The 7 Best White Wines From Alsace France to Buy in 2026
Maison Trimbach, Albert Boxler, Meyer Fonne
A narrow, 75-mile-long strip of land that runs along the Gallic side of the Rhine River, Alsace is one of France’s foremost wine regions. Grapes have been grown wine has been produced here for centuries, but the 51 grand-cru vineyards located here were not given official status until 1975. Vines have traditionally been planted on the steep slopes of the riverbanks because of excellent drainage, and grapes are exposed to the maximum amount of sun for ripening in this cooler climate region.
Many of the winemakers in Alsace have a combination of French and German first and last names because the vines on the other side of the Rhine River are planted in German soil. So not only do they have a shared heritage, but they grow many of the same grapes as their German counterparts, including varieties such as Riesling and Gewürztraminer that have Germanic rather than French origins. Pinot Gris may be the one exception, having originated in France, but it too is cultivated in Germany.
Most wine experts refer to white wines from Alsace as “aromatic whites” because of the floral and spice notes in their bouquet that lead to stone and tropical fruit and vibrant citrus flavors. Generally speaking Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris from Alsace are dry, but even those with higher residual sugar exhibit vivid acidity that keeps them from seeming overly sweet. This brilliant acidity is also one of the reasons that these wines age so well; far from being easy-drinking whites meant to be consumed young, they will last a long time if stored properly and bring joy to your palate in years to come. You will note some slightly older vintages among our picks; while these are drinking well now, they still have plenty of life left in them. And as the weather is getting a bit warmer, it’s an ideal time to enjoy wines from this region. Here are seven the seven best white wines from Alsace to buy right now.
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Albert Boxler 2021 Sommerberg Grand Cru Riesling
Image Credit: Albert Boxler Jean Boxler started the family wine business after the end of World War II when he started selling commercially. Today the winery is run by his grandson Jean who has continued his fmaily’s winemaking tradition. Boxler sources grapes for this ethereal wine from the Sommerberg Grand Cru vineyard. It has aromas of white flowers, lemon zest, and Fuji apple that beckon you into the glass for flavors of lemon pith, pear, freshly ground white pepper, and apple. The acidity is bright but very well balanced.
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Zind Humbrecht 2023 Hengst Gerwurztraminer
Image Credit: Zind Humbrecht Zind Humbrecht is currently run by Olivier and Margaret Humbrecht along with their sons Pierre and Emile, but the family began planting vines and growing grapes as far back as 1620. Today their holdings amount to more than 100 acres of Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace from which they make highly coveted and collectable wines. Their 2023 Hengst Gewurztraminer has heady aromas of peach, pear, and crystallized ginger that pull you into the glass for flavors of lemon, honeysuckle, freesia, and apricot.
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Maison Trimbach 2014 Frederic Emile Reisling
Image Credit: Maison Trimbach The Trimbach family is currently in their 13th generation of running their family winery. They have been making wine for four centuries since 1626 with the most recent generation consisting of Julian, Pauline, Anne, and Frédérique. Their wines are consistenly highly rated by critics and remain some of our favorites to serve to family and friends. Now, 12 years since harvest, the 2014 Frederic Emile Reisling still has brilliant acidity and enticing aromas of citrus flowers, flint, and lemon zest that easily transition to white peach, Fuji apple, Bartlett pear, and mandarin pith.
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Domaine Weinbach 2022 Schlossberg Grand Cru Riesling
Image Credit: Domaine Weinbach The Faller brothers acquired this historic property in 1898 and today the estate is run by Catherine Faller and her sons Eddy and Theo. The original winery was founded in 1612 by Capuchin monks and retains its historic vineyards including the iconic Clos de Capuchin. This delightful Riesling is made from grapes grown in the Schlossberg vineyard and has aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, and freshly cut white peach. It has bright and balanced acidity and flavors of pink grapefruit, apricot, and honeysuckle.
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Domaine Ostertag 2022 Muenchberg Grand Cru Riesling
Image Credit: Domaine Ostertag Domaine Ostertag was founded in the 1960s and André Ostertag has been making wines using biodynamic principles since the late 1990s. His wines are highly regarded in the region are sold to many fine dining establishments. His 2022 Muenchberg has aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, and freshly sliced apple. It has beautifully balanced acidity and flavors of lemon, stone fruit, and a touch of spice in the finish.
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Hugel et Fils 2022 Gentil
Image Credit: Hugel et FIls The Hugel family is currently in their 12th and 13th generation in Riquewihr, Alsace. Marc Hugel is the technical director with 13th generation Jean-Frédéric Hugel handling sales and marketing, and Marc André Hugel assisting with viticulture and winemaking. The estate remains 100 percent family owned and produces more than 110,000 cases of wine per year with the majority of those exported to other countries. Their Gentil wine is a blend of Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat. It has aromas of white peach, freshly ground white pepper, and white flowers that transition to full mouth flavors of apricot, peach, apple, and spice.
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Meyer-Fonné 2022 Kaefferkopf Riesling Grand Cru
Image Credit: Meyer Fonne Meyer-Fonné was founded by Félix Meyer and upon his death in 1964 his daughter Lucie Fonné took over the job of tending the vines and making the wines—and it’s still very much a family affair to this day. We really enjoyed Meyer-Fonné 2022 Kaefferkopf Riesling. It has aromas of lemon-lime zest, jasmine, and white peach that transition to flavors of peach, lemon curd, and mandarin pith with just a touch of saline in the finish.
