17 - Alsace Flashcards
Where is Alsace situated?
on the border between Germany and France, but it’s a French wine region
What is the climate in Alsace? What are its climatic influences?
cool to moderate continental climate. Alsace is near the Vosges Mountains, which shelter the vineyards from rain and winds.
Lack of clouds -> sunny summers, dry autumns -> high levels of sugar ripeness
drought can be an issue because lack of rain and dry conditions
What are characteristics of the best vineyards in terms of steepness/aspect?
best vineyards are on steepest slopes.
east and southeast aspects.
Where are the lesser vineyards of Alsace located? What kinds of wine do they make?
Lesser vineyards are on the plan between Vosges foothills and the Rhine river. Grapes are used for production of Cremant d’Alsace (local AC sparkling wine)
What is the distinguishing characteristic of the soils of Alsace?
Due to complex geological history, there is great variety in the soils in foothills of Vosges -> great variety of wine styles
How do grape growing practices differ between vineyards that lie on slopes vs. on plains?
On the slopes - the vines are trained low, in order to benefit from radiated heat. Rows are oriented to maximize exposure to sun. hand-harvesting practiced
on the plain - vines trained high, minimize risk spring frost. organic and biodynamic viticulture popular because low risk of disease due to sunny dry conditions
What are the two principal appellations for still wines in Alsace?
Alsace: majority of Alsace wine production. usually varietal wines that are varietally labelled. wines that are labelled with the village are rare.
Alsace Grand Cru: 50+ vineyards with their own grand cru appellation. Must be made from single noble grape (Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris) though exceptions exist. Alsace grand crus have been controversial because many are considered to be too large and encompassing land not worthy of the appellation.
What are the two classifications for Alsace wines that depend on the sugar ripeness of the grapes?
Vendanges Tardives and selection de grains nobles. for both - wines must be made from one of the noble varieties. minimum sugar ripeness that depends on variety.
Vendanges Tardives (VT): (means late harvest). In the best wines grapes will have undergone passerillage (drying on vine). may be influence of noble rot.
Selection de grains nobles (SGN): Minimum sugar ripeness higher than Vendanges Tardives and usually achieved with noble rot. Not produced every year and only in small quantities.
True/False: Both Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru wines can apply to use the terms Vendanges Tardives and Selection de grains nobles
True
What are the 4 noble varieties? Which classifications of Alsace wines require only use of these varieties?
Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris
classifications: VT, SGN, grand cru
True/False: vast majority of Alsatian wines are blended wines
False. Most are made from single variety.
Blended wines are usually inexpensive made from juice that was not selected for varietal wines. usually labelled Edelzwicker, Gentil or with brand name. there are some grand cru blends that are rare.
in Alsace, winemaking is focused on retaining aromas and flavors of grapes, since most of varieties are aromatic. What are typical steps in the winemaking process?
fermentation either in old oak barrels (traditional) or stainless steel vats (modern).
MLF usually not encouraged for aromatic varieties
Bottling takes place in spring after the vintage when wine is young and fresh - many are ready to drink right away but some can age in bottle.
What issue does the labelling system in Alsace have in terms of indicating to consumers what style of wine to expect?
There is no official labelling scheme to indicate the level of sweetness in a wine for grand cru and VT wines. (SGN wines are always sweet)
Which is the most widely planted of the noble varieties? What are its characteristics?
Riesling.
In Alsace: best are medium to full body dry medium alcohol high acidity citrus, stone fruit stony/steely
usually not as floral as German Riesling
What are the characteristics of Alsatian Gewurtztraminer
aromatic spicy nose - lychees, roses, sweet baking spices
light pink tinge of grape skin ->golden wine
full bodied with rich oily texture
low to medium acid
high alcohol
