Alsace

Question 1

2021

Answer 1

What wine merchants like to refer to euphemistically as ‘a classic vintage’. Spring frosts dropped production on average 10% but mildew outbreaks from heavy rains in May, June and July took their toll, too. In the end, production was 20% below normal, and some producers lost much more. Very few sweet wines were made, but a sunny, dry autumn allowed for some nervy, aromatic dry wines, especially Riesling.

Question 2

2014

Answer 2

Successful Riesling and Pinot Gris; light-bodied and lithe in style. Gewürztraminer suffered due to the Asian fruit fly, and little to no VTs or SGNs were produced.
WS 88

Question 3

2013

Answer 3

A small crop of racy whites, but generally lighter in stature; rainy October, but top sites and producers were successful. Not a year for VTs or SGNs. WS 89

Question 4

2003

Answer 4

Exceptionally hot and dry year with little botrytis; many wines lack structure. Stick to top producers