In the 1920’s, Gentil was made of a blend of grapes coming from a single, shared parcel of vines, planted with different varietals, harvested and vinified together.

Recently updated to suit modern tastes, Gentil is the object of a charter put in place by the Interprofession (regional wine body) defining its production.

Today, the name Gentil is reserved for AOC Alsace wines conforming to the standards of a blend of superior quality. This blend must be composed of a minimum of 50% Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and/or Gewurztraminer, with the rest made up of Sylvaner, Chasselas and/or Pinot Blanc. Before blending, each varietal must be vinified separately and must officially qualify as AOC Alsace wine. Gentil must mention the vintage and may not be sold commercially until after quality control certification in bottle.

Gentil is distinctly different to Edelzwicker, which is also a blended wine, but may be composed of any of the white Alsace varietals, without rules or restrictions regarding the composition of the blend. In addition, the grape varieties in Edelzwicker may be vinified together or separately.

Food and wine pairing

Gentil can quite readily be enjoyed throughout an entire meal.