The region of Alsace has changed hands so many times over the last century that it seems to have evolved a unique culture of its own; encapsulating the charm of France with the efficiency of Germany. The result is a series of beautiful and spotlessly clean villages that link this elongated stretch of eastern France from north to south.

In common with Germany, Alsacian wines are scandalously neglected, which is a great shame as they offer such versatility. André Kientzler has been one of the region’s finest exponents of its wines for years and is currently in the process of handing over the reins to his two sons, Thierry and Eric. He tends to pick his grapes on the early side to maintain freshness and finesse but they lack nothing in richness or concentration thanks to his strenuous efforts in the vineyards. Each wine is the perfect expression of its cepage and rewards lengthy ageing, especially at Grand Cru level. These are great wines and come highly recommended.