The first in a trio of excellent vintages for Alsace. Spring and summer were warm and dry yet growers` expectations were lowered by the heavy rains that fell just prior to the start of the harvest. However, some very fine, aromatically rich, well-balanced wines were produced. What sets the 1988 apart from 1989 and 1990 are the higher acidity levels that were attained, which resulted in well-structured wines with very good ageing potential. The Rieslings and Tokay Pinot Gris were particularly successful.