Alsace AOC

Name for the French wine-growing region of Alsace. Alsace (or Vin d'Alsace) is also the name of the region's comprehensive appellation. The other two AOCs are Alsace Grand Cru and Crémant d'Alsace for the sparkling wines. These wines account for around 75% of production. They are mostly varietal wines made from 100% of a variety specified on the label. If this information is missing, then it is a cuvée of different varieties. The AOC designation consists of Alsace followed by the name of the variety or wine type, for example "Alsace Riesling". The yield is limited to a maximum of 80, for Pinot Noir to 75 hectolitres per hectolitre.

From Domenico-de-ga from the Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, link

Auxerrois: The name of this variety does not appear on the label. However, Auxerrois is one of the varieties that can be used together in the AOC "Alsace Pinot Blanc".

Chasselas or Gutedel: There are white and rosé varieties. At the beginning of the 1960s, the proportion of this variety was still 40%, but today it only accounts for 1%.

Clevner or Klevner: Pinot Blanc is usually marketed under this name.

Edelzwicker (also Gentil): A cuvée.

Gewurztraminer (Gewürztraminer): The variety occupies around 18% of the vineyard area. The wine may also be vinified as "Vendange Tardive"(late harvest) and "Sélection de Grains Nobles" (from noble rotten berries).

Klevener de Heiligenstein: From Savagnin Rose.

Muscat: The white and rosé varieties of the Muscat Blanc variety, known here as Muscat d'Alsace, may be used. The Muscat Ottonel variety is also authorised. The wine may also be vinified as "Vendange Tardive" (late harvest) and "Sélection de Grains Nobles" (from noble rotten grapes).

Pinot: This does not refer to a single grape variety, but Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir (pressed white) and Auxerrois may be used. In most cases, the wine is a blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois. These two varieties account for 21% of the vineyard area. However, there are also pure varieties (except from Pinot Gris). Alternatively, the terms "Clevner" or "Klevner" may be used.

Pinot Gris: The former designation Tokay-Pinot Gris has been banned since 1993. The variety occupies 10% of the vineyard area with a constantly increasing trend. The wine may also be vinified as "Vendange Tardive" (late harvest) and "Sélection de Grains Nobles" (from noble rotten grapes) in compliance with strict regulations.

Pinot Noir: The only authorised red wine variety occupies 9% of the vineyard area. In the past, it was mostly vinified as rosé or white as blanc de noirs. Now it is increasingly being vinified as a red wine. More and more winegrowers are experimenting with longer mash fermentation, longer ageing in wooden barrels and also in barriques.

Riesling The most common grape variety with 23% of the vineyard area. The wine may also be vinified as "Vendange Tardive" (late harvest) and "Sélection de Grains Nobles" (from noble rotten grapes).

Sylvaner (Silvaner): The variety is permitted in the AOC Alsace, but only in a single Crand-Cru vineyard (Zotzenberg).

VIFA varieties: In 1924, ten other varieties were authorised by the INAO for AOC Alsace wines and Crémant d'Alsace. They are cultivated experimentally to test their positive suitability. See under Alsace.