One of the top three grape varieties
Pinot Blanc vines, originally from Burgundy, were introduced to Alsace in the late Middle Ages. Auxerrois, on the other hand, is a variety from Lorraine that has only recently been grown in the region (since 1950).
The development of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois, used to produce Crémant d’Alsace, a recognised appellation since the 1970s, has mirrored that of the sparkling wine since that time. They now occupy 21% of the Alsace wine-growing area compared to 11% in 1969. Auxerrois is the third most-cultivated grape variety in the Alsace region, after Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
