17 - Alsace Flashcards
Whst other white varietal is commonly planted in the Alsace?
Pinot Blanc. It’s generally planted on fertile plains not slopes. Widely used for sparkling wines. As still wine it is light, simple and refreshing, but not aromatic.
Describe the common profile of Alsace Muscat?
The best ones come from Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains. Intensely aromatic, flavours of orange and blossom, rose and grape. It tends to have to have light to medium body and low to medium acidity. Muscat Ottonel is widely planted because it can be relied on to crop early.
Describe Alsace Pinot Gris common profile?
Rich, full bodied, with a rich oily texture. Low to medium acidity and high alcohol. 14% abv common.
Describe Alsace Gewurtztraminers common profile?
Low to medium acidity and high alcohol. Pungent aromatic spicy nose, lychees, roses and sweet baking spices. Skins have a light pink tinge, sometimes giving a golden colour to the wines. Tend to be full bodied with a rich oily texture. Wines of 14% abv are common.
Which is the most widely planted of the noble grapes?
Riesling.
What is the most important factor in choosing wines from the Alsace?
The house style of the producer is important.
Describe the typical profile of Alsace Riesling?
Medium to full bodied, medium alcohol, dry with high acidity. Displays citrus and stone fruit aromas. Often with pronounced stony/steely character. Not as much floral as German Riesling.
What does Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) mean?
It’s made with one of the “Noble” grapes.
It must have a certain minimum ripeness.
Wines are not produced every year and always in small quantity.
What does Vendages Tardives mean?
“Late harvest”. Must be made from a single noble grape. Best wines would have passerillsge. Some influence of noble rot.
What are the requirements when labelling a wine Alsace Grand Cru?
Produced from a single noble grape. Must state vineyard, vintage and varietal.
In Alsace what would reserve personelle or cuvee special mean?
They have no legal status. Just producers trying to distinguish higher quality wines.
What is the appellation system in Alsace?
Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru.
What are the 4 “Noble” varietals of Alsace?
Riesling.
Gewurtztraminer .
Pinot Gris.
Muscat.
Alsace is famous for what style of wines?
Aromatic white varietals, made in dry, off dry and sweet styles.
What is the only black grape permitted in Alsace?
Pinot Noir. Generally lacks the weight and concentration of Burgundian Pinot Noir.
