Alsace will allow Grand Cru wines without grape varietal designation

Contrary to the rest of France, Alsace wines are generally sold with the grape variety indicated on the label, and on Grand Cru wines it is even compulsory. INAO has now decided that it will allow Grand Cru wines to be sold without the grape variety indicated on the label. From the information we have seen it is not clear if the decision also means that INAO will allow Grand Cru wines to be made from a blend of grape varieties. Jean-Michel Deiss has long argued that the focus on grape varieties in Alsace kills the concept of terroir, especially in the Grand Cru vineyards. Many other producers, though, think that this brake with tradition will confuse consumers.

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