New Alsace Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Klein on the wine “soon to flood our glasses”

Photograph by Ilya Kagan.
Rachel Fellows
Published 24-October-2024
Interview / Alsace

Today, we relaunch our guide to Alsace with new ambassador Jean-Baptiste Klein, who begins his role by adding 18 Red Stars.

Sommelier Jean-Baptiste Klein is one of a select few to hold the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) and, in 2024, was named Sommelier of the Year by Gault & Millau France. An Alsace native, Jean-Baptiste is excited to share his experience with the Star Wine List community.

“I am very honoured to be able to select the finest wine lists from my region, alongside my colleagues from around the world, whom I have been avidly following since the early days of Star Wines List,” he says.

Jean-Baptiste first got into wine whilst apprenticing in kitchens. He began his sommelier studies and soon moved into the Michelin sphere, gaining experience in a range of locations across France, from the warmth of the Riviera to the Courchevel snow. Since 2016, he has looked after the wine selections at Le Chambard, a five-star hotel in Kaysersberg housing both a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and a traditional Winstub by chef Olivier Nasti.

As you might expect, Jean-Baptiste is a keen Riesling advocate (“the greatest grape variety in the world”) but he also harbours passions for natural wines, Nebbiolo and orange wines, plus craft beer, cider, and spirits like gin and mezcal.

“I invite wine lovers from around the world to come visit our beautiful region,” he says, “taste the diversity of its wines, and experience the generosity of its cuisine.”

Watch out for some interesting recommendations from Jean-Baptiste and take a look at our refreshed guide to Alsace, here.

Photograph by Ilya Kagan.

Welcome to the team! What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?

“Highlighting the work of my fellow sommeliers, cooks and restaurateurs, who share their passion for wines on a daily basis, some of whom have built absolutely magnificent cellars. I attach particular importance to the healthy viticulture behind each label – a wine list must be unique and meticulous, reflecting its creator. Prices should be fair, and the selection made with harmony and loyalty.”

How would you describe the dining and drinking scene in Alsace at the moment?

“Alsace is a great wine region that is, unfortunately, still too often overlooked. Yet, there is currently a very strong dynamic, and exceptional wine quality, with a diversity of wine types and great terroirs. This complexity is unique in the wine world, and this wine scene perfectly matches the very strong gastronomic tradition in our region.”

How much has changed in recent years and what have been the biggest changes?

“Alsace has always been a major destination for wine tourism, at the crossroads of many European routes. Our European neighbours are fond of our wines and enjoy travelling along our famous wine route. Nowadays, tourists are being replaced by professional sommeliers, journalists, or wine enthusiasts eager for new discoveries, who have understood that Alsace is now an important destination in the wine world.”

What wines, styles, countries, and regions are most in demand in your restaurants?

“Alsace is, of course, always well highlighted with us and pairs beautifully with local specialties. But whether they are travellers or locals, customers increasingly love to be surprised with unique and unprecedented wines.

“Neighbouring regions like Champagne, Burgundy and Jura are always well represented. As for the Alsatians, they always have a little passion for characterful red wines, often from the south. This is the only type of wine we still lack here, but not for much longer.”

What are the emerging drinking trends you are seeing?

“Alsace now regularly produces great red wines based on Pinot Noir, which have nothing to envy our Burgundian neighbours. Riesling is adapting well to climate change with great terroir wines that are less austere and more appealing than in the past. Natural wines have gained an important place in our wine landscape, helped by pioneering winemakers in the 1990s and a serious and meticulous work ethic.

“There is also a type of wine that I am particularly fond of, which is soon to flood our glasses: orange wines.”

Jean-Baptiste's 18 Red Stars for Alsace

Auberge Le Bouc Bleu, Beblenheim
Auberge du Cheval Blanc, Lembach
Bratschtall Manala, Kaysersberg
Enfin, Barr
L’Auberge de l’Ill, Illhaeusern
L'Esprit Libre, Horbourg Wihr
L'Un des Sens, Colmar
La Maison des Têtes, Colmar
La Quille, Mulhouse
La Table d'Olivier Nasti, Kaysersberg
La Winstub du Chambard, Kaysersberg
Le Canon d'Or, Mulhouse
Le Cheval Blanc, Felbach
Le Hupsa Pfannala, Saint Hippolyte
Le Pont Corbeau, Strasbourg
Restaurant Buerehiesel, Strasbourg
Restaurant de La Gare, Guewenheim
Thierry Schwartz - Le Restaurant, Obernai

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