Alsace, in the most eastern part of France, has its own identity, expressed in its dialect, distinct architecture and unique winemaking.

The mountains in the west protect the region from harsh winds, creating a semi-continental kind of micro-climate, making the grapes ripe in a very slow process.

90% of all wine that is produced here is white, which makes the red wine – exclusively produced from the Pinot Noir-grape – a curiosity.

For many traditional wine connoisseurs, red should not be produced at all in Alsace, and for most part of history, they would be right, as the climate doesn’t support these grapes, but due to climate change, the conditions have actually changed over the past 30 years.

One of the absolutely best red wines from the Alsace region is made by the Faller family at Domaine Weinbach, just outside of Kaysersberg.

This family-owned winery is not only organic but biodynamic, which is even stricter and allows far less additives in the wine-making process.

The reason they started experimenting with Pinot Noir was simply that the geological conditions made it possible, or even demanded it.

Geology is what drives viticulture, and many claim that the terroir is what determines the character of the wine.

Domaine Weinbach, Pinot nor ‘S’ Altenburg

A curiously light red wine, subtle and fleeting in the most elegant way.

2019 was an especially good year.

Domaine Weinbach

25 Rue du Vin

Kaysersberg

France