17. Alsace Flashcards
Noble white grapes of Alsace are:
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Gerwurztraminer
AOCs of Alsace
Alsace AOC
Cremant d’Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru AOC
What does Vandanges Tardives mean?
Late harvest
From which grapes can Vandanges Tardives wine can be produced?
4 noble grapes of Alsace
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
- Gerwurztraminer
Name the mountain which affects the climate of Alsace
Vosges
Best vineyards of Alsace are located on
Steepest slopes facing east and south-east
The grapes from the lesser vineyards of Alsace are usually used for production of..
Cremant d’Alsace
How are the vines trained a) in the slopes b) in the plains of Alsace
a) Trained low to benefit from the radiated heat and rows are oriented for maximum exposure to sun
b) Trained high to minimize the risk of spring frost
The only red grape permitted in Alsace is:
Pinot Noir
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool continental
What is the effect of Vosges mountains on Alsace?
- They shelter vineyards from prevailing westerly rain baring winds
- Lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry autumns
What is unique for wine production and labelling in Alsace when compared to other wine regions of France?
- Most wines are made from a single grape variety
Wines are varietally labellied
What is the difference between “Vendanges Tardives” and “Selection de Grains Nobles”?
- Both can only be produced from 4 noble grapes of Alsace
- Both can be labelled as Alsace AOC or Alsace Grand Cru AOC
- For VT, in the best wines the grapes undergo passerillage and MAY have some influence of noble rot
- For SGN, minimum sugar ripeness levels are set higher than VT and are USUALLY achieved by noble rot
What is the quality of the grapes used to make blended wines?
Not high quality, they are usually made from the juice that was not selected for varietal wines
How are the blended wines labelled?
Either Edelzwicker or Gentil
What is the difference between Edelzwicker and Gentil? (E)
Edelzwicker:
- Can be made using all the Alsace white wine varieties, without having any proportion indications or constraints
- Varieties can be vinified together or separately
Gentil:
- Blending must have at least 50% of Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and/or Gewurztraminer, and the rest can be either Sylvaner, Chasselas and/or Pinot Blanc
- Before blending, each variety must be vinified separately and must officially qualify as an AOC Alsace wine
- Vintage year must appear on the Gentil label and can only be sold after being tasted and approved
What kind of fermentation vessels are preferred in Alsace? Why?
- Large old oak barrels with a thick tartare deposit inside (traditional)
- Steel vats (modern cellars)
Because they want to retain the aromatic properties of the wine
Tasting notes for best Alsace Rieslings
- Medium to full bodied
- Dry
- Medium alcohol
- High acidity
- Citrus and stone fruit aromas
- Pronounced stony/steely character
What is the difference between a German and Alsatian Riesling
- Alsatian Rieslings do not typically show as much floral character as those from Germany
Tasting notes for Alsace Gewurztraminer
- Golden color coming from the light pink tinge of the grape skin
- Full bodied with a rich oily texture
- High alcohol
- Low to medium acidity
- Lychee, rose and sweet baking spice aromas
Compare the tasting notes of Alsace Pinot Gris with Alsace Gerwurztraminer
- They are both rich, full bodied and high in alcohol, have similar color
- Pinot Gris is more acidic but less aromatic
Tasting notes for Alsatian Muscat
- Light to medium body
- Low to medium acidity
- Orange blossom, rose and grape flavours
What are the two Muscat varieties grown in Alsace?
- Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
- Muscat Ottonel
What are differences between Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel?
- Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains is more aromatic but susceptible to rot and poor fruit set
- Muscat Ottonel is less aromatic but more widely planted due to higher crop reliability
