Alsace Wine Label Information

Alsace, although a part of France, has a very German influence on its wines. Like Germany, the region produces mostly varietal wines bottled in distinct tall bottles commonly known as flûtes. The region is best known for its aromatic white wines with various levels of sweetness.

Unlike most other French wine regions, Alsace wine labels often display the grape variety. However, under appellation rules, not all varietal-sounding names on labels need to correspond to a single grape variety. Only one varietal label may be used on a wine, a blend may not use several labels simultaneously.

Alsace wines are produced and labeled under the following Appellation d'Origin Protegée (AOP):

• Alsace AOP: Majority of the wines are produced under this umbrella appellation and unlike other French regions there are no sub-appellations. A label may display a vineyard name (like burgundy) but the appellation will still say 'Appellation Alsace Contrôlée'.
• Alsace Grand Cru: These are the highest quality wines that come from 51 designated vineyards. The labels will display the vineyard as well as the term 'Alsace Grand Cru'. Only the noble Alsace grape varieties are allowed, namely, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer.
• Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles: These are exclusive terms for Alsace wines that are made from noble grapes harvested late in the season. Vendange Tardive means 'late harvest' and the wines are sweeter than normal. Labels showing Sélection de Grains Nobles means the wine has been made from individually picked berries that have been affected by Botrytis and are intensely rich and sweet.
• Edelzwicker: Normally an inexpensive blend of Alsatian grapes.
• Crémant d'Alsace AOP: This is an appellation used for sparkling wines made within the region using the traditional method.

For a typical Alsace wine label, see the illustration below. You may find it helpful to compare the label information to those listed above.

Please also have a look at the wine label information for the European Union, France, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, Germany, Italy, USA, Australia or a general information regarding wine labels.

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