Protected from oceanic influence by the Vosges mountains, Alsace enjoys practically the lowest rainfall in France (400-500 mm per year) and is blessed with a semi-continental climate, sunny, hot and dry.This climate is ideal for slow, extended ripening of the grapes, giving wines with elegance, complex aromas. The geology of Alsace is a genuine mosaic, made up of granite, limestone, gneiss, schist and sandstone. Such varied soils bring out the bestr in each different grape-variety. The vineyards extend for one hundred kilometres from notrh to south along the easteern foothils of the Vosges, at 200-400 m of altitude, covering an area of 14,000 hectares in production.

The label of an A.O.C. Alsace wine will generally show the name of the grape variety used. It may also show a brand-name or the word 'Edelzwicker' if the wine is made from more than one white grape variety.

A.O.C. Alsace Grand Cru status is given only to wines which satisfy particularly strict quality standards. They must come from specific vineyards, have a certain degree of natural ripeness and must pass a tasting test by a panel of experts. The label must show the grape variety (only Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat are permitted), the vintage and the name of one of the fifty defined vineyards which are entitled to Grand Cru status. The character of the terroir as much as that of the grape variety makes each Grand Cru wine unique.

A.O.C. Crémant d'Alsace is the name given to the sparkling wines of Asalce. Delicate and lively, they are made by traditional method (as in Champagne), mainly from Pinot Blanc, but also from Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling or Chardonnay.