France, Alsace

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 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. Wine growing is a top priority here, and  the region produces fine aromatic and heady white wines, two excellent  examples of which are Gewürztraminer and Riesling.