The wine, which costs €6,50 to the trade, is now available in the US, Canada, Belgium, the UK, Slovakia, Sweden and Norway.

According to the region’s generic body, Vins d’Alsace, The Gentil denomination - of which the Gentil de Pfaff qualifies - is limited to “superior quality” wines blended from a miniumn of 50% minimum of AOC Alsace Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and/or Gewurztraminer.

Gentil wines also have to pass a tasting test following bottling to be sold under the denomination.

Gentil de Pfaff 2011 is made from 25% Pinot Blanc, 23% Gewurztraminer, 20% Sylvaner, 16% Pinot Gris and 16% Riesling.

Each grape variety is harvested at “optimal maturity”, depending upon the origin of the terroir and vinified separately.

Grapes are hand picked and pressed using pneumatic presses with vertical drains.