| The Sylvaner | ||
Grown in Alsace for many centuries, Sylvaner is thought to have originated in Austria and then spread across Central Europe as far as Transylvania, which is sometimes considered to be its origin and which gave its name to the grape by association. Today it is widely grown throughout Europe (Germany, Italy, Eastern Europe, Greece, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg) as well as in Russia, Australia and California. Description The grapes are medium-sized, tightly packed on the bunch, with a characteristic green colour when ripe. Sylvaner succeeds particularly well on light, sandy and stony soils. On certain sites it can produce very elegant wines of gastronomic class. Sylvaner is a grape variety that gives a regular yield, even though it is rather fragile when faced with spring and winter frost. It is very vulnerable to oidium, mildew and grey rot. In accordance with the 1945 law that defines the conditions of production for Alsace AOC wines, a large proportion of the Sylvaner produced is blended, notably with Pinot Blanc, to make a wine known as “Edelzwicker”. Gastronomy Sylvaner is light and elegant enough to match all shellfish (oysters, cockles, clams…) but also fish, charcuterie… and even to quench a thirst, which makes it an excellent summer wine. Sylvaner is a light and fresh wine, refreshing and easy to enjoy. It has a lively, virile character that is sometimes slightly rustic. There is nothing like it to bring good humour to any true and authentic occasion. And on the best slopes it plays the aristocrat, finely eloquent and spiritual. It is the most convivial of all Alsace wines.
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