goes ideally with grilled fish, white meats and shellfish. Consider pairing it with an Alsatian trout dish or a roast chicken with herbs.
THE Gewürztraminer, rich and aromatic, is the perfect companion for spicy or sweet and sour dishes. It can surprise and delight the taste buds when paired with Asian cuisine, such as Thai curry or Peking duck. Its aromatic complexity also allows it to be combined with certain strong cheeses, such as Munster, a typical Alsace cheese.
THE Pinot Gris, with its notes of dried fruit, is an excellent choice for sauced dishes or grilled meats. Imagine it alongside duck breast with figs or osso buco.
As to Pinot Blanc, its freshness makes it the ideal wine for light starters, salads or even quiches. If you are preparing an onion tart, a classic from Alsace, a Pinot Blanc will be a great ally.
THE Sylvaner, with its simplicity and refreshing character, can be a nice surprise with simple and light dishes. Oysters, mussels or even a seafood platter will be highlighted by its delicate aromas.
Discovery of Alsatian terroirs, a journey to the heart of viticulture
Wine is inseparable from its terroir, this unique combination of soil, climate and human know-how which gives each bottle its own identity. However, when discovering Alsace grape varieties at a wine fair, it is common to focus on the aromas and flavors, sometimes forgetting the importance of the origin of the wine. Let’s decipher the influence of terroir on Alsace wines to understand their uniqueness.
The geological diversity of Alsace is astonishing. Between the granite soils of the Vosges, the limestone of the plains and the shales of the valleys, each plot brings a different note to the wine. Granite, for example, gives wine a marked minerality and sharp acidity, ideal for grape varieties like Riesling. The limestone soils, for their part, favor the aromatic expression of the wines, making them perfect partners for Gewurztraminer.
Protected by the Vosges, the region benefits from one of the driest climates in France. This climatic particularity, combined with generous sunshine, allows the grapes to ripen slowly and completely. This climate is a major asset for producing wines of great finesse, where the balance between sugar and acidity is often exemplary.
Behind each bottle lies the expertise of passionate winegrowers. In this region rich in wine-growing history, traditional methods rub shoulders with innovations, always respecting the terroir and the environment. Alsatian winegrowers are often pioneers in biodynamic viticulture, an approach which aims to strengthen the relationship between the vine, the soil and the cosmos.
During your next visit to a wine fair in Alsace, I invite you to go beyond simple tasting. Start a conversation with the winegrowers, ask questions about the terroir and winemaking. You will then discover that each glass tells a story, that of a terroir, a climate and a winemaker. This journey into the heart of viticulture will offer you an even deeper appreciation of the treasures that Alsace has to offer.
