5. Alsace Flashcards
Alsace’s climate is unusual for its northerly location. How and why?
1) Warm, sunny and dry
2) Protection from the Vosges Mountains to the west
Besides the Vosges Mountains, what is another drying influence in Alsace?
The Foehn wind
What is the Foehn wind?
A warm wind that raises the temperature and reduces the incidence of fungal diseases.
Explain the Vosges Mountains and Foehn wind in foursteps
1) Cool, moist air approaches the Vosges from the west
2) The moist air is driven upslope towards the peak, where it expands, cools, and its moisture condenses and starts to precipitate
3) The majority of the humidity is lost before making it up and over the peak
4) As the air descends over the leeward side it is compressed and heated, producing foehn winds that absorb moisture downslope
Describe the differences between vineyards on the plain compared with vineyards on the hillsides
1) Plain - deeper, more fertile promoting greater vegetative growth
2) Hillsides - lower fertility, better draining promoting slower growth and higher fruit quality
At what altitude range are vineyards in Alsace planted?
200-250m up to 450m
What are the four noble grapes of Alsace?
1) Riesling
2) Gewurztraminer
3) Pinot Gris
4) Muscat
What is the most planted grape variety in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc may also be labelled as what?
Auxerrois
Riesling is resistant to which three disease pressures?
Downy, powdery, botrytis
Gewurztraminer is a vigorous variety, but only moderately productive due to what?
Coulure
What three disease pressures is Gewurztraminer vulnerable to in Alsace?
1) Chlorosis
2) Powdery
3) Grey rot
What pest is Gewurztraminer vulnerable to in Alsace?
Grape vine moth
What is Pinot Blanc vulnerable to? (2)
1) Spring frost
2) Fungal disease
What two disease pressures is Pinot Gris vulnerable to?
1) Downy
2) Botrytis
Why have the picking dates of Pinot Gris become a topic of discussion particularly in recent years?
It can see a rapid increase in sugar levels and a drop in acidity
Why is Sylvaner gaining a reputation as a source of good value of very good quality?
Its plantings are in decline as Pinot Gris and Blanc are easier to grow. Consequently, there is little Sylvaner planted on the valley floor and most wines come from older vines
What are the two types of Muscat grown in Alsace?
1) Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
2) Muscat Ottonel
Of the two Muscat varieties planted in Alsace, which ripens later and is more attractive to avoid autumn rains?
Muscat Ottonel
What is the most common form of training as required by AOC regulations?
Single or double guyot
Why is the fruit zone typically trained higher (1-1.2m up to 1.9m) above the ground in Alsace?
To reduce the risk from frost especially on the valley plain and maximise sunlight exposure
What is the typically planting density in Alsace?
4,400 - 4,800 with greater density on the slopes compared with the valley floor
What are the four main diseases and pests in Alsace?
1) Powdery
2) Downy
3) Grape vine moth
4) Esca
Mid-range rather than cool fermentation temperatures are more likely to be used for which noble variety? Why?
1) Gewurztraminer
2) It has higher sugar levels; a higher fermentation temperature is desirable to ensure the yeast can ferment effectively to high alcohol levels
Is MLC commonly avoided or encouraged?
Avoided to preserve the varietal expression
Since 2021 Alsace has standardised its sweetness labelling along with EU categories. What are the four categories?
1) Dry (sec)
2) Medium-dry (demi-sec)
3) Mellow (moelleux)
4) Sweet (doux)
What is dry (sec)’s r/s?
Sugar content of the wine does not exceed 4g/L
What is medium-dry (demi-sec)’s r/s?
Sugar content of the wine is between 4g/L and 12g/L
What is mellow (moelleux)’s r/s?
sugar content of the wine is between 12g/L and 45g/L
