Alsace Grand Cru
The Alsace Grand Cru designation was established in 1975 to ensure that the wines with the greatest potential in the region were produced under specific requirements that guarantee the highest level of quality: strict delimitation of the lands dedicated to production, lower yields, specific vineyard management rules (representing only 4% of the total Alsace area), minimum natural richness, and approval tasting, among others.
The mosaic of Alsace Grands Crus is composed of 51 terroirs defined by strict geological and climatic criteria. The size of these exceptional vineyards ranges from 3 to 80 hectares. The label must mention the vintage, the name of one of the terroirs, and the grape variety. In short, the Alsace Grand Cru designation rewards exceptional terroirs, giving the wine an expressive strength and unique authenticity.
Climate
The Alsatian vineyard is concentrated in a narrow strip between the Rhine River and the eastern slopes of the Vosges mountain range. This mountain system protects Alsace from rain and maritime influence, making the region quite sunny and dry. In fact, Colmar, home to the CIVA, is the city with the least rainfall in France throughout the year.
Soil
The Alsatian soils are very rich and varied (sand, gravel, marl, loess, limestone, schist, granite…), which results in a great diversity of vineyards.
Location
Colmar
