Published on April 24, 2025
Spring is finally here, and we think it’s time to break out the white wines to pair with lighter meals. One of our favorite regions for aromatic whites is in the northeast corner of France and fortunately there are around 1,000 producers to choose from. The best wines come from a narrow 75-mile-long strip that runs along the French side of the Rhine River with 51 grand cru vineyards located here which were given official status in 1975. The vines have historically been planted on the steep slopes of the riverbanks because this gives the vineyards maximum sun exposure and excellent drainage.
The vines on the other side of the river are not in Alsace; they are planted in German soil, which explains why so many of the family-owned winery names as well as varieties grown in Alsace such as and Gewürztraminer have Germanic rather than French origins. Pinot Gris may be the one exception because it originated in France, but it too is cultivated in Germany. White wines from Alsace are often called “aromatic whites” because of their floral and spice notes in their bouquet that lead to stone and tropical fruit and vibrant citrus flavors. For the most part, , Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris from Alsace are dry, but even those with higher residual sugar exhibit vivid acidity that keeps them from seeming overly sweet. This brilliant acidity is also one of the reasons that these wines age so well; far from being easy-drinking whites meant to be consumed young, they will last a long time if stored properly and bring joy to your palate in years to come. You will note some slightly older vintages among our picks; while these are drinking well now, they still have plenty of life left in them. Here are the seven best wines from Alsace to buy now.
-
Domaine Weinbach 2022 Clos des Capucins Cuvée Colette Riesling Alsace
Domaine Weinbach’s original estate was founded by Capuchin monks in 1612 and because the vineyards are surrounded by ancient walls, they aptly named this plot Clos des Capucins. Sold as national property after the French revolution, it was bought by the Faller brothers 100 years later, in 1898, and since that time the estate has remained in the family; today it is run by Catherine Faller and her sons Eddy and Theo. This delicious Clos de Capucins Riesling is named in homage to beloved ancestor Colette Faller, and it has ethereal aromas of candied lemon peel and white citrus blossoms that lead to flavors of white peach, a touch of pink grapefruit, and jasmine.
-
Marc Kreydenweiss 2017 Wiebelsberg Grand Cru Alsace
In 2007, Antoine Kreydenweiss took over management of this 33-acre estate in the small town of Andlau centrally located between the larger cities of Colmar and Strasbourg. Since that time he and his wife Charlotte have managed the estate and continue to use biodynamic principles that were put into effect in 1989. Today they are assisted by their daughters Lilou, Leonie, and Zoie and together they make about 120,000 bottles per year. Grapes for this delicious Riesling are grown in the Wiebelsberg Grand Cru vineyard; it has enticing aromas of lemon lime zest, white peach, and honeysuckle blossoms that transition to flavors of apricot, mango, and guava on the palate. Zesty acidity leads the way to a long, long finish.
-
Domaine Marcel Deiss 2019 Schoffweg White Blend Alsace
Domaine Marcel Deiss was founded in 1947 in the town of Bergheim near Ribeauvillé and today is managed by father and son Jean-Michel Deiss and Mathieu Deiss. The philosophy of the family has always been to focus on quality rather than quantity using biodynamic principles and we can attest that the Deiss family makes delicious high-quality wines. Their Schoffweg white blend is composed of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chasselas, and Muscat and translates literally to “the way of the sheep.” Full bodied with excellent mouthfeel and precise acidity it has aromas and flavors of vanilla, citrus blossoms, ripe apricot, peach, and pear.
-
Domaine Zind Humbrecht 2020 Heimbourg Pinot Gris Alsace
The Humbrecht family began planting vines and growing grapes in 1620 and today the domain is run by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht with their sons Pierre and Emile. The family’s holdings currently amount to over 100 acres of Grand Crus vineyards in Alsace. We think this is one of the region’s best Pinot Gris wines; it has aromas of ginger cookies, peach, and Anjou pear that beckon you into the glass to enjoy flavors of white peach, apricot, and candied lemon peel that have you coming back for another sip of this tasty wine.
-
Maison Trimbach 2017 Geisberg Grand Cru Riesling Alsace
The Trimbach family has been making wine since 1626, spanning 13 generations and almost four centuries. The house is currently run by brothers Jean and Pierre Trimbach and they are assisted by Jean’s son and daughter Julian and Pauline and Pierre’s daughters Anne and Frédérique. Recently elected “Brand of the Year” by the French wine magazine La Revue du Vin de France, Maison Trimbach’s wines are consistently excellent and the Geisberg Grand Cru is no exception. It has aromas of tropical fruits, fresh ginger, mango, guava, and rose petal that open to flavors of ripe summer peach, pinapple, and honeysuckle.
-
Albert Boxler 2021 Grand Cru Sommerberg Riesling Alsace
Jean Boxler sources grapes for this stunning wine from the Sommerberg Grand Cru vineyard. His grandfather Albert started the estate after World War II and became the first generation of Boxlers to sell the family wine commercially. Aromas of Gala apple, lemon pith, and white citrus blossoms draw you in for flavors of Anjou pear, lemon zest, and brown baking spices with precisely balanced acidity in the midpalate. Drink now or hold for a few years; you won’t be disappointed with either decision.
-
Hugel 2014 Grossi Laüe Riesling Alsace
Named Grossi Laüe from the Alsace dialect translation for the “finest vineyards and great terroir,” this stunning wine is made from grapes grown in Riquewihr on the Hugel estate. The estate remains 100 percent family owned and is currently managed by the 12th generation. Their production is about 110,000 cases of wine per year and 90 percent of that is exported to over 100 countries around the globe. This delightful Riesling has aromas of tangerine pith, anise, and guava. Flavors of macerated tropical fruits, Fuji apple, and ripe stone fruits are accented by a touch of spice and vivid acidity that linger on the palate. It’s a decade old but drinking beautifully right now so feel free to enjoy it today or over the next few years.
Authors
-
Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen
Credit: robbreport.com
