Riesling is the flagship grape of Alsace, along with gewurztraminer. But the latter is no longer profitable to produce and the riesling harvests are getting smaller and smaller due to warmer weather. How will this end? Perhaps with increased production of red wines?
The red grape in Alsace is pinot noir and in the past these wines were thinner and lighter than many rosé wines. Nowadays it is increasingly colourful and flavourful. The climate in Alsace is approaching that of Burgundy 20 years ago.
The riesling grapes in 2023 were so small due to the heat that the harvest for some growers was not bigger than 20 hl/ha. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, fared better and produced large, heavy grapes with a lot of juice. Perhaps more pinot noir will be the solution for the future. And solutions are needed in Alsace.
Too many winegrowers face poor profitability due to low harvest yields. The income per hectare is too small. Every year in Alsace 200 growers close their businesses. Sparkling cremant d’alsace sells well however and now accounts for 30% of sales in Alsace.
Read more: wein-plus
Read: Read BKWine Magazine’s grape profile of pinot noir.
