This region is very unique. French and German
influences play an equal role in sculpting Alsace's language,
traditions, and even its wines. It is also the only region in France
that sells its wine according to the name of the grape variety, and it
has done so for quite some time. Another paradoxical fact is that Alsace
is not only an important economic region with a highly dense population,
but also an important agricultural and wine producing region. Although
Alsace is one of France's northernmost areas, its summers are hot and
sunny and it is the driest region in the country. Winegrowing is a top
priority here, and the region produces fine aromatic and heady white
wines, two excellent examples of which are Gewürztraminer and Riesling.
