by Hervé Lalau
The total production of Alsace wines for 2006 amounted to 1.082 million hectolitres, down 6.3% on 2005. According to the growers\' association, CIVA, the simple Alsace appellations were off only 1.6%, but Grand Cru fell 20.6% to 41,600 hectoli
The total production of Alsace wines for 2006 amounted to 1.082 million hectolitres, down 6.3% on 2005. According to the growers\' association, CIVA, the simple Alsace appellations were off only 1.6%, but Grand Cru fell 20.6% to 41,600 hectolitres. Crémant d\'Alsace was also down 18.2%, but had seen a significant rise in 2005.
As far as individual varietals are concerned, Pinot Blanc, with 23.6% of total production, was off 4.8%; the numbers Riesling (20.8%, -8.1%), Gewurztraminer (15.7%, -8%) and Pinot Gris (14.3%, -3%) gave little reason for true concern. The low yield is explained by the year s unusual weather conditions, with a heat spike in June and heavy rains in August.
Although Jean-Paul Goulby of the Association of Alsace Winegrowers insists that Riesling and Gewurztraminer will be fruity, most professionals believe that the quality of the vintage will depend on the winemakers\' skill. Better taste before you buy is this year\'s motto.
