Updated on 23 April 2026
What are the Alsace Grand Crus?
In brief
Alsace has 51 Grand Crus, all AOC, spread across the vineyard from Marlenheim to Thann. Four grape varieties are authorised (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat), with limited yields and strictly delimited terroir. The most famous are Schlossberg, Rangen, Brand, Schoenenbourg, Eichberg and Kessler.
The Grand Cru classification identifies the best slopes of the Alsace vineyard. Created in 1975 and completed in several waves up to 2007, the Alsace Grand Cru appellation covers 51 lieu-dits with remarkable terroir. It represents about 4 % of Alsatian production but captures most of the regional qualitative reputation.
Definition and legal framework
The Alsace Grand Cru AOC requires a delimited terroir, one of four grape varieties (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat), a maximum yield of 55 hectolitres per hectare (versus 80 for standard Alsace), and a tasting approval. Each Grand Cru is itself a lieu-dit: a small slope sector with specific geology.
Authorised grape varieties
Only four grape varieties can carry the Grand Cru label, with one exception for blends.
- Riesling: the most widespread, expresses minerality and tension, ages 10 to 20 years.
- Gewurztraminer: aromatic, powerful, floral, suited to late harvest.
- Pinot Gris: full and rich, with notes of dried fruit and spice.
- Muscat: fresh and fruity, rarer as Grand Cru.
- Exception Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf: authorised blends.
The most renowned Grand Crus
Six Grand Crus stand out by historical reputation, terroir quality and producer fame:
- Schlossberg (Kientzheim and Kaysersberg): first Grand Cru classified in 1975, granite and mica, reference Riesling.
- Rangen (Thann): most southern and steepest, volcanic soil, intense Riesling and Pinot Gris.
- Brand (Turckheim): granite, highly expressive Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
- Schoenenbourg (Riquewihr): Keuper marl, long-ageing Riesling.
- Eichberg (Eguisheim): sandstone-limestone terrace, balanced Gewurztraminer.
- Kessler (Guebwiller): Vosges sandstone, structured Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.
Alsatian geology as a source of diversity
The vineyard rests on a mosaic of soils unique in France: granite, gneiss and micaschists on the heights, marl and limestone on the slopes, Vosges pink sandstone in places, volcanic soil at Rangen. This diversity explains why Alsace Grand Crus differ sharply from one another even for the same grape variety.
Where to taste these Grand Crus
Grand Crus are tasted directly at the estates producing them. Several villages concentrate the offering:
- Riquewihr: Schoenenbourg at Trimbach, Hugel, Dopff, Zind-Humbrecht nearby.
- Ribeauville: Geisberg, Kirchberg, Osterberg at Trimbach, Bott-Geyl, Louis Sipp.
- Kaysersberg and Kientzheim: Schlossberg at Domaine Weinbach, Paul Blanck.
- Eguisheim: Eichberg and Pfersigberg at Leon Beyer, Paul Ginglinger.
- Thann: Rangen at Domaine Zind-Humbrecht, Schoffit.
Late harvest and Selection des Grains Nobles
Two complementary labels distinguish exceptional Grand Crus: Vendanges Tardives (VT) for over-ripe grapes, Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) for botrytised berries. These impose high sugar thresholds and are produced only in years when climate allows.
Frequently asked questions
Which Grand Cru for a first tasting?
To understand terroir diversity in one visit, start with a Schlossberg Riesling (granite and clear minerality) and an Eichberg Gewurztraminer (roundness and aromatics). These two styles establish a solid taste benchmark before exploring more singular terroirs.
What is the cellar price for a Grand Cru bottle?
Expect EUR 18 to 35 for a young Grand Cru Riesling, EUR 25 to 50 for a Grand Cru Gewurztraminer, EUR 50 to 150 for Vendanges Tardives or SGN depending on vintage and producer. Old vintages and confidential cuvees can exceed EUR 200.
How long can an Alsace Grand Cru be kept?
A dry Grand Cru Riesling keeps 10 to 20 years, even longer for great vintages. A Vendanges Tardives Gewurztraminer peaks between 8 and 15 years. SGN wines can be kept several decades. Store in a cool cellar, horizontally, between 10 and 14 degrees.
Do all Wine Route villages have a Grand Cru?
No. Out of 120 towns and villages, only some have a classified Grand Cru terroir. The official list notably includes Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Thann, Eguisheim, Ribeauville, Turckheim, Kintzheim, Bergheim, Barr, Guebwiller, Dambach-la-Ville.
Can Grand Cru parcels be visited?
Yes. Vineyard trails cross several Grand Crus. Schlossberg from Kaysersberg, Rangen from Thann, Schenkenberg from Obernai, Muenchberg from Nothalten. Estates sometimes run guided visits in their parcels by appointment.