Alsace Wines

The best vineyards of Alsace are situated on the leeward slopes of the Vosges Mountains, which shield the vines from inclement weather and precipitate rainfall.  Despite their northerly latitude, the vineyards benefit from low rainfall (on a par with levels in Perpignan) and long, warm autumns. Alsace is the only classic region in France to have built a reputation on pure varietal wines and the grapes grown are similar to those in bordering Germany – splendid, dry, spicy white wines such as Sylvaner, Riesling, Tokay Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer that are well-matched to Asian and Indian cuisine. Charles Schléret grows all the permitted grape varieties and is internationally regarded for his fastidiously produced, clean, fruit-driven wines.  Alongside the dry whites, he also produces a remarkable rose-coloured Pinot Noir and, in exceptional vintages, some terrific, intensely sweet and concentrated late-harvested wines.