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Alsace: The Grand Cru Vineyards

There are currently 50 Grand Cru sites in Alsace, although there is much controversy surrounding the system, which was only developed through the 1970s and early 1980s, with the first 25 sites declared in 1983. As I have said elsewhere, a number of prominent domaines are opposed to the Grand Cru system. Reasons include the rapid development of large numbers of Grand Cru sites, perhaps without developing Premier Cru sites, poor definition of the size and exact borders of the individual Grands Crus, as well as a lack of respect for the terroir of the sites when the boundaries are defined.

The 50 Grands Crus are as follows, with a few personal notes where appropriate. Where the site has not been fully delimited, size given is approximate. For a fuller account of the Alsatian Grands Crus, I suggest Wines of Alsace or Sotheby's Encyclopedia, both by Tom Stevenson.

Bas-Rhin

Haut-Rhin