Located in the northeastern corner of France, Alsace’s picturesque villages and exquisite vineyards are nestled between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River. The region’s unique position—in which westerly rains are blocked, making it the second driest area in the country—and its vast diversity of soil types are responsible for its distinctive wines: aromatic, fresh, food-friendly and pure expressions of the terroir.

From its exceptional climate and soils, Alsace produces Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wines, as well as still wines from five key grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. The region’s styles run the gamut, from bone dry to lusciously sweet dessert sippers; from white to red and every shade in between; and from traditional method bubblies to elegant and refined Grand Cru wines. This wide range of expressions allows all palates and personalities—not to mention dishes—to find their perfect match. Profiles include:

  • Crémant d’Alsace: Sparkling wines made in the traditional method and available in white and rosé
  • Alsace Riesling: Dry and racy with citrus and stonefruit flavors
  • Alsace Pinot Blanc: Fresh and easy-drinking with peach and floral aromas
  • Alsace Pinot Gris: Smoky and fuller-bodied — the red drinker’s white wine
  • Alsace Gewurztraminer: Spicy, fragrant and perfect for pairing with Asian cuisine
  • Alsace Pinot Noir: Supple, refined and a great discovery wine for Pinot Noir lovers

Alsace also sets itself apart from other French wine regions by exclusively labeling its wines by variety. Each wine must contain 100% of the grape specified—so you always know exactly what you’re buying.

In addition, Alsace is one of the frontrunners of organic and biodynamic viticulture, with 15% of the vineyards certified as such in 2015. The winemakers—many of whom run small, family operations that date back three centuries—carefully tend their vines without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides and take special care in the cellar to ensure the highest quality wines.

To try any of the region’s spectacular wines, look for “Alsace” on the label, or stop by the below retailers during June for free tastings:

  • June 8th from 6-9 pm:Whiskey & Wine Off 69, located at 1321 2nd Ave at 69th St in Manhattan
  • June 10th from 5-7 pm:Some Good Wine, located at 13 East 8th St at University Pl in Manhattan
  • June 14th from 5-7 pm:Chelsea Wine Vault, located at 75 9th Avenue in Chelsea Market in Manhattan
  • June 15th from 6-8 pm:September Wines, located at 100 Stanton St at Ludlow St in Manhattan
  • June 16th from 6-8 pm:Discovery Wines, located at 16 Avenue B at 2nd St in Manhattan
  • June 17th from 5-8 pm:BottleRocket Wine & Spirits, located at 5 West 19th St at 5th Avenue in Manhattan
  • June 23rd from 6-8 pm: Urban Wines & Spirits, located at 45 1st Avenue at 3rd St in Manhattan

Bowery & Vine, Kits Underground and Nolita Wine Merchants also carry an excellent selection of Alsace wines.

To learn more about Wines of Alsace, please visit www.WinesofAlsace.com and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #drinkAlsace.

This post is brought to you by Wines of Alsace.