2. The Brotherhood of Saint Stephen was brought about by those in the wine trade “to bring their wines under official inspection to be brought out from the city wine cellars in order to offer these irreproachable wines to the general public.”
All members of the Confrerie Sainte Etienne are friends of Alsace, their wines, foods and customs and interest in promoting international goodwill.

3. Confrerie St. Etienne Kientzheim
Originated in the 14th Century
Formed to regulate and test the quality of Alsatian wines
Regulations, still in use, were codified in 1561
Originally went dormant in 1848
Revived in 1947International headquarters at Castle Kientzheim, Alsace
Tens of thousands of bottles in their cellar, oldest from 1834
36th Infantry “Texas” Division liberated Alsace in Dec. 1944

4. Chapitre l’Americaine Fort Worth Chapter
Fort Worth Chapter was founded in 1971, we are the first chapter outside of France
150 Members
Three wine dinners annually
Impromptu tastings 

5. Alsace
Has changed hands between Germany and France at least four times in the last two hundred years.
Alsace has its own language and culture, influenced by but distinct from France and Germany.
Strasbourg is the capital and is also the seat of the European Parliament and many other international organizations.

6. Climate
Semi-continental climate with cold and dry winters and hot summers.
There is little precipitation because the Vosges protect it from the west.
The city of Colmar has a sunny microclimate; it is the second driest city in France
Topography
Smallest region of metropolitan France.
It is almost four times longer than it is wide, corresponding to a plain between the Rhine in the east and the Vosges mountains in the west.
Borders Germany on the north and the east, Switzerland and Franche-Comté on the south, and Lorraine on the west.

7. The Wines

8. Wine Naming Conventions
It is important to note that Alsace is the only region in France where wines are given their name by varietal.
Many different grapes are allowed to be grown in Alsace. Nearly all make white wines.

9. Unique Traditional Bottle and Glass
German/Alsatian “Hock” bottle shape
Narrow and tall with little or no punt
Traditional green stemmed glass of Alsace
Wide, clear bowl with green stem

11. Noble Grapes
The noble varietals of Alsace, in order of importance, are:
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat

12. Non Noble Grapes of Alsace
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir (only red wine allowed in Alsace)
Sylvaner
Pinot Auxerrois
Chasselas
Chardonnay (for
sparkling wines only)

13. Riesling: King of Alsace Wines
Riesling and Chardonnay are typically considered the finest white wines in the world
Terroir driven
Alsace is home to the finest dry Riesling in the world
Fairly aromatic
Crisp and dry, high acidity
Green and citrus fruits, whiteflowers
Minerals, flint, and petrol
Ageworthy

14. Gewurztraminer
If Riesling is the King of Alsatian wines, Gewurtz is the Queen
Alsace produces the finest Gewurztraminer in the world
One of the most distinctive wines
Sometimes off-dry
Usually full bodied
Highly aromatic
Aromas of perfume, roses, potpourri, gingerbread, spice, lychee
Lower acidity so best drunk young

15. Pinot Gris
Legend has it, it was brought from Hungry and thus called Tokay.
Called Tokay d’Alsace until EU regulations forbid that use
Known as the Pinot Grigio in Italy though usually vinified in a different style
Full bodied with a rich texture, sometimes almost unctuous
Dry, sometimes slightly off dry
Low acidity so drink when young
Approachable and an interesting alternative to Chardonnay
Aromas of flowers and dried fruits
Tropical flavors oh melon, peach mango and honey

16. Muscat Difficult to grow Low yields Small production
Floral nose with flavors of juicy green grapes and apricot
Spring in a glass
Dry, the perfect aperitif

17. Grand Cru Areas Only noble grapes can be Grand Cru
The best vineyards are designated Grand Cru
There are currently 51 Alsatian Grand Cru Sites
Yields and quality are carefully monitored

18. Pinot Blanc Perhaps the finest of the “non noble” grapes
Alsace produces some of the best Pinot Blanc in the world
Medium bodied, dry and of medium acidity
A good “middle of the road” Alsatian wine
Soft and fresh
Aromas of flowers and green apples
Flavors of apples and peaches that can have nutty, creamy tones with a mineral finish

19. Other Wines of Alsace
Cremant d’Alsace: Sparkling wine typically produced in the Champagne Method
Edelwicker: literally “Nobel Mixture”, it is a blend of more than one variety. Also called Gentil
Vendage Tardive: Later harvest wine usually a quite sweet a great dessert or cheese course wine
Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN): A dessert wine whose grapes are affected by botrytis, aka Noble Rot, similar to Sauternes

20. Pairing
Riesling: Delicately racy and fruity, the Riesling is a true ally of the “haute cuisine”. Riesling matches very well the Alsatian traditional kitchen (Sauerkraut !), but it is also particularly at ease with noble fish, seafood, white meat or goat cheese.
Gewurztraminer accompanies exotic food, strong cheeses like the local munster or the roquefort, and naturally “foie gras”. It also works wonderfully with fruit deserts.
Pinot Gris is one of the rare white wines to be served with meats such as game in sauce. It also likes to accompany white meats, but in combination with “foie gras” it excells.
Muscat is a wine to be enjoyed young. With its dry character, Alsace Muscat is perfect for whetting the appetite. It is served as an aperitif at some the finest restaurants in Alsace. Unlike many wines, Muscat is an excellent pairing for asparagus. It brings out the best in light, vegetable-based dishes, both cooked and raw. 
Pinot Blanc can easily accompany starters or main courses. It pairs well with simple dishes such as fish, white meats, poultry and egg-based dishes (omelettes, eggs benedicte, quiches, etc.). It is also delicious with soft cheeses. 

22. Thank You and Cheers Merci et Santé

23. Reference http://confrerie.org http://www.confrerie-st-etienne.com/