🥃 Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer
Protected EU name: colourless spirit from Gewurztraminer marc only, from Alsace, not aged in wood, from 45% ABV.
Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer is a protected EU geographical name for a spirit made from the marc of a single grape variety, Gewurztraminer, from the vineyards of Alsace. It is the only French marc named after a grape variety. The drink is colourless, is not aged in wood, and must be sold at no less than 45% ABV.
The marc comes only from wines of AOC «Alsace» or «Alsace grand cru» from communes of the departments of Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin. It is destemmed; to limit methanol, hand-picked grapes may stay on the press for no more than 2 hours. Less than 40 kg of marc is allowed per hectolitre of wine.
It is distilled twice, «à repasse», in copper stills of up to 20 hl with direct fire or a water bath; direct steam is forbidden. Distillation runs from two months after the start of the Gewurztraminer harvest until 30 April; the distillate may not exceed 68.5% vol., and the yield is 4.5 to 7.5 litres of pure alcohol per 100 kg of marc.
Before sale the spirit matures for at least 3 months, and less than 10 g/l of sugar may be added. The specification describes floral and fruity notes and spice on the palate. The grape name is written in letters of the same size as «Marc d'Alsace». EU protection dates from 12 June 1989 (PGI-FR-01836), and in France from the decree of 22 July 1966.
Why this matters to you. This name guarantees one grape variety and a colourless spirit, so a golden colour is a reason to doubt. The strength here is higher than in most marcs. WHO reminds: there is no safe dose of alcohol.
Facts
| Legal basis | EU geographical indication PGI-FR-01836 (since 12 June 1989); in France since the decree of 22 July 1966 |
|---|---|
| EU category | 6 “Grape marc spirit” |
| Raw material | destemmed marc of Gewurztraminer only, from wines of AOC Alsace / Alsace grand cru |
| Distillation method | double «à repasse» distillation, copper still of up to 20 hl, up to 68.5% vol. |
| Minimum maturation | 3 months of maturing; not aged in wood |
| Alcohol (% vol.) | from 45% ABV |
How it connects to Spirits
🥃 Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer → kind of → 🍇 Pomace spirits → kind of → 🥃 Spirits
Links
- Next step
- 🍷 Alcoholic fermentation
- Packed in
- 🍷 Wine label
- Made from
- 🥃 Pomace, 🍇 Gewürztraminer
- What it affects
- 🍷 Alcohol and health, 🍷 Drunk driving
- Traditions
- 🧑🤝🧑 French
- Part of
- 🍇 Pomace spirits, 🥃 Marc, 🥃 Pomace brandy
- Related to
- 📍 Alsace
- Similar and different
- 🥃 Kirsch (Kirschwasser), 🥃 Grappa, 🥃 Marc du Jura, 🥃 Marc du Jura
Frequently asked questions
Is it true that Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer is aged in barrels?
No. The specification states plainly that these spirits do not need ageing in wood and are sold colourless. Before sale they only mature for at least 3 months.
Can this marc be made from other grape varieties?
No. The marc must come only from Gewurztraminer, from wines of AOC «Alsace» or «Alsace grand cru».
What is the strength of Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer?
It is sold at no less than 45% ABV. After the second distillation the spirit has at most 68.5% vol.
Why may the grapes not stay long on the press?
This is how the methanol content is limited: for hand-picked grapes, no more than 2 hours on the press; for machine-picked, up to 5 hours from the start of picking to pressing.
Since when has this name existed?
In France it was recognised by the decree of 22 July 1966. In the EU register it has been protected since 12 June 1989.
What to read next
- 🍇 Gewürztraminer — A pink-skinned aromatic grape smelling of rose and lychee, known for the wines of Alsace.
- 🍷 Alcohol and health — Alcohol in any drink is harmful in large amounts, and the risks grow with the quantity.
- 🍷 Alcoholic fermentation — Yeast eats the sugar in the must and releases alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- 🍷 Wine label — The sticker on a bottle: who made it, where from, the year and strength.
- 🥃 Pomace — Grape skins, seeds and stems left after pressing.
Similar
🥃 Marc d'Auvergne · 🥃 Marc des Côtes-du-Rhône · 🥃 Marc de Provence · 🥃 Marc du Bugey · 🥃 Marc du Languedoc · 🥃 Marc de Savoie
⚠️ Spirit drinks contain alcohol and are for adults only. Alcohol harms health. Do not drink during pregnancy or before driving; check the label for ingredients and possible allergens.
Sources
- eAmbrosia: technical file of the GI «Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer», version du 21.07.2016, Ares(2019)6225845, PGI-FR-01836
- eAmbrosia register: «Marc d'Alsace Gewurztraminer», EUGI00000014951 (PGI-FR-01836), GI registered, EU protection 12.06.1989
- Regulation (EU) 2019/787 on spirit drinks (OJ L 130, 17.5.2019), Annex I, category 6 «Grape marc spirit or grape marc»
- Regulation (EC) No 110/2008, Annex III: geographical indications of spirit drinks, category 6 (version of 31.01.2020)
- WHO/Europe: No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health (04.01.2023)