The Alsace Grand Cru appellation showcases the influence of the different terroirs on the wines. The designation is attributed to wines satisfying a number of quality-related criteria: strict limitations on terroir, highly restricted yields, specific rules of conduct regarding the vines, minimal natural ripeness levels and taste .
Fifty-one different terroirs, defined according to strict geological and climactic criteria, constitute the mosaic of the Grands Crus of Alsace. The size of these exceptional vineyards varies between 3 and 80 hectares
The label must indicate the vintage, one of the fifty-one terroirs within the Grand Cru appellation, and may indicate the grape variety. With a few minor exceptions, permitted grape varieties grown in Alsace include: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat.
The appellation Alsace Grand Cru recognises the most exceptional terroirs, which impart to the wines an expressive character and a unique authenticity.
The Grands Crus of Alsace represent an average annual production of nearly 45,000 hL (or 500,000 cases), just 4% of the total Alsace wine production.
