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