Tag: Alsatian wine

DipWSET Theory: Tasting Alsace Noble Grapes

Today I want to talk about Alsatian grapes—not Riesling-related. Riesling is accompanied by three other grapes in the “noble grape” category, namely Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. These are the grapes that are permitted for Grand Cru wines (there are currently 51 Grand Crus in existence) and regulated wines such as Vendange tardive and Selection de grains nobles.

visit.Alsace
Courtesy visit.Alsace

Let’s start with nobility…

(more…)

DipWSET Theory: Tasting Alsatian Riesling

I think one of the reasons I like starting my Wine World studies with Germany is because it’s my backwards way of gearing up for one of my favorite French wine regions, Alsace. The two regions have much in common—one of them being Riesling. That’s why I thought, if I’m going to deep-dive into the stylistic difference’s of Germany’s most recognized wine grape, I’m absolutely going to compare how the expression(s) differ from it’s neighboring French region, where the variety wear’s the “noble grape” crown.

Alsace, France; Fernando Beteta

To explore those differences between the wines, we must (of course) explore what makes Alsace a unique wine region.

(more…)