Best Alsatian Beverage Types
Riesling is an aromatic white grape native to Germany. It is a terroir-driven wine known for its versatile character and intense aroma, usually reminiscent of citrus, petroleum, and white flowers. In Alsace, Riesling is one of the main varieties.
Although the grape is often associated with sweeter styles, most of the examples coming from Alsace are bone dry. Riesling from Alsace can slightly vary in character, from leaner to more opulent, flavor-packed expressions, but it is generally complex, richly flavored, and high in acidity.
THE BEST Alsace Riesling Wine Varieties
Gewurztraminer is a pink-skinned grape that produces some of the most aromatic and complex white wines in the world. The exact origin of Gewurztraminer is hard to trace, but the grape is related to Traminer family that is cultivated across Europe, and although Gewurztraminer has shown success in Germany, Austria, Australia, Washington and California, the French Alsace region remains its foreground.
Alsace produces varietals that are rich and typically deeply colored, often low in acidity and high in alcohol with exotic aromas of lychee and rose petals. Their character and the body heavily depends on the terroir and ripeness of the grapes, and they may range from dry to off-dry and sweet styles.
THE BEST Gewurztraminer d'Alsace Wine Varieties
Weingut Hans Wirsching
Iphöfer Kalb Gewürztraminer Trockenbeerenauslese
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold 2022
Weingut Ökonomierat Petgen-Dahm
Petgen-Dahm Gewürztraminer-Sekt b.A. "Les deux dames" klassische Flaschengärung
Asia Wine Trophy - Grand Gold 2017
Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio and Grauburgunder, is a white grape variety whose origins are believed to be in Burgundy, but the grape has shown amazing potential in Alsace—the region with which it is mostly associated nowadays.
In Alsace, Pinot Gris is considered a noble grape. In the past, it was mistakenly related with Hungarian Tokaj, and it was often called Tokaj d'Alsace. The wines made from Pinot Gris considerably differ in character than those found in other wine-growing regions.
These white and rosé sparkling wines are produced in the French wine region of Alsace, with Pinot Blanc as the principal grape variety, though Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir are also permitted. The wines are produced with a traditional method—in which the second fermentation takes place in the bottle—and they must be aged for a minimum of nine months. Crémant d'Alsace wines are usually lively and fresh, with fine bubbles and fruity notes of apples, pears, apricots, and peaches.
Although they can be enjoyed as an aperitif, these vibrant wines are food-friendly and can match different appetizers, various seafood dishes, poultry, and cheese, while semi-dry varieties can pair well with desserts.
Muscat d'Alsace is a type of white wine that can be made from two Muscat grapes—Muscat Ottonel and Muscat à Petits Grains (which is confusingly sometimes simply called Muscat d'Alsace). Unlike other Muscat styles that usually have some amount of residual sugar, Alsatian Muscat is traditionally a type of dry white wine.
The production can take place anywhere in the Alsace wine region. These wines are light, refreshing, and aromatic. The aromas are fruity, usually accompanied by subtle floral hints. On the palate, the wines show great balance of acidity and sweetness.
Auxerrois is a white grape variety primarily grown in France, particularly in the Alsace region, and in Luxembourg and Germany. This grape is known for producing wines that are aromatic and well-balanced, often compared to Pinot Blanc, with which it shares some similarities.
Auxerrois is known for its ability to produce wines with a distinct aromatic profile. The wines often exhibit delicate floral and fruit notes, such as apple, pear, and apricot, along with subtle hints of spice and honey. The acidity in Auxerrois wines is generally moderate, contributing to their smooth and rounded texture.
Best Alsatian Beverage Producers
Domaine Albert Mann is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Alsace, in the village of Vettolsheim, France. It was established through the merging of two families and prides itself on a rich history and the unique geological diversity of its vineyards along the Alsace wine route.
The winery has been dedicated to biodynamic viticulture since 1997. Domaine Albert Mann cultivates 25 hectares of vineyards, divided into hundreds of smaller plots, including seven grand cru vineyards classified as AOC Alsace Grand Cru. Notably, one monopole vineyard (clos) is farmed in accordance with organic and biodynamic principles.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
BEST Domaine Albert Mann Wines
Domaine Weinbach is a family-owned winery located in Kaysersberg, in the Alsace wine region of France. It is named after a small stream that flows through the estate and was founded in 1612 by Capuchin monks. The vineyards of Domaine Weinbach cover approximately 38 hectares and include prestigious parcels such as Clos des Capucins and several Grand Cru vineyards, including Schlossberg, Furstentum, and Mambourg.
The winery is renowned for its wines made from varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Sylvaner, which reflect the diversity and richness of the terroir. Since 2005, Domaine Weinbach has adopted biodynamic viticulture methods, contributing to the production of wines that embody the purity, elegance, and authenticity of each terroir.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
BEST Domaine Weinbach Wines
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht is a family-owned winery located in Turckheim, in the Alsace wine region of France. Founded in 1959 through the merger of the Zind and Humbrecht family vineyards, its winemaking tradition dates back to 1620. Today, the winery is managed by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht, who continue the family’s legacy of producing high-quality wines.
The winery is renowned for its wines made from grape varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, which reflect the diversity and richness of the Alsace terroir. Since 1997, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht has adopted biodynamic viticulture practices, contributing to the creation of wines that showcase purity, elegance, and the authenticity of each terroir.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
BEST Domaine Zind Humbrecht Wines
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024, 2021, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019, 2018
BEST Dopff au Moulin Wines
3 Floyds Brewing Company, founded in 1996 by brothers Nick and Simon Floyd and their father Mike in Hammond, Indiana, relocated to Munster, Indiana, in 2000. The brewery is renowned for its innovative and intensely hopped beers, such as "Alpha King" and "Zombie Dust," which have achieved cult status among beer enthusiasts.
In 2017, 3 Floyds expanded into distillation, producing a range of spirits including whiskeys, gins, rums, and aquavits, adhering to their "Not Normal" philosophy by utilizing fine and rare ingredients with both innovative and traditional techniques.
AWARDS
World Beer Cup - Gold
2016
NYWSC - New York World Spirits Competition - Gold
2024
BEST Three Floyds Brewing Co. Beers
Domaine Barmès-Buecher is a family-owned winery located in the heart of Alsace, in the village of Wettolsheim, near Colmar and Eguisheim. Established in 1985 through the merging of the vineyards of the Barmès and Buecher families, the estate now spans 18 hectares of vineyards on the slopes of the Vosges Mountains.
Since 2001, Domaine Barmès-Buecher has been certified for biodynamic production, reflecting their commitment to environmental preservation and respect for the land inherited from their ancestors. Their philosophy emphasizes adapting to each vineyard individually to ensure their wines reflect the uniqueness and characteristics of each terroir.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
BEST Domaine Barmès-Buecher Wines
Domaine Muré is a family-owned winery located in Rouffach, in the southern part of Alsace, France. The winery's history dates back to 1650 when Michel Muré moved to Westhalten and began cultivating vineyards. In 1935, Alfred Muré acquired Clos Saint Landelin, a 12-hectare vineyard that remains exclusively owned by the Muré family today.
This vineyard, situated south of Rouffach, is renowned for its exceptional microclimate and terroir, enabling the production of elegant and complex wines with fine fruit aromas and significant aging potential. Domaine Muré produces a wide range of wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Pinot Noir, reflecting the diversity of Alsace grape varieties and terroirs.
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
BEST CFGV Caves de Wissembourg Wines
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2022, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2016
BEST Cave De Ribeauvillé Wines
Best Alsatian Beverages
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Domaine Weinbach's Riesling Grand Cru Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine is a distinguished white wine from Alsace, France. Sourced from 65-year-old vines situated mid-slope on the Schlossberg hill, the grapes benefit from granite-rich soils and biodynamic farming practices.
This wine is celebrated for its elegance and balance, showcasing delicate floral aromas complemented by a pronounced minerality. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of ripe exotic fruits, delivering a rich and full-bodied experience with a silky texture and remarkable aromatic intensity.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht's Pinot Gris Grand Cru Rangen de Thann Clos Saint Urbain 2022 is an exceptional dry white wine from Alsace, France, crafted from vines averaging 59 years old, planted on steep, south-facing volcanic slopes of the Rangen vineyard.
The unique terroir, composed of sedimentary volcanic rocks, imparts a distinctive minerality and smoky character to the wine. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, residual sugar of 1.6 g/l, and total acidity of 4.9 g/l, the wine showcases remarkable balance and depth.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 100 points
2024
AWARDS
IWSC- International wine & spirit competition - Gold
2024
AWARDS
Frankfurt International Trophy - Grand Gold
2017
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2021, 2020
Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2019, 2018
The Riesling Grand Cru Hengst 2022 from Domaine Barmès-Buecher is an exceptional Alsatian Riesling that embodies the strength and complexity of the Hengst terroir. This wine stands out with aromas of ripe pineapple, grapefruit, and subtle petrol notes, offering a rich and intense aromatic profile.
On the palate, it reveals depth with notes of candied fruit and a long, dry, and spicy finish. Although still young, it exhibits mature acidity and remarkable length, promising significant aging potential. This Riesling is perfect for lovers of complex and structured wines, with pronounced minerality and vitality that refresh the senses.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2023
Muré Riesling Clos St Landelin Grand Cru Vorbourg AOC Alsace is a premium white wine produced by Domaine Muré, sourced from the esteemed Clos Saint Landelin vineyard within the Grand Cru Vorbourg appellation in Alsace, France. This wine is crafted exclusively from Riesling grapes cultivated organically, reflecting the winery's commitment to sustainable viticulture.
This Riesling pairs exceptionally well with seafood dishes, poultry, and soft cheeses, enhancing the dining experience with its crisp acidity and complex flavor profile.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 98 points
2023
AWARDS
Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2016
TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.