One of the most delightful and eagerly awaited features of the greatest river cruises in France is undoubtedly the wine tasting that is included in the itinerary. The wines of Bordeaux, Champagne, and Burgundy play a prominent role on the tables of many wine connoisseurs because of France’s reputation for producing high-quality wines and producing vintages that are of exceptional quality. A wine culture that is often misunderstood and, as a result, disregarded exists in the Alsace region, despite the fact that it is home to a large number of restaurants that have been awarded Michelin stars and that the climate is exceptional. Those who do want to study further, however, will find that there are some great vintages to sample. In the event that you make reservations for one of the most reputable river cruises in France that go through the region, you will have many opportunities to taste. An Introduction to Wines from Alsace With names that sound Germanic and a taste that is frequently distinctively sweeter (although by no means are all of them of the sweeter variety), the wines that come from this region are somewhat distinct from any other wines that come from France; however, this does not make them any less delicious. The majority of the output is white, with the exception of a very minor amount of pinot noir, and the wines are conveniently labeled according to the grape type rather than by their location, as is the case with other regions of production. Vin d’Alsace, Alsace Grand Cru, and Crémant d’Alsace are the three categories that are used to categorize wines in Alsace, which also has a considerably more straightforward appellation system. The label may additionally have the labels Vendange Tardive and Sélection des Grains Nobles, which are two additional classifications that may be included. The first one is a dessert wine that is created from grapes that have been afflicted by noble rot, while the second one is a wine that is made from grapes that were harvested late and have a higher sugar content. It is also extremely well known for the blended vintages that are produced in this region, and if you go on any of the top French river cruises in the area, you will have the opportunity to sample a number of these wines. The many grapes that are utilized in their production each provide their own unique flavor and texture, and they are often fresh and fragrant. At the same time as they are great when consumed as a pre-dinner drink aboard your boat, all of these beverages are simple to consume, since they are the ideal complements to meals. On the other hand, the fifty designated Grand Cru types that are produced from any of the four “noble” grape varieties (riesling, muscat, pinot gris, and gewurztraminer) are far more easily distinguishable from one another. A Style of Alsace Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the influence of the producer is held in high esteem with regard to the wines produced in this location. It is possible that the grape type that is utilized is the most important factor in determining the character of the drink, but the “house style” and its influence on the drink’s personality are quite powerful. Among the producers that you should keep an eye out for are: This biodynamic grower is from the southern region of Alsace and goes by the name Dirler-Cadé. The handmade wines are very lovely, and they are run by a husband and wife combination. The vineyard is located in close proximity to the Grand Cru locations, and it yields riesling and Sylvaner. The wines produced by Domaine Faller Weinbach are mostly dry, with the exception of the traditional Gewurztraminer. These wines are created from grapes that are harvested late and are quite ripe. These wines are considered to be a specialty and are considered to be among the finest in the area while retaining a certain amount of sweetness. These winemakers are well-known across the area and are known for producing dry wines, which are often found in restaurants. Beyer comes from the Beyer family. However, even their entry-level bottles are of remarkable quality, despite the fact that it is often believed that the vintages should be opened in advance and given time to breathe. When paired with oysters, they are delectable. We really hope that this little introduction to the wines of Alsace has whetted your appetite and prompted you to think about this region for your next water-based journey. When trying to book one of the top river cruises in France, it is important to make sure that you go via a tour operator that has a good reputation. This will ensure that you make the best decision possible about the itinerary and the location. Publisher’s Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive at European Waterways, which is widely regarded as the most reputable supplier of luxury barge vacations that take care of everything for its customers. They are the professionals to consult if you are seeking for the greatest river cruises in France or cruises to other wonderful sites elsewhere in the world. In addition to being a member of a group of knowledgeable barge enthusiasts, Paul is the first person to recommend the advantages of a leisurely barge cruise to anybody who is searching for a vacation experience that is really one of a kind.