17 - Alsace Flashcards
What is unusual about the wines of Alsace, for a French wine region.
Most of its wines are varietally labelled.
What still wines are made in Alsace?
Dry, Off-dry and Sweet whites from aromatic grapes.
Some red also made.
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool to Moderate Continental
What geographical features play a role in the Alsace region?
How do they affect weather and grape growth?
The Vosges mountain range protect the vineyards from prevailing westerly, rain-bearing winds.
The lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry autumns.
This ensures grape ripening, although drought can be an issue in the driest years.
Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?
On the steepest slopes with E and SE aspects.
What’s notable about the Northern Alsace region?
It has the coolest climate and the least protection from winds by the Vosges.
Where are the lesser vineyards located in Alsace?
On the plain between the foothills of the Vosges mountains and the Rhine river.
What wines are the grapes grown in on the plains at the base of the Vosges mountains often used for?
Crémant d’Alsace
What is notable about the soil of Alsace?
The dramatic geological history of the area means there is a wide range of soil profiles in the foothills.
It’s a key factor that contributes to the range of wines produced. The influence of geology on wine is more clear here than many other regions.
How does vineyard design differ between the slopes and the plains of Alsace?
Slopes: Vines are trained low to benefit from radiated heat. Rows are oriented to maximise exposure to the sun. Hand harvesting.
Plains: Trained high to minimise spring frost damage.
Why is organic and biodynamic viticulture popular in Alsace?
In part, due to the low disease pressure in the sunny, dry conditions.
What logistical challenge do Alsatian growers face at harvest time?
Many have a number of small plots planted with different varieties, which ripen at different times, spreading the vintage over a long period.
When does Alsatian harvest take place?
Middle of September to late November (even early December for VT and SGN vines)
What are the most important “noble” grape varieties of Alsace?
Riesling,
Gewurztraminer,
Pinot Gris,
Muscat.
What is notable about the noble grapes of Alsace?
They are the only ones that can be used for grand cru wines in the region.
True or False:
The vast majority of Alsatian wine is single varietal
True
Blended wine tends to be inexpensive and made from juice that was not selected for varietal wine.
What are blended Alsatian wines usually labelled as?
Edelzwicker
Gentil
Or have the producers brand name on it.
Do high quality Alsatian blended wines exist?
Do high quality grand cru Alsatian blended wines exist?
Some exist, but they are very rare.
How do traditional Alsatian winemakers ferment their wines?
In large oak barrels, often more than 100 years old.
The barrels have a thick deposit of tartrate on the inside which prevents the oak from having any effect on the wine.
What is the main focus of winemaking in Alsace?
Retaining the aromatic qualities of the grapes used.
What processes are used for Alsactian wine production?
Modern winery use SS to facilitate temperature control during fermentation.
MLF normally not encouraged for aromatic varieties to retain pure fruit character, though some allow it.
Bottling is usually in the spring following vintage. Most ready to drink while young and fresh, though some are capable of further evolution in the bottle.
What is the labelling issue that buyers of Alsatian wine can encounter?
There is no official labelling scheme for indicating sweetness.
Describe traditional Alsatian wines.
Describe a VT wine.
Describe a SGN wine.
Traditionally dry, but recently, increasing numbers of producers, particularly at grand cru level, have been made with notable sweetness.
VT can range from dry to medium sweet
SGN is always sweet, but the extent of the influence of noble rot will vary from wine to wine. Knowing the house style of the producer can be important as a result.
What is the most widely planted noble grape variety in Alsace?
Riesling