The authorities in Alsace think Riesling should be dry. Australian experts - and Jancis Robinson MW - beg to differ. And so does Rolly Gassmann, one of Alsace's top producers, who even launched an online petition to fight the move.
In the new specifications of the AOC Alsace, it shall be stated that Riesling may only be vinified dry - below 4 grams of residual sugar/liter. At least, if the grape variety is to be mentioned on the label.
In Alsace, a wine may only bear the grape variety designation Riesling on the label if it consists of this variety and has also been vinified dry. Is this the right decision? A commentary by Vincent Messmer.
It’s got a wine-growing history that dates back to the Roman world. It’s got more than 220 authorised grape varieties over 55,000 hectares of vineyards, and it’s one of the most exciting wine-growing countries in Europe.