Grand Cru

Why Alsace Riesling Is a Collector’s Favorite — and Still Under the Radar

Dappled sunshine, joie de vivre holidays, and endless lavender fields are just the tip of Provence's appeal. The other is its world-famous rosé.

How did that happen? Call it what you want (fashion, peer-group pressure, herd instinct, a historical hangover) but somehow or other Alsace has ended up as France’s most neglected and misunderstood wine region.

Olivier Humbrecht MW is one of the most influential winemakers of Alsace. Matt Walls speaks to him about his journey so far, taking in changing styles, biodynamics and the future of the region.

In the world of wine, the sommelier holds a position of both reverence and responsibility. More than just a connoisseur, a sommelier is an interpreter of terroir, a storyteller of vintages and above all a master of human connection. Philippe, a world-renowned sommelier from France's Jura region, spoke with WSG’s Founder and President Julien Camus recently, with rare authenticity about what defines excellence in this noble craft.