Though many French people consider Alsace to be a northern region, few know that summers here can be warmer than 30°C and that the sun shines more than the national average. Its climate is dictated by the Vosges Mountains, which protect the Rhine Valley from Atlantic disturbances from the west. There is extensive rainfall in western Alsace due to its altitude, and the air is warmed as it descends to the east. This is where the vineyards are located, basking in the morning and midday sun. These favorable weather conditions often last well into the fall season, allowing the grapes to over ripen and become affected by the fungus Botrytis cinerea (noble rot), which is necessary in order to produce “late harvest” and “selection of noble berries” sweet wines.

In Alsace, the wine-growing region seems to be timeless. It overlooks the Alsatian plains, away from the turmoil of a bustling economy that adjoins three different countries. The vineyards encircle a multitude of small red-roofed villages clustered around churches with pointed steeples. Half-timbered houses with red and pink geraniums in every window dot the peaceful countryside like a scene from a postcard. The well-organized vineyards are a reminder of how the Alsatians themselves love order, and the many gourmet restaurants and winstubs are a reminder of how good life is in France. It is this duality, cultivated for many years, that makes Alsace so special. Its savoir vivre, welcoming spirit and dedication to making the best wine possible keep this region at the top of the list.

The Alsatian plains, large strips of rich river soils lining the banks of the Rhine, were formed by the collapse of the Vosges-Black Forest Mountains over five million years ago. The Alsatian vineyards are located on the edge of these plains along the length of the Vosges fault line. Three main types of lands exist in this region. The first is located in the highest and steepest sites and consists of acidic, well-drained granite and sand soils. It is here that the Grand Crus and most distinctive terroirs are found. The second consists of well-drained limestone or marl hills at elevations of 200-300 meters. These form the heart of Alsace’s wine production area, dotted with villages abloom with flowers. The third is perched on high alluvial terraces of river stones, sand and gravel.