17. Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

Noble white grapes of Alsace are:

A

Riesling
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Gerwurztraminer

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2
Q

AOCs of Alsace

A

Alsace AOC
Cremant d’Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru AOC

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3
Q

What does Vandanges Tardives mean?

A

Late harvest

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4
Q

From which grapes can Vandanges Tardives wine can be produced?

A

4 noble grapes of Alsace

  • Riesling
  • Pinot Gris
  • Muscat
  • Gerwurztraminer
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5
Q

Name the mountain which affects the climate of Alsace

A

Vosges

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6
Q

Best vineyards of Alsace are located on

A

Steepest slopes facing east and south-east

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7
Q

The grapes from the lesser vineyards of Alsace are usually used for production of..

A

Cremant d’Alsace

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8
Q

How are the vines trained a) in the slopes b) in the plains of Alsace

A

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

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9
Q

The only red grape permitted in Alsace is:

A

Pinot Noir

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10
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool continental

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11
Q

What is the effect of Vosges mountains on Alsace?

A
  • They shelter vineyards from prevailing westerly rain baring winds
  • Lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry autumns
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12
Q

What is unique for wine production and labelling in Alsace when compared to other wine regions of France?

A
  • Most wines are made from a single grape variety

Wines are varietally labellied

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13
Q

What is the difference between “Vendanges Tardives” and “Selection de Grains Nobles”?

A
  • 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
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14
Q

What is the quality of the grapes used to make blended wines?

A

Not high quality, they are usually made from the juice that was not selected for varietal wines

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15
Q

How are the blended wines labelled?

A

Either Edelzwicker or Gentil

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16
Q

What is the difference between Edelzwicker and Gentil? (E)

A

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

17
Q

What kind of fermentation vessels are preferred in Alsace? Why?

A
  • 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
18
Q

Tasting notes for best Alsace Rieslings

A
  • Medium to full bodied
  • Dry
  • Medium alcohol
  • High acidity
  • Citrus and stone fruit aromas
  • Pronounced stony/steely character
19
Q

What is the difference between a German and Alsatian Riesling

A
  • Alsatian Rieslings do not typically show as much floral character as those from Germany
20
Q

Tasting notes for Alsace Gewurztraminer

A
  • 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
21
Q

Compare the tasting notes of Alsace Pinot Gris with Alsace Gerwurztraminer

A
  • They are both rich, full bodied and high in alcohol, have similar color
  • Pinot Gris is more acidic but less aromatic
22
Q

Tasting notes for Alsatian Muscat

A
  • Light to medium body
  • Low to medium acidity
  • Orange blossom, rose and grape flavours
23
Q

What are the two Muscat varieties grown in Alsace?

A
  • Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains

- Muscat Ottonel

24
Q

What are differences between Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel?

A
  • 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