Although pinot noir has been planted in Alsace since the Middle Ages, production declined until the past century. Today, it is the only red variety authorasied in Alsace, and more and more producers are making distinct examples of it.
In this video, Marc Hugel, technical director and vineyard manager at Famille Hugel, explains the differences between pinot noir from Alsace and from Burgundy. For Marc, above all, it’s a question of experience; only after several vintages can one find the right approach to making a fine pinot noir in Alsace. Despite climatic differences, Burgundy has been experimenting with the variety far longer than producers in Alsace, and this has a clear effect in the result. However, the potential in Alsace is there, as you will see in James' upcoming report on the wines of Alsace.
