Many of you know that I am part of an incredible group of wine writers that come together monthly to explore wine and food pairings from France. The third Saturday of every month is solely dedicated to exploring a wine region of France. This month we celebrate Alsace. You are invited to join the #winophiles for an exploration of Alsace wines on July 17th.
Alsace is located in the northeastern corner of France. Its juxtaposition makes it a fascinating study on geography and history, as the region has switched hands between France and Germany several times. The region makes aromatic and expressive wines from passionate winemakers that have been making wines for centuries. The wines are exceptionally unique as Alsace is one of the most geologically diverse regions in the world.
Alsace Rocks
Alsace is located in between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. The mountains protect the region from ocean influences like rain and wind, making Alsace one of the driest in France. The climate is continental with warm dry summers and cold winters. In between the mountain and the river is the Alsatian Wine Route, one of the most famous and oldest in France.
Alsace blends the best of France and Germany into one unique wine region. It is a picturesque region with rolling hills and charming villages of colorful timber homes that remind you of scenes from Hansel and Gretel. Along the wine route, you find many beautiful vineyards and restaurants. The wine and gastronomy of Alsace is a wonderful fusion of French and Germanic influences.
The geology and soils of Alsace are one of the most diverse in the world. There are 13 distinct soil types from 8 mother rocks, allowing winemakers the opportunity to pick the type of grape that is best suited for its soil type. This results in wines that are complex and concentrated. Often times as I sip Alsatian wines, I feel as if I am drinking rocks(and I mean that in the most positive way), as the minerality of the soil types is very prominent in the wines. The wines are a clear expression of their terroir and a clear expression of their soils.
This weekend I’m hosting the French #Winophile group. We will take the virtual tour through Alsace. Below you will find informative articles on wines, food and travel. I hope you will grab your bottles of Alsace wines and join the party.
- 3 Riesling from Alsace by Wine Predator
- All About the Wines of Alsace by Vino Travels
- Alsace Wine and Cold Poached Salmon with Sauce Verte (Green Mayonnaise) by Our Good Life
- Alsace Wines’ Heart and Soul – Land Sustainability, Family Tradition and Food Compatibility by Chinese Food and Wine Pairings
- Alsace Wines Shine with Summer’s Bounty Risotto by Food Wine Click!
- Blending Innovation and Tradition with Wines of Alsace by L’Occasion
- Butternut Squash Chickpea Curry with Wine from Alsace by Cooking Chat
- Domaines Schlumberger 2018 Pinot Blanc: A Delectable Grape Mutation + Criques de Pommes de Terre by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Five Winemaking women of Alsace by My Full Wine Glass
- Once Upon a Wine in Alsace by Wining With Mel
- Shrimp Louis Sandwiches paired with an Alsace Pinot Blanc by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Summer Food Pairings with Alsace Wines by Always Ravenous
- Wines of Alsace Bring the Wow Every Time by What’s in that Bottle?
- Women of Alsace – conversations with 4 Women on their family wineries in Alsace by Crushed Grape Chronicles
- Zind Humbrecht Pinot Blanc with a Leek & Bacon Tart by Somm’s Table
- Paul Blanc Rosenbourg Riesling and Summer Fare by Syrah Queen
Amazing post! I’m so hungry now! I believe deeply that pairing well brings out the best in the food and in the wine!