The word Alsace typically brings to mind the dry, aromatic white wines that inspire Riesling devotees and lovers of lush Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris but there is another string to the bow of this typically arid, cool climate in north east France. Rouge is the hot new wine in Alsace.

Not only is climate change heralding a rethink about where on Earth Pinot Noir can thrive, but it is giving Alsatian winemakers an opportunity to strut their finest stuff with a grape that has long made its home here, albeit often in lighter bodied wines. Ah, but change is afoot and we see it loud and clear in the elegant beauty of two Pinot Noirs (aka Alsace Rouge) from this multi faceted region in north east France.

As the great wine writer and commentator, Master of Wine Jancis Robinson says, Alsace is one of the great, under appreciated treasures of the wine world, lying in the lee of the forested Vosges Mountains. 

Read on for two beautiful Pinot Noirs from Alsace

2020 Deiss Rouge RRP $63.99

Rouge is the hot new wine in Alsace. And this sensational French wine is certified organic with plush soft, silky flavours of ripe, warm plums. Winemaker Marcel Deiss has cult like status with wine collectors and drinkers alike and here is a wine that demonstrates both his devotion and attention to detail and this great French wine region's diversity. 

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2019 Boeckel Midelberg Pinot Noir Alsace RRP $35.99

Full bodied with rich depth of flavour and potential age. A great match with roast duck. This wine is named after the village Mittelbergheim where limestone slopes favour healthy vines. 

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