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WSET Level 3 Notes > 17 - Alsace > Flashcards

17 - Alsace Flashcards

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1
Q

What is unusual about the wines of Alsace, for a French wine region.

A

Most of its wines are varietally labelled.

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2
Q

What still wines are made in Alsace?

A

Dry, Off-dry and Sweet whites from aromatic grapes.

Some red also made.

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3
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool to Moderate Continental

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4
Q

What geographical features play a role in the Alsace region?

How do they affect weather and grape growth?

A

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.

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5
Q

Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?

A

On the steepest slopes with E and SE aspects.

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6
Q

What’s notable about the Northern Alsace region?

A

It has the coolest climate and the least protection from winds by the Vosges.

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7
Q

Where are the lesser vineyards located in Alsace?

A

On the plain between the foothills of the Vosges mountains and the Rhine river.

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8
Q

What wines are the grapes grown in on the plains at the base of the Vosges mountains often used for?

A

Crémant d’Alsace

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9
Q

What is notable about the soil of Alsace?

A

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.

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10
Q

How does vineyard design differ between the slopes and the plains of Alsace?

A

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.

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11
Q

Why is organic and biodynamic viticulture popular in Alsace?

A

In part, due to the low disease pressure in the sunny, dry conditions.

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12
Q

What logistical challenge do Alsatian growers face at harvest time?

A

Many have a number of small plots planted with different varieties, which ripen at different times, spreading the vintage over a long period.

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13
Q

When does Alsatian harvest take place?

A

Middle of September to late November (even early December for VT and SGN vines)

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14
Q

What are the most important “noble” grape varieties of Alsace?

A

Riesling,
Gewurztraminer,
Pinot Gris,
Muscat.

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15
Q

What is notable about the noble grapes of Alsace?

A

They are the only ones that can be used for grand cru wines in the region.

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16
Q

True or False:

The vast majority of Alsatian wine is single varietal

A

True

Blended wine tends to be inexpensive and made from juice that was not selected for varietal wine.

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17
Q

What are blended Alsatian wines usually labelled as?

A

Edelzwicker
Gentil
Or have the producers brand name on it.

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18
Q

Do high quality Alsatian blended wines exist?

Do high quality grand cru Alsatian blended wines exist?

A

Some exist, but they are very rare.

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19
Q

How do traditional Alsatian winemakers ferment their wines?

A

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.

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20
Q

What is the main focus of winemaking in Alsace?

A

Retaining the aromatic qualities of the grapes used.

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21
Q

What processes are used for Alsactian wine production?

A

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.

22
Q

What is the labelling issue that buyers of Alsatian wine can encounter?

A

There is no official labelling scheme for indicating sweetness.

23
Q

Describe traditional Alsatian wines.

Describe a VT wine.

Describe a SGN wine.

A

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.

24
Q

What is the most widely planted noble grape variety in Alsace?

A

Riesling

25
Q

Describe the style of the best Alsatian Riesling?

A

M-F bodied

Dry

Med Alcohol

High Acid

Citrus and Stone Fruit Aromas

Often with pronounced stoney/steely character.

However, many now being made with some residual sugar.

26
Q

How do German and Alsatian Rieslings differ?

A

Alsatian Rieslings do not typically show as much floral character as those from Germany.

27
Q

Describe the character of Gewurztraminer

A

Renowned for its pungent aromatic spicy nose, with notes of lychee, roses and sweet baking spices.

28
Q

How does the skin of Gewurztraminer affect the colour of the resulting wine?

A

The skin has a light pink tinge which can give a golden colour to some of the wines.

29
Q

Describe an Alsatian Gewurztraminers structure

A

F Body

Rich Oily texture.

L-M Acidity

H Alcohol (Over 14% not uncommon)

30
Q

Describe the character and structure of the best Alsatian Pinot Gris

A

Rich.

F Body

H Alc

More acidity than Gewurz but less aromatic.

Richly textured palate, pronounced flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruit and honeyed character.

31
Q

How many varieties of Muscat are grown in Alsace?

Name them.

A

2

Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Muscat Ottonel

32
Q

What is the character and structure of an Alsatian wine from Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains

A

Intensely aromatic with flavours of orange blossom, rose and grape.

Tend to have L-M body, L-M acid

33
Q

Why is Muscat Ottonel more widely planted than Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, even though Petit Grains produces better wines?

A

Because MBaPG is prone to poor fruit set and rot and MO can be relied upon to crop more regularly.

34
Q

Where does Pinot Blanc tend to be planted in Alsace?

What is it used for?

A

The more fertile soils of the plain rather than the slopes.

Sparkling wines and still wines.

35
Q

What is the only black grape permitted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir

36
Q

Name the other minor grape varieties of Alsace?

A

Auxerrois

Sylvaner

37
Q

Compare the pinto noir of Alsace and Burgundy?

A

Alsace PN lacks the weight and concentration of Burgundy PN. At their best when light, fruity red or rosés.

Some producers make more concentrated wines with new oak flavours.

38
Q

Describe the appellation system of Alsace?

A

It’s simple. Only 2 appellations for still wines.

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

39
Q

What 2 other classification terms can apply to Alsatian wines?

A

VT: Vendanges Tardives

SGN: Selection de Grains Nobles

40
Q

What is the problem with the simplicity of Alsaces appellation system?

A

It’s difficult to indicate quality level.

Some terms such as cuvee special or reserve personelle may be found on bottles, but have no legal status.

41
Q

The majority of Alsatian wines are

a) Varietal
b) Blended

A

Varietal

42
Q

What’s unique about Alsatian varietal wines?

A

They are varietally labelled and 100% of the grapes used must be from that variety if varietally labelled.

43
Q

Are Alsatian blends varietally labelled?

A

No

44
Q

Can Alsatian villages add their names to the label?

A

In certain instances, for particular styles of wine, but it’s rare.

45
Q

How many Alsatian vineyards have a Grand Cru appellation?

A

Over 50

46
Q

What are the rules of Alsatian Grand Cru vineyards?

A

Single varietal, noble grape only, some exceptions exist.

Label must state name of vineyard, vintage and grape variety, where applicable.

47
Q

Why is the Alsatian Grand Cru appellation dogged with controversy?

A

Many grand crus are considered to be too large and includes lands that are not worthy of the status.

Some producers with grand crus vineyards do not label their wines as grand cru as a result.

48
Q

What does Vendanges Tardives mean?

A

Late Harvest

49
Q

What are the rules of VT wines?

A

Noble varieties only.

Specific minimum grape sugar ripeness depending on grape variety.

Paserillage common, may have some noble rot.

50
Q

What are the rules of SGN wines?

A

Noble varietals only.
Higher minimum sugar ripeness than VT wines.
Usually have noble rot.

Not produced every year, only ever in very small quantities.

WSET Level 3 Notes (21 decks)

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