Alsace
Definition:
Alsace (pronounced Al-zass) is a wine region in northeastern France where German precision and French flair had a love child. The wines here are usually aromatic whites (think Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris) that show off a crisp acidity, floral aromas, and enough personality to make your Pinot Noir feel insecure.
Why it Matters:
Alsace is one of those regions that wine nerds get giddy about because it sits at a cultural crossroads; France and Germany have passed it back and forth like a bottle at a college party for centuries. This means the wines carry a bit of both worlds: the structure and dryness of German styles, but the elegance and charm of French winemaking. It’s the kind of hybrid you’d expect if Beethoven and Monet opened a winery together.
If you like food-friendly wines, Alsace is your wingman. These whites slice through rich cheeses, cut the fat on pork belly, and practically beg to be paired with spicy Asian dishes. And unlike many French regions where labels look like cryptic crossword puzzles, Alsace actually tells you the grape variety right on the bottle. Revolutionary! You don’t need a secret decoder ring to know what you’re drinking.