5. Crémant d'Alsace

Question 1

What per cent of wine production in Alsace does Crèmant account for?

Answer 1

25%

Question 2

What is the most important variety for sparkling wine in Alsace?

Answer 2

Pinot Blanc (20% of Alsace’s total vineyard area).

Question 3

Alsace’s vineyards are mainly planted on the eastern flanks of the foothills which mountain range?

Answer 3

Vosges

Question 4

At what elevation are most Alsace vineyards planted?

Answer 4

200-400 MASL.

Question 5

What is Alsace’s climate?

Answer 5

Sunny & continental.

Question 6

What are the three climatic concerns for growers in Alsace?

Answer 6

1) Rain at harvest
2) Shortage of water
3) Spring frost

Question 7

Why is it advantageous for vineyard plantings to be on the eastern flanks of the Vosges?

Answer 7

The Vosges protect vines from the prevailing westerly winds.

Question 8

Where are most vineyards planted for the growth of sparkling wine fruit? (2)

Answer 8

1) Lower level, high fertility soils.
2) Higher elevation where fruit for still wines would struggle to ripen.

Question 9

What are the six grape varieties used for Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 9

1) Pinot Blanc
2) Auxerrois
3) Chardonnay
4) Riesling
5) Pinot Gris
6) Pinot Noir

Question 10

When does Pinot Blanc bud?

Answer 10

Early

Question 11

What is Pinot Blanc vulnerable to? (2)

Answer 11

1) Spring frost
2) Fungal disease

Question 12

When does Pinot Blanc ripen?

Answer 12

Early

Question 13

What aromas and flavours does Pinot Blanc contribute to Crèmant?

Answer 13

Pear and apple with high acidity

Question 13

To raise the quality of a Crèmant d’Alsace, what two varieties might a winemaker use/include in a blend?

Answer 13

1) Riesling
2) Pinot Gris

Question 14

Crèmant d’Alsace is the only Alsace appellation that allows the use of which variety?

Answer 14

Chardonnay

Question 15

From which variety is Crèmant d’Alsace Rosé made?

Answer 15

Pinot Noir

Question 16

What is the maximum yield for Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 16

80 hL/ha

Question 17

In what month must growers declare that they’re going to make a Crèmant?

Answer 17

July

Question 18

In what months is the fruit for Crèmant typically harvested?

Answer 18

Late August/early September

Question 19

What harvesting method is mandatory?

Answer 19

Hand harvesting and whole-bunch pressing.

Question 20

Is chaptalization permitted?

Answer 20

Yes

Question 21

What is the common dosage level for Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 21

8-10 g/L

Question 22

What is the production split between co-operatives, merchant houses and independent growers?

Answer 22

Co-operatives - 43%
Merchant houses - 37%
Independent growers - 20%

Question 23

Which co-operative is one of the pioneers of Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 23

Maison Bestheim

Question 24

Which is the main market for Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 24

France

Question 25

What is the production trend for Crèmant d’Alsace?

Answer 25

Doubled between 2000-2014

Question 26

Launched in 2012, what are the requirements of Crèmant d’Alsace Emotion? (2)
Varieties
Lees time

Answer 26

1) Minimum 75% Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir separately or together
2) Minimum 24 months on lees.

Question 27

Describe the weather during the growing season.

Answer 27

Dry and hot though rain at harvest can be a problem.

Question 28

Is irrigation permitted?

Answer 28

No

Question 29

Are Muscat and Gewurztraminer permitted in Cremant d’Alsace?

Answer 29

No

Question 30

Besides sheltering the vineyard area from westerly wings, what other affect do the Vosges Mountains have?

Answer 30

They create a rain shadow meaning the growing season can be dry and hot.

Question 31

Is the use of reserve wine common in Cremant d’Alsace?

Answer 31

No. Wines are typically of a single vintage.