Alsace 101 Flashcards
What year did Alsace achieve AOC status?
1962
What is the rain shadow effect?
A mountain range that forces air upward, causing it to drop its moisture content on the windward side and leaving drier air on the leeward side of the range
What is mountain range in Alsace?
Vosges Mountain
What is the result of the rain shadow effect created by Vosges Mountain?
Alsace is one of France’s driest and sunniest climates with better vineyards expose to maximum sunlight at southern/south-eastern/warm eastern aspect
Name the two départements
Haut-Rhin & Bas-Rhin
Which département have over two-thirds of Alsace’s grand cru vineyards?
Haut-Rhin
What is the climate of Alsace?
Continental
What is the name of Alsace’s local pink sandstone?
Grés de Vosges
What are the 4 noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat Rosé à Petits Grains, or Muscat Ottonel), and Gewurztraminer, mostly planted in premier and grand cru vineyards (with minor exception to the rule)
What is another synonym for Pinot Blanc?
Klevner
What is another name for Gutedel?
Chasselas
What is the percentage of printed grapes on varietally labeled Alsace AOP wines?
100% of the grape with the exception of Auxerrois may be accorded the title of “Pinot Blanc” on the label
What varietals represent the largest volume of Alsace production?
Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois
Describe the characteristics of Alsace’s Riesling?
Most planted grape and also to ripen, dry, pronounced acidity and minerality, and higher in alcohol then Germanic’s Riesling, since 2008, Riesling can only be made in the dry style
Describe the characteristics of Alsace’s Pinot Gris?
Formerly known as Tokay d’Alsace or Tokay Pinot Gris, full and rich expression, with spicy-smoky qualities and medium plus acidity
Describe the characteristics of Alsace’s Muscat?
highly aromatic with fragrant floral and grapey notes, lower in acidity