Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

<p>4 examples of Alsace producers:</p>

A

<p>Hugel.</p>

<p>Trimbach.</p>

<p>Marcel Deiss.</p>

<p>Zind-Humbrecht.</p>

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2
Q

<p>All Alsace AOP wines are required to be bottled in what traditional bottle?</p>

A

<p>Flûte d'Alsace</p>

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3
Q

<p>All varietally-labeled wines from Alsace must be made from 100% of that variety, with which exception?</p>

A

<p>Pinot Blanc, which may be blended with Auxerrois.</p>

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4
Q

Alsace % Chardonnay plantings

A

1% (8th)

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5
Q

Alsace % Chasselas plantings

A

0.6% (9th)

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6
Q

Alsace % Gewurtztraminer plantings

A

19.4% (3rd)

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7
Q

Alsace % Muscat plantings

A

2.3% (7th)

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8
Q

Alsace % Pinot Blanc plantings

A

21.2% (2nd)

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9
Q

Alsace % Pinot Gris plantings

A

15.4% (4th)

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10
Q

Alsace % Pinot Noir plantings

A

9.9% (5th)

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11
Q

Alsace % Riesling plantings

A

21.9% (1st)

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12
Q

Alsace % Savagnin Rosé plantings

A

0.3% (10th)

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13
Q

Alsace % Sylvaner plantings

A

7.5% (6th)

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14
Q

Alsace and biodynamics

A

Widely practiced

Low disease pressure

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15
Q

<p>Alsace AOC plus a commune is allowed - how many communes?</p>

A

<p><strong>Alsace AOC</strong> with one of the 13 commune names added</p>

<ul>
<li>72 hL/Ha. Maximum yield for whites</li>
<li>A commune is a ‘Bergheim’</li>
</ul>

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16
Q

<p>Alsace AOC plus a 'lieu-dit' is allowed - what is a lieu-dit?</p>

A

<p><strong>Alsace AOC</strong> plus a ‘lieu-dit’</p>

<ul>
<li>A ‘lieu-dit’ is a named site – a single vineyard – generally has historical name of some significance</li>
<li>68 hL/Ha. Maximum yield for whites</li>
</ul>

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17
Q

Alsace AOP blanc maximum yield

A

75 hl/ha

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18
Q

Alsace AOP Riesling allowed sweetness level

A

Dry

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19
Q

Alsace AOP rose maximum yield

A

80 hl/ha

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20
Q

Alsace AOP rouge maximum yield

A

60 hl/ha

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21
Q

Alsace Grand Cru AOP maximum yield

A

55 hl/ha

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22
Q

<p>Alsace Grand Cru wines are produced only from the Noble Varieties and are single-variety wines.</p>

<p>What are the 3 exceptions and what is different about them?</p>

A

<p>Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf may blend varieties.</p>

<p>Zotzenberg is a historical site for Sylvaner.</p>

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23
Q

<p>Alsace is mainly known for its white wine, but which red grape variety is most commonly grown there?</p>

A

<p>Pinot Noir</p>

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24
Q

Alsace noble grapes

A

Riesling

Pinot Gris

Muscat

Gewurtztraminer

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25
Alsace vine training on slopes
Low (radiated heat) Faces best sun exposure
26
Alsace vine training plains
High (frost avoidance)
27
Alsace VT and SGB release date
1 June of 2nd year after harvest
28
Alsace VT and SGN requirements?
Contain a singe noble variety Pass blind tasting panel Contain prescribed minimum sugar levels
29

Alsace white winemaking options - what are the general ones used?

  • KEY Aim to preserve primary fruit character
    • Temp control installed
    • Inert ferment vessels used to retain primary fruit
  • Harvest can be spread out due to different aspects, altitudes, varietals and soil types
  • Pre ferment skin contact or keeping pressed grapes longer - practised by some to extract flavour molecules & add texture
  • Ferment temperature
  • Cool ferment used for Muscat, Riesling, Sylvaner
  • Mid-range temps more likely used for Gewurztraminer
    • pronounced aromas not affected by slightly higher temps
    • slightly higher temp is desirable so can ferment to reach higher alcohol levels
  • very low ferment temps avoided to avoid banana aromas
  • Some prefer ambient yeasts rather than cultured yeast
  • MLF avoided – to preserve primary fruit
  • Very little new oak used
  • Aged in Large neutral containers & SS on fine lees (for freshness), without Lees stirring to retain primary flavours
  • Chaptalization is allowed except for Vendange Tardive.
  • Increasing no of producers indicate sweetness on label: Previously it was knowledge of individual house style that dictated knowledge of level of RS
30
Alsace's climate type
Cool to moderate continental
31

Alsatian Grand Cru vineyards can only produce Grand Cru wines.

True or False?

False.

32

Alsatian Grand Cru wines may NOT be chaptalized.

True or False?

False

33
Altenberg de Bergbieten location
Grand Cru Bergieten Commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
34
Altenberg de Bergheim blend
50-70% Riesling 10-25% Pinot Gris 10-25% Gewurtztraminer Max 10% other
35
Altenberg de Wolxheim location
Grand cru Wolxheim commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
36
AOP(s) of Lorraine
Côtes de Toul AOP Moselle AOP
37
Authorized grapes of Crémant de Alsace AOP
Pinot Blanc Pinot Noir Chardonnay Riesling Pinot Gris Auxerrois
38

Auxerrois is a synonym for Pinot Blanc.

True or False?

False, though it is often blended with Pinot Blanc.

39
Auxerrois vs Pinot Blanc
Similar characteristics More full bodied Slightly spicier
40
Base of the Vosges Mountains soil composition
Alluvial clay and gravel soils
41
Best Alsace Gewurtztraminer style
Pungent Lychees Rose Sweet baking spices Sometimes golden color Full bodied Oily texture Low to med acid High alcohol
42
Best Alsace Muscat style
Intensely aromatic Orange Blossom Rose Grape Light to med body Low to med acidity
43
Best Alsace Pinot Gris
Rich Full bodied High alcohol Med acid Pronounced intensity Fresh and dried fruits Honeyed character
44
Best Alsace riesling style
Med to full body Dry Med alcohol High acid Citrus and stone fruit Stony or steely character Less floral than German
45

Best vineyards sites in Alsace are site in what locations?

  • Altitude: Best vineyards at 200-250 m on slopes; some at 450 m
  • Best vineyards: South, SE; SW facing for max sun interception
46
Best vintages Alsace
2016 2009 2007 2005 2000 1997 1990 1989 1988 1985
47
Brand location
Grand Cru Turckheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
48
Bruderthal location
Grand Cru Molsheim commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
49

Climate of Alsace?

  • North Eastern France
  • Warm, sunny, dry due to protection of Vosges mountains
  • Westerly winds carry rain clouds; but fall on the Westerly side of Vosges mountains
  • Rain shadow + wind protection
  • 600mm annual rainfall; Less than 1/2 of what falls on the other side of mountains
  • Moderate rainfall but throughout year can be an issue at flowering and set;
  • Rain spread throughout yr; can be an issue at flowering/fruit set
  • 1800+ sunshine hours/year
  • Long ripening /growing season (dry warm autumn)
  • Continental climate
  • Fohn wind: a drying influence; a warm wind that raises temps & reduces incidence of fungal disease

Marked diurnal temps esp. on higher sites; retaining Acidity

50
Côtes de Toul
AOP in Lorraine
51
Crémant d'Alsace lees aging
Minimum 9 months
52
Départments of Alsace (north to south)
Bas-Rhin Haut-Rhin
53

Depending on variety, how late can grape picking happen

End November / early December

54
Describe Albert Boxler
Haut-Rhin Organic Labels GC wines after subplots within
55
Describe Clos Saint Hune
Monopole in Rosacker Grand Cru Alsace Owned by Trimbach
56
Describe Domaine Ostertag
Bas-Rhin Biodynamic Uses unofficial tags (Vins de Fruit/ Vins de Pierre/ Vins de Temps)
57
Describe Domaine Weinbach
Haut-Rhin Biodynamic since 2005 Owns Clos des Capucins
58
Describe Trimbach
Haut-Rhin No Grand Cru use Clos Saint Hune Cuvée Frédéric Emile;
59
Describe Zind-Humbrecht
Haut-Rhin Staunchly biodynamic/non-interventionist Owns GC Rangen de Thann and Clos Saint Urbain within it
60
Eichberg location
Grand Cru Eguisheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
61
Engelberg location
Grand Cru Dahlenheim and Scharrachbergheim communes Bas-Rhin Alsace
62
Exceptions to Alsace Grand Cru grape requirements
Zotzenberg is allowed to produced 100% Sylvaner Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf are allowed to blend according to prescribed proportions
63
First approved Alsace Grand Cru
Schlossberg
64
Florimont location
Grand Cru Ingersheim and Katzenthal communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
65
Frankstein location
Grand Cru Dambach-la-Ville commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
66
Froehn location
Grand Cru Zellenberg commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
67
Furstentum location
Grand Cru Kientzheim and Sigolsheim communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
68
Geisberg location
Grand Cru Ribeauvillé commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
69
General grape requirements for Alsace Grand Cru wines
Must be produced from noble varieties Must be single-variety wines
70

Gewurztraminer - describe the varietal and the wines produced

  GEWURZTRAMINER – 3rd most planted:

  • Early budding (prone to spring frosts) Early ripening (avoiding Autumn rains)
  • Picked late in Alsace to reach full ripeness to maximise aromas, avoiding unripe grapes
  • Vigorous; Need careful pruning; canopy management;
  • Prone to coulure
  • Can suffer from Chlorosis; desiccation of stems; powdery mildew; grape vine moth; grey rot; virus free clones have been produced to reduce these issues
  • Wines
    • Typically: medium Lemon in colour (grapes are light pink)
    • Pronounced aromas of Lychee, Peach/Apricot, Rose, Spice (Gewurtz means Spice)
    • Medium to high Alcohol
    • Medium to Full Body
    • Low Acidity
    • Range of style: dry to Sweet
  • Good to Outstanding; Mid to Premium
  • Best around Barr (Bas Rhin); richer and more aromatic in Southern Alsace
71
Gloeckelberg location
Grand Cru Rodern and Saint-Hippolyte communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
72
Goldert location
Grand Cru Gueberschwihr commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
73
Grapes allowed in Alsace AOP
Riesling Pinot Gris Muscat Muscat Ottonel Gewurtztraminer Pinot Blanc (Klevner) Chasselas (Gutedal) Sylvaner Pinot Noir
74

Harvest - what is it and what are the challenges?

  • Long harvest period; Sept to late Oct; due to range of styles & altitudes
  • Styles: Sparkling, late picked, Botrytis affected wines
  • Vineyards on steep slopes handpicked; adding to cost
  • AOC regulations demand that Grand Cru handpicked
  • Vineyards on gentle slopes can be picked by machines
75
Hatschbourg location
Grand Cru Hattstatt and Voegtlinshoffen communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
76
Hengst location
Grand Cru Wintzenheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
77
How many Alsatian communes are allowed to varietally bottle Savignin Rose (Klevener de Heiligenstein)?
5
78

How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace?

51

79

How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace?

51

80

In Alsace, what are the typical soil types found in:

1. Steeper slopes. (3)

2. Lower slopes. (1)

3. Flatter plains. (2)

1. Schist, granite, volcanic sediment.

2. Limestone/sandstone

3. Alluvial clay, gravel.

81
In which départment are Alsace's best wines typically found?
Haut-Rhin
82

In which wine region can the town of Riquewihr be found?

Alsace

83
Is hand-harvesting required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP wines?
Yes
84
Kaefferkopf blend
60-80% Gewurtztraminer 10-40% Riesling Max 30% Pinot Gris Max 10% Muscat
85
Kaefferkopf location
Grand Cru Ammerschwihr commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
86
Kanzlerberg location
Grand Cru Bergheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
87
Kastelberg location
Grand Cru Andlau Bas-Rhin Alsace
88
Kessler location
Grand Cru Guebwiller commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
89
Key differences between Alsatian Riesling and German Riesling
Alsatian Riesling is usually: Drier More Powerful Higher in alcohol
90
Kirchberg de Barr location
Grand Cru Barr commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
91
Kitterlé location
Grand Cru Guebwiller commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
92
Lower slopes in Alsace soil composition
Limestone
93
Main Pinot Blanc use Alsace
Sparkling
94
Mambourg location
Grand Cru Sigolsheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
95
Mandelberg location
Grand Cru Mittelwihr and Beblenheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
96
Marckrain location
Grand Cru Bennwihr and Sigolsheim communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
97
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Riesling wines
11%
98
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Muscat wines
11%
99
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Gewurtztraminer wines
12.5%
100
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Pinot Gris wines
12.5%
101

Minimum sugar levels in Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles by varietal?

Vendange Tardive, Muscat/Riesling 235g/l RS

Vendange Tardive, Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer 257 g/l RS

 

Selection de Grains Noble, Muscat/Riesling 276 g/l RS

Selection de Grains Noble, Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer 306 g/l RS

102
MLF in Alsace
Discouraged Masks pure fruit flavors of aromatic varieties
103
Modern Alsace oak use
Minimal Stainless steel preferred for temp control
104
Moenchberg location
Grand Cru Andlau and Eichhoffen communes Bas-Rhin Alsace
105
Moselle
AOP in Lorraine
106
Most planted grape in Alsace
Riesling
107
Most recent Grand Cru in Alsace
2007 Kaefferkopf
108
Muenchberg location
Grand Cru Nothalten commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
109
Muscat Ottonel composition
Chasselas x Muscat de Saumur
110

Muscat?

MUSCAT:

  • Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains & Muscat Ottonel grown in tiny amounts
  • Muscat Ottonel - ripens earlier, making it attractive to avoiding Autumn rains
  • Wines:
    • Highly Aromatic & grapey;
    • Generally made to be dry, low alcohol & low acidity
    • SGN/VT but rare
111
Ollwiller location
Grand Cru Wuenheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
112
Only red varietal permitted in Alsace AOP
Pinot Noir
113
Osterberg location
Grand Cru Ribeauvillé commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
114
Percentage of white grape plantings in Alsace AOP
90%
115
Pfersigberg location
Grand Cru Eguisheim and Wettolsheim communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
116
Pfingstberg location
Grand Cru Orschwihr commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
117

Pinot Blanc - the varietal and the wines produced

PINOT BLANC & AUXERROIS – 2nd most planted:

  • Early ripening and low aromatic variety
  • Light Intensity aromas; Apple, Peach
  • Medium Acidity
  • Medium Alcohol
  • Acceptable to Good – with few very good examples
  • Inexpensive to Mid-priced
  • Auxerrois can be labelled pinot blanc; early ripening; low aromatic; low Acidity
  • Used in blends or Cremant d’Alsace
118

Pinot Gris - describe the varietal and the wines produced

PINOT GRIS – 4th most planted:

  • Early budding; (prone to Spring Frosts); Early ripening;
  • Moderate yields
  • Susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot; Downey mildew
  • Wines
    • Medium to High Alcohol
    • Medium Intensity: Peach, Apple
    • Full Body
    • Medium Acidity
    • Best examples have an oily rich texture
    • capacity to age & develop honey & smoky notes
  • Range of styles: dry to Sweet
  • PG can see a rapid rise in sugar levels & a drop in Acidity; thus, picking time important
  • Climate change has seen earlier picking;
  • shift towards drier styles; Dry 12.5-13.5%ABV rather than off dry 13.5%ABV
  • Good to Outstanding; Mid to Premium
  • Aromatics of gewürztraminer with acidity of Riesling
  • Also suitable for SGN & VdT
  • Best in North
119

Pinot Noir - describe the varietal and the wines produced

PINOT NOIR: (now 11% of vineyard plantings and growing)

  • Only black grape allowed for AOC wines
  • Warming climate, improved knowledge of winemaking techniques from Burgundy, Germany has raised the quality levels with oaked & unoaked
  • Wines:
    • Pale ruby in colour
    • Red berry fruits, raspberry, strawberry, earthy, leather
    • Develops smoky notes with age
    • Unoaked/oaked styles
  • Lighter style vs. Burgundy
  • Domaine Mure and Domaine Albert Mann – best producers
120
Praelatenberg location
Grand Cru Kintzheim commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
121
Prescribed minimum sugar levesl for Alsace Sélection de Grains Noble
276 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling 306 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurtztraminer
122
Prescribed minimum sugar levesl for Alsace Vendanges Tardives
235 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling 257 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurtztraminer
123
Proportion of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards in Bas-Rhin
< 1/3
124
Proportion of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards in Haut-Rhin
> 2/3
125
Rangen location
Grand Cru Thann and Vieux-Thann communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
126

Riesling - no 1 in Alsace - give detais on the varietal and the wines produced

RIESLING – most planted white: >21% of total plantings

  • Cold-hardy variety
  • Late budding; providing protection against frosts
  • Needs full exposure to sun; good drainage; long growing season to ripen fully
  • Can produce very good quality at 70hl/ha
  • Good resistance to Downy mildew; Powdery mildew; Botrytis bunch rot
  • Medium to Pronounced Aromas; Unoaked & High Acidity
  • Alsace Style:
    • Dry; (no RS or very low not evident on palate because of high Acidity);
    • Medium to Full Body;
    • Medium to High Acidity;
    • Citrus (lemon, grapefruit); Stone fruit(peach); with pronounced steely character
  • Planted in Alsace since 15th century
  • Expressive grape; hi quality potential; hardy & versatile; ageing potential Alsace: most planted; terroir;
  • Fuller, drier & more mineral vs. German Rieslings
  • Used in Selection de grains noble and Vendange Tardive
  • Bone dry, floral aromas, develops complex gunflint, mineral while retaining fruit flavours w age
  • Best in Wolxheim, Dambach la ville & Scherwiller
127

Riesling is the __ noble variety to ripen in Alsace.

Last

128

Riesling is the __ noble variety to ripen in Alsace.

Last

129
Rosacker location
Grand Cru Hunawihr commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
130
Saering location
Grand Cru Guebwiller commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
131

Schlossberg Grand Cru is ?

  • Schlossberg Grand Cru
    • Famous vineyard
    • Predominantly Riesling grown here
    • Granite based soils with a southerly aspect
    • The first ‘lieu-dit’ to be named a Grand Cru
132
Schlossberg location
Grand Cru Kayserberg and Kientzheim communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
133
Schoenenbourg location
Grand Cru Riquewihr and Zellenberg communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
134

Selection de grains noble?

SGN (selection de grains noble):

  • 4 noble grapes.
  • MUST BE Botrytis affected & sweet
  • Produced in outstanding vintages.
  • CHAPTALIZATION FORBIDDEN.
    • Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc.  276g/l res. sugar
    • Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer:  306g/l res. sugar.
135

Selection de grains noble?

SGN (selection de grains noble):

  • 4 noble grapes.
  • MUST BE Botrytis affected & sweet
  • Produced in outstanding vintages.
  • CHAPTALIZATION FORBIDDEN.
    • Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc.  276g/l res. sugar
    • Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer:  306g/l res. sugar.
136
Sommerberg location
Grand Cru Niedermorschwihr and Katzenthal communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
137
Sonnenglanz location
Grand Cru Beblenheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
138
Spiegel location
Grand Cru Bergholtz and Guebwiller communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
139
Sporen location
Grand Cru Riquewihr commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
140
Steeper mountain slopes in Alsace soil composition
Schist Granite Volcanic Sediment
141
Steinart location
Grand Cru Pfaffenheim and Westhalten communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
142
Steingrubler location
Grand Cru Wettolsheim commune Haut-Rhin Alsace
143
Steinklotz location
Grand Cru Marlenheim commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
144
Sweetness trend in Alsace
More Grands Crus have noticeable sweetness Issue due to lack of sweetness labeling
145

Sylvaner?

SYLVANER:

  • Variety in decline in Alsace
  • Majority come from old vines (40 yrs)
  • Very little located on the valley floor
  • Gaining a reputation for good value wines of very good quality
  • Difficult to grow;
  • Wines:
    • slightly bitter w very firm acidity;
    • med alcohol and full bodied
    • drink young – can be a bit dull in flavour
    • best in hot vintages
  • Zotzenberg Grand Cru – allows Sylvaner
146

The 4 noble grapes are ?

4 noble grapes:

  • Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat (Aromatic); Pinot Gris (less Aromatic)
  • Noble grapes are permitted varieties for Grand Cru
  • Wine styles - Vendange tardive; Selection de grains nobles are allowed
147

The Alsace AOC will a very important part of production - how much % is it of production?

Where is it generally grown?

Labelling is normally ?

Alsace AOC

  • 67% of wine production
  • grown mainly on the fertile plains
  • Single varietally labelled is normal and 100% of that varietal
  • Chaptalisation allowed within EU Rules
  • Blends:
    • Edelzwicker (can be a blend of any of the white varietals, generally considered to be of lower quality)
    • Gentil (using 50% Noble varietals – and the wines is deemed a superior designation and each wine used must be of AOC status)
  • Max yield 80hl/ha whites – can lead to low flavour concentration wines
  • Alsace Pinot Noir AOC: 60hl/ha maximum yield
148

The Alsace Grand Cru system has had crticism for what reasons?

  • Created in 1975
  • Two many Grand Cru vineyards – 51!
  • the size of the vineyards – people don’t believe that the vineyard area can all be Grand Cru
  • Yields allowed are too high for GC
  • lack of Premier Cru designation
  • Producers like Trimbach & Hugel have who initially rejected the GC label have started using it again
149

The Cotes de Toul AOP produces red, white and rosé wines.

What are they made from?

Reds: Pinot Noir

Whites: Auxerrois and Aubin

Rosé: Gamay and Pinot Noir

150

The Moselle AOP produces wines from 1 red varietal and 3 white varietals.

-Pinot Noir

-Auxerrois, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris

151
Traditional Alsace oak use
In ~100 year old barrels Tartrate deposits on inside
152

Trimbach Vendage Tardive is associated with which wine/vineyard area?

Alsace

153

Typically, how is oak used in the vinification of Alsatian wines?

Neutral casks often used for fermentation/aging.

Little/no use of new oak.

154
Under which AOP(s) are wines allowed to be labelled Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles?
Alsace AOP Alsace Grand Cru AOP
155

Vendange Tardive - describe what this is and what is allowed

Vendange Tardive (late harvest):

  • 4 noble grapes. Overripe grapes / late harvest.
  • CHAPTALISATION FORBIDDEN.
  • Min sugar levels at harvest if fermented dry is 14-15%ABV
  • NOT REQUIRED to be botrytis affected or sweet!
    • Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc.  235g/l res. sugar
    • Pinot Gris: Potential alc.  257g/l res. sugar.
156

Viticulture in Alsace - training methods used, density of plantings, main hazards?

  • Single or Double Guyot (cane pruning), required by AOC regulations
  • Fruit zone typically trained higher than other regions at 1-1.2m to reduce risk from frost& humidity (due to regular but low level of rain)
  • Canopies higher; up to 1.9m maximizing exposure to sun
  • Mechanization in plains, hand work on steep slopes; denser plantings on slopes
  • Spacing between rows wider to avoid shading
  • Long autumn and long harvest (Sept-Nov).
  • Dense plantings: 4400-4800 vines/ha.
  • Mechanization in plains, hand work on steep slopes.
  • Terracing on steepest slopes as in some grand cru sites
  • Hazards: Pests, Powdery Mildew, grape vine Moth, Esca (lately)
  • Low rainfall reducing fungal disease
  • 15% Organic vineyards – nationally the average is 10%
157
Vorbourg location
Grand Cru Rouffach and Westhalten communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
158
Vosges mountain significance
Rain shadow Shield Alsace from rain to the west Makes Alsace one of the driest and sunniest regions in France
159

What 3 factors have engendered controversy regarding the Alsace Grand Cru system?

-Rapid development.

- size of the Grand Crus - 6% of vineyard area!

- number of Grand Crus - 51

-Lack of intermediary Premier Cru tier.

160

What are Alsatian synonyms for:

Pinot Blanc

Chassenas

Pinot Blanc = Klevner

Chassenas = Gutedel

161

What 2 labeling terms are used for blended Alsace wines and what is the difference between them?

'Edelzwicker' and 'Gentil'.

"Gentil" is the superior denomination, must be made from 50% noble varietals with each wine used being of AOC standard

"Edelzwicker" can be a blend of any grapes, does not need to list vintage or grapes used, inexpensive blended wine.

162

What are the 2 AOPs of the Lorraine region?

Cotes de Toul AOP

Moselle AOP

163

What are the 2 kinds of Muscat grown in Alsace, and which one is used for the best wines?

Muscat Blanc/Rosé a Petits Grains (used for the best wines.)

Muscat Ottonel.

 

164

What are the 4 grapes permitted in Grand Cru Alsace wines?

 

-Riesling -Muscat -Gewurtztraminer -Pinot Gris

165

What are the four noble grape varieties of Alsace?

What other white/red grapes are grown there?

Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.

Also: Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir

166

How do Alsatian rieslings compare to German reislings?

Alsatian rieslings are characteristically dry, more powerful and higher in alcohol, with pronounced acidity and minerality.

167

What are the key characteristics of Alsatian Gewurtztraminer? 

Perfumed, sweet spices, tropical fruit.

Low acidity, high alcohol, likely to be off-dry.

168

What are the key characteristics of Muscat? 

Light to medium body

Medium alcohol

Low to medium acidity

Intensely aromatic, floral and grapey.

169

What are the key characteristics of Alsatian Pinot Gris? 

Full bodied

Medium to High in alcohol

Medium acidity

Spicy, smoky qualities.

 

170

What are the max yields per Ha. in Alsace.

Clue they vary by white wine but not by Rose or Red

Whites

Alsace AOC 80 hL/Ha, Alsace AOC + Bergheim (13) 72 hL/Ha

Alsace AOC + lieu dit 68 hL/Ha, Grand Cru 55 hL/Ha.

Rose

75 hL/Ha

Red 60 hL/Ha

 

171

What are the smallest and largest Alsatian Grands Crus?

Smallest: Kanzlerberg

Largest: Schlossberg

172

What are the two principal appelations of Alsace?

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

173

What are "Trives Successives"?

Harvesting in successive passes of the vineyard, picking the ripest berries/those affected by Botrytis each time. 

174

What characteristics do VT wines and SGN wines emphasize?

Vendanges Tardives wines emphasize varietal purity over Botrytis flavors.

SGN wines supress varietal characteristics in favor of Botrytis complexities.

175
What does a wine labelled "Pinot" indicate in Alsace?
The wine is a blend comprised of any porportion of: Pinot Noir Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris Auxerrois
176
What does Edelzwicker translate to in English?
Noble mixture
177
What does the label Edelzwicker indicate on an Alsatian wine?
An inexpensive blended wine
178
What does the label Gentil indicate on an Alsatian wine?
That a blended wine contains at least 50% noble varieties
179

What does 'Vendages Tardives' (VT) mean?

Late harvest. May be affected by Botrytis. Rich, full-bodied but not always sweet.

180

What effect do the Vosges Mountains have on Alsace?

6 specific effects this has on the vineyards/the wines produced from them:

A rain shadow effect protecting the vineyards from harsh, rainy weather from N. France/ the Atlantic.

1. Drier Climate

2. More sunshine

3. Long growing season

4. Riper grapes

5. Higher alcohol potential

6. Fuller-bodied wines

181

What is Grés de Vosges?

A local pink sandstone soil found in Alsace.

182

What is 'Selection de Grains Nobles' (SGN)?

How often and in what kinds of quantities are these wines made?

Wines from Alsace that are always affected by Botrytis.

Made in very small quantities, only in vintages when growing conditions are conducive to production.

183

What is the approach to ferment temperatures in Alsace white wine making?

  • Ferment temperature
  • Cool ferment used for Muscat, Riesling, Sylvaner
  • Mid-range temps more likely used for Gewurztraminer
    • pronounced aromas not affected by slightly higher temps
    • slightly higher temp is desirable so can ferment to reach higher alcohol levels
  • very low ferment temps avoided to avoid banana aromas
184

What is the capital of Alsace?

Strasbourg.

185

What is the capital of the Haut-Rhin Department?

Colmar

186

What is the climate in Alsace?

What factors contribute to its climate?

 

Cool Continental due to northerly latitude.

Dry, Sunny Summers due to rain shadow from Vosges.

One of the driest regions in France

187

What is the most planted grape in Alsace?

Riesling

188

What is the name of the river on the eastern side of Alsace?

the Rhine

189

What labeling device does the Alsatian producer Zind-Humbrecht use to help guide consumers? 

A Sweetness Index that indicates the level of residual sugar.

Wines range from 1 (Least sweet, most dry) to 5 (Sweetest)

190
What percentage of a varietal must be included in an Alsace AOP wine to be varietally lablled? What is the exception?
100% Pinot Blanc is allowed to be blended with Auxerrois and still be labelled Pinot Blanc
191

What percentage of Alsace AOC wines are white?

90%

192

What role do the soils play in the style of the wines?

  • Plains: deeper, more fertile; more growth - less concentration and flavour in the grapes
  • On hillsides: lower fertility; better draining, promoting slower growth; better quality
    • Heavy clay and marl = broad flavours and weight
    • Limestone and sand=Elegance and finesse
    • Flint and schist = Flinty aromas
193

What year was the first Alsace Grand Cru status given and what is the vineyard?

1975

Schlossberg

194
When was Alsace Grand Cru AOP established?
1975
195
When was the second group of Grands Crus establised in Alsace? How many were included?
1983 24 vineyards
196
When was the third group of Grands Crus establised in Alsace? How many were included?
1992 25 vineyards
197
When were Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles designations authorized in Alsace?
1984
198

Where are most Grand Crus?

Haut Rhin - the higher and southern end of Alsace

199

What are the 2 main divisions of Alsace, where are the best vineyards in Alsace located and why are they considered higher quality?

-The Bas-Rhin to the north, lower quality vineyards due to lower elevation and less protection from Vosges.

-Haut-Rhin to the south, higher quality vineyards due to higher elevation, more protection from Vosges.

200

Where does Marcel Deiss produce wine and what is he known for?

Alsace.

Known for advocating field blends as the best approach for serious wines and for representing Alsatian terroir.

201

Which division contains more vineyards, the Bas-Rhin or Haut-Rhin?

Haut-Rhin, over 2 thirds.

202

Which is the only red grape permitted in Alsace?

Pinot Noir

203

Which French wine region has traditionally put the grape variety on the front label?

Alsace

204

Which major region was the last to receive AOC status in France?

Alsace

205

Who produces Riesling "Clos-Ste-Hune"?

Trimbach

206

Who produces this wine?

Domaine Weinbach.

207
Why Muscat Ottonel planted more than Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains Alsace
Less rot and poor fruit set
208
Wiebelsberg location
Grand Cru Andlau commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
209
Wineck-Schlossberg location
Grand Cru Katzenthal and Ammerschwihr communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
210
Winzenberg location
Grand Cru Blienschwiller commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
211
Zinnkoepflé location
Grand Cru Soultzmatt and Westhalten communes Haut-Rhin Alsace
212
Zotzenberg location
Grand Cru Mittelbergheim commune Bas-Rhin Alsace
213
When did Alsace achieve AOC status?
1962 (Last major French winegrowing region to do so);