Buying Alsace Wine

Reading Labels

- Producer name: Most prominent, most important - Grape variety: Usually featured - Vineyard name: If listed, indicates special site - Grand Cru: Only if from classified vineyard - Vintage: Matters more than many think

Value Categories

- Under €15: Excellent regional wines, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc - €15-30: Single vineyard wines, most Grand Crus - €30-50: Top producers' Grand Crus, old vines - €50+: Rare designations, legendary bottles

What to Look For

- Estate bottled: "Mis en bouteille au domaine" - Traditional producers: For classic dry styles - Natural producers: For unique expressions - Négociants: Can offer value but less distinctive