106. War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace.

Episode 106: War, Wine, and Identity: The Remarkable History of Alsace.

Host: Joanne Close

Episode Length: 9:18

Release Date: April 9, 2025

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Episode Description

Alsace is one of the most fascinating and distinctive wine regions in the world, and its history is unlike anywhere else in France. In this first of two episodes on Alsace, Joanne Close dives into the turbulent and complex history of a region that has been shaped by centuries of conflict, cultural exchange, and remarkable resilience.

Sandwiched between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River to the east, and sitting on the border between France and Germany, Alsace has been passed back and forth between the two countries more times than most people realise. That history has left a permanent mark on the wines made here, from the grape varieties on the label to the shape of the bottles.

This episode sets the stage beautifully for next week's deep dive into Alsace climate, grape varieties, classifications, and styles. If you have ever been curious about why Alsace feels so different from the rest of France, this is where the story begins.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

Geography

• Where Alsace is located and why its position matters
• The significance of the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River
• Why Alsace is described as a narrow strip of land roughly 75 miles north to south and three miles wide

History and Identity

• Alsace's long winemaking history dating back to the Romans
• How the region thrived through the Middle Ages and reached its peak during the Renaissance
• The Route des Vins d'Alsace, one of the oldest wine routes in France, established in 1953
• The cycle of destruction and recovery caused by repeated conflict between France and Germany
• How Phylloxera devastated the region while it was under German control and the damaging replanting choices that followed
• How France's return to control after World War One led to the removal of hybrids and a return to noble varieties

French and German Influences

• Why grape varieties appear on Alsace labels, a distinctly German approach rarely seen elsewhere in France
• Why Riesling is the hero grape of Alsace and the only place in France where it is grown
• The tall thin flute bottle shape and its German origins
• How the AOC classification system reflects French influence on the region
• Why Alsace is neither entirely French nor entirely German but has emerged with an identity entirely its own

Alsace Today

• Approximately 15,600 hectares under vine with around 3,700 growers
• The importance of small family owned domaines, many in the same families for hundreds of years
• Co-operatives producing around 50% of the wine, negociants 31%, and estate bottled wines just 19%
• Only 25% of Alsace wine is exported, with most consumed locally or within France

Episode Highlights and Quotes

"It is now officially part of France, but I would not say it is entirely French and I would not say it is entirely German either. It is a region that has been shaped by both of these countries but has emerged with an identity all of its own."

"The Germans encouraged Alsace to replant after Phylloxera with hybrids and lesser quality grapes because they were fearful of Alsace and could see its potential and did not want to have to compete."

"Only 25% is actually exported. To me this signifies a strong, self-reliant region and wine culture."

Book Mentioned in This Episode

Joanne recommends War and Wine for anyone who wants to understand how deeply conflict has shaped the wine regions of Europe and the resilience of the people who make wine there.

Coming Up Next

Episode 107: Alsace for Level 2 Students

Next week Joanne covers everything WSET Level 2 students need to know about Alsace, including climate, grape varieties, classifications, and styles. Quizzes and essay questions will be available in the show notes and delivered to newsletter subscribers that week.

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About Wine Educate

Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering internationally recognized wine certification courses. Through the podcast, Joanne Close makes wine education accessible to everyone, breaking down complex topics into practical, easy-to-understand lessons. Whether you are studying for your WSET certification or simply want to learn more about wine, you will find the guidance and knowledge you need to enjoy wine with confidence.

Episode 106 of the Wine Educate Podcast | Hosted by Joanne Close | © 2025 Wine Educate