What is Edelzwicker?

What is Edelzwicker?

• A. Blend of grapes all allowed in Alsace up to 8 varietals
• B. A sparkling wine from Alsace
• C. A single-varietal wine from Alsace
• D. Dessert wine from botrytis

Answer: (A)

Edelzwicker is Alsace’s generic term for a white wine made as a blend of permitted grape varieties. It is not a single varietal and can include up to eight different grape types allowed in Alsace. The exact mix varies by producer and vintage, which is why the label doesn’t commit to one grape. Common grapes that might be blended include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, and Pinot Blanc. It’s distinct from sparkling wines (like Crémant d’Alsace) and from botrytized dessert wines, so the blend description best fits a straightforward, non-sparkling, multi-grape Alsace white.

Edelzwicker is Alsace’s generic term for a white wine made as a blend of permitted grape varieties. It is not a single varietal and can include up to eight different grape types allowed in Alsace. The exact mix varies by producer and vintage, which is why the label doesn’t commit to one grape. Common grapes that might be blended include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, and Pinot Blanc. It’s distinct from sparkling wines (like Crémant d’Alsace) and from botrytized dessert wines, so the blend description best fits a straightforward, non-sparkling, multi-grape Alsace white.