By James Atkinson – editor TheShout
Premium wine buyers from around the globe and the international wine press have arrived in Colmar, France for the second MilleÌsimes Alsace wine trade fair.
A total of 170 trade and journalists attended an introductory tasting hosted by Divines D'Alsace – a group comprised of some of the region's leading female wine professionals – on Sunday night at Domaine Stentz-Buecher in Wettolsheim.
The tasting along with Monday's MilleÌsimes Alsace trade fair and a week of media activities aim to boost global awareness of Alsace wines and shed misconceptions about the region.
The fair has a special focus on fine Riesling, but also features some top examples of Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, CreÌmant d’Alsace (sparkling wine) and Pinot Noir.
Around 90 of the best-known Alsace producers will exhibit at the bi-annual fair, which attracted 650 visitors on its debut in 2012 and aspires to become an essential date in the international wine calendar.
A masterclass hosted by some of the world's top sommeliers and a workshop on older vintages complete Monday's programme.
The 2014 fair is being organised by Colmar Expo and CIVA, the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d’Alsace.
Below: Tasting underway at Stentz-Buecher