Situated in the far east of France on the border with Germany, Alsace has had a complicated history of ownership and the result is a blend of the best of both French and German cultures.

Nestled in the sheltered, eastern lee of the Vosges Mountains and rising up from the plain of the Rhine, Alsace has a superb microclimate for growing vines.

Summers are long and hot and the winters are cold, but it is protected from the spring and autumn frosts. The appellation system did not come to Alsace until 1962 and it is simplicity itself. All wines take "Alsace AC" status and they are labelled by grape variety.

Grand Cru status is only for designated varieties from specific, chosen sites, which are always named on the label. White wines predominate, though some light-bodied Pinot Noirs are exported, and Riesling, Tokay Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.