The "Lieux-dits (Localities) of Alsace

 

The lieu-dits in Alsace wine refer to specific vineyard sites or plots within the broader AOC Alsace appellation. They are mentioned on wine labels to indicate a higher quality level and more distinct terroir expression.

Many place names are also old and have the same structure as the names of the old parishes or surrounding communes. For AOC Alsace wines the mention of a lieu-dit on the label is optional, not mandatory. Lieu-dits are considered smaller subdivisions within the larger Alsace AOC vineyards or climats. They highlight a particular vineyard plot recognized for its unique characteristics, including soil type and exposure.

While there are thousands of lieu-dits in total, only a small subset are officially recognized at higher classification levels. For the prestigious Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines the mention of the specific lieu-dit vineyard is mandatory on the label. There are 51 classified Grand Cru lieu-dit vineyards in total. These are considered the top vineyard sites in Alsace, with very strict production requirements to express the terroir.

Lieu-dits allow Alsace producers to highlight exceptional smaller vineyard plots within the broader AOC appellations, with the Grand Cru lieu-dits being the most prestigious designated sites that must be labeled as such. This adds an extra layer of terroir expression and quality differentiation for Alsace wines. These wines are also typically noted for particular nuance and evolution in the glass, as well as the ability to be aged for lengthy periods in bottle.