5. Crémant d'Alsace Flashcards
What per cent of wine production in Alsace does Crèmant account for?
25%
What is the most important variety for sparkling wine in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc (20% of Alsace’s total vineyard area).
Alsace’s vineyards are mainly planted on the eastern flanks of the foothills which mountain range?
Vosges
At what elevation are most Alsace vineyards planted?
200-400 MASL.
What is Alsace’s climate?
Sunny & continental.
What are the three climatic concerns for growers in Alsace?
1) Rain at harvest
2) Shortage of water
3) Spring frost
Why is it advantageous for vineyard plantings to be on the eastern flanks of the Vosges?
The Vosges protect vines from the prevailing westerly winds.
Where are most vineyards planted for the growth of sparkling wine fruit? (2)
1) Lower level, high fertility soils.
2) Higher elevation where fruit for still wines would struggle to ripen.
What are the six grape varieties used for Crèmant d’Alsace?
1) Pinot Blanc
2) Auxerrois
3) Chardonnay
4) Riesling
5) Pinot Gris
6) Pinot Noir
When does Pinot Blanc bud?
Early
What is Pinot Blanc vulnerable to? (2)
1) Spring frost
2) Fungal disease
When does Pinot Blanc ripen?
Early
What aromas and flavours does Pinot Blanc contribute to Crèmant?
Pear and apple with high acidity
To raise the quality of a Crèmant d’Alsace, what two varieties might a winemaker use/include in a blend?
1) Riesling
2) Pinot Gris
Crèmant d’Alsace is the only Alsace appellation that allows the use of which variety?
Chardonnay
From which variety is Crèmant d’Alsace Rosé made?
Pinot Noir
What is the maximum yield for Crèmant d’Alsace?
80 hL/ha
In what month must growers declare that they’re going to make a Crèmant?
July
In what months is the fruit for Crèmant typically harvested?
Late August/early September
What harvesting method is mandatory?
Hand harvesting and whole-bunch pressing.
Is chaptalization permitted?
Yes
What is the common dosage level for Crèmant d’Alsace?
8-10 g/L
What is the production split between co-operatives, merchant houses and independent growers?
Co-operatives - 43%
Merchant houses - 37%
Independent growers - 20%
Which co-operative is one of the pioneers of Crèmant d’Alsace?
Maison Bestheim
Which is the main market for Crèmant d’Alsace?
France
What is the production trend for Crèmant d’Alsace?
Doubled between 2000-2014
Launched in 2012, what are the requirements of Crèmant d’Alsace Emotion? (2)
Varieties
Lees time
1) Minimum 75% Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir separately or together
2) Minimum 24 months on lees.
Describe the weather during the growing season.
Dry and hot though rain at harvest can be a problem.
Is irrigation permitted?
No
Are Muscat and Gewurztraminer permitted in Cremant d’Alsace?
No
Besides sheltering the vineyard area from westerly wings, what other affect do the Vosges Mountains have?
They create a rain shadow meaning the growing season can be dry and hot.
Is the use of reserve wine common in Cremant d’Alsace?
No. Wines are typically of a single vintage.
