Alsace Flashcards
<p>4 examples of Alsace producers:</p>
<p>Hugel.</p>
<p>Trimbach.</p>
<p>Marcel Deiss.</p>
<p>Zind-Humbrecht.</p>
<p>All Alsace AOP wines are required to be bottled in what traditional bottle?</p>
<p>Flûte d'Alsace</p>
<p>All varietally-labeled wines from Alsace must be made from 100% of that variety, with which exception?</p>
<p>Pinot Blanc, which may be blended with Auxerrois.</p>
Alsace % Chardonnay plantings
1% (8th)
Alsace % Chasselas plantings
0.6% (9th)
Alsace % Gewurtztraminer plantings
19.4% (3rd)
Alsace % Muscat plantings
2.3% (7th)
Alsace % Pinot Blanc plantings
21.2% (2nd)
Alsace % Pinot Gris plantings
15.4% (4th)
Alsace % Pinot Noir plantings
9.9% (5th)
Alsace % Riesling plantings
21.9% (1st)
Alsace % Savagnin Rosé plantings
0.3% (10th)
Alsace % Sylvaner plantings
7.5% (6th)
Alsace and biodynamics
Widely practiced
Low disease pressure
<p>Alsace AOC plus a commune is allowed - how many communes?</p>
<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>
<p>Alsace AOC plus a 'lieu-dit' is allowed - what is a lieu-dit?</p>
<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>
Alsace AOP blanc maximum yield
75 hl/ha
Alsace AOP Riesling allowed sweetness level
Dry
Alsace AOP rose maximum yield
80 hl/ha
Alsace AOP rouge maximum yield
60 hl/ha
Alsace Grand Cru AOP maximum yield
55 hl/ha
<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>
<p>Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf may blend varieties.</p>
<p>Zotzenberg is a historical site for Sylvaner.</p>
<p>Alsace is mainly known for its white wine, but which red grape variety is most commonly grown there?</p>
<p>Pinot Noir</p>
Alsace noble grapes
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Gewurtztraminer
Alsace vine training on slopes
Low (radiated heat)
Faces best sun exposure
Alsace vine training plains
High (frost avoidance)
Alsace VT and SGB release date
1 June of 2nd year after harvest
Alsace VT and SGN requirements?
Contain a singe noble variety
Pass blind tasting panel
Contain prescribed minimum sugar levels
<p>Alsace white winemaking options - what are the general ones used?</p>
<ul>
<li>KEY Aim to preserve primary fruit character
<ul>
<li>Temp control installed</li>
<li>Inert ferment vessels used to retain primary fruit</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Harvest can be spread out due to different aspects, altitudes, varietals and soil types</li>
<li>Pre ferment skin contact or keeping pressed grapes longer - practised by some to extract flavour molecules & add texture</li>
<li><strong>Ferment temperature</strong></li>
<li>Cool ferment used for Muscat, Riesling, Sylvaner</li>
<li>Mid-range temps more likely used for Gewurztraminer
<ul>
<li>pronounced aromas not affected by slightly higher temps</li>
<li>slightly higher temp is desirable so can ferment to reach higher alcohol levels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>very low ferment temps avoided to avoid banana aromas</li>
<li>Some prefer ambient yeasts rather than cultured yeast</li>
<li><strong>MLF avoided – to preserve primary fruit</strong></li>
<li>Very little new oak used</li>
<li>Aged in Large neutral containers & SS on fine lees (for freshness), without Lees stirring to retain primary flavours</li>
<li>Chaptalization is allowed except for Vendange Tardive.</li>
<li>Increasing no of producers indicate sweetness on label: Previously it was knowledge of individual house style that dictated knowledge of level of RS</li>
</ul>
Alsace’s climate type
Cool to moderate continental
<p>Alsatian Grand Cru vineyards can only produce Grand Cru wines.</p>
<p>True or False?</p>
<p>False.</p>
<p>Alsatian Grand Cru wines may NOT be chaptalized.</p>
<p>True or False?</p>
<p>False</p>
Altenberg de Bergbieten location
Grand Cru
Bergieten Commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Altenberg de Bergheim blend
50-70% Riesling
10-25% Pinot Gris
10-25% Gewurtztraminer
Max 10% other
Altenberg de Wolxheim location
Grand cru
Wolxheim commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
AOP(s) of Lorraine
Côtes de Toul AOP
Moselle AOP
Authorized grapes of Crémant de Alsace AOP
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Auxerrois
<p>Auxerrois is a synonym for Pinot Blanc.</p>
<p>True or False?</p>
<p>False, though it is often blended with Pinot Blanc.</p>
Auxerrois vs Pinot Blanc
Similar characteristics
More full bodied
Slightly spicier
Base of the Vosges Mountains soil composition
Alluvial clay and gravel soils
Best Alsace Gewurtztraminer style
Pungent
Lychees
Rose
Sweet baking spices
Sometimes golden color
Full bodied
Oily texture
Low to med acid
High alcohol
Best Alsace Muscat style
Intensely aromatic
Orange Blossom
Rose
Grape
Light to med body
Low to med acidity
Best Alsace Pinot Gris
Rich
Full bodied
High alcohol
Med acid
Pronounced intensity
Fresh and dried fruits
Honeyed character
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
<p>Best vineyards sites in Alsace are site in what locations?</p>
<ul>
<li>Altitude: Best vineyards at 200-250 m on slopes; some at 450 m</li>
<li>Best vineyards: South, SE; SW facing for max sun interception</li>
</ul>
Best vintages Alsace
2016
2009
2007
2005
2000
1997
1990
1989
1988
1985
Brand location
Grand Cru
Turckheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Bruderthal location
Grand Cru
Molsheim commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
<p>Climate of Alsace?</p>
<ul>
<li>North Eastern France</li>
<li>Warm, sunny, dry due to protection of Vosges mountains</li>
<li>Westerly winds carry rain clouds; but fall on the Westerly side of Vosges mountains</li>
<li>Rain shadow + wind protection</li>
<li>600mm annual rainfall; Less than 1/2 of what falls on the other side of mountains</li>
<li>Moderate rainfall but throughout year can be an issue at flowering and set;</li>
<li>Rain spread throughout yr; can be an issue at flowering/fruit set</li>
<li>1800+ sunshine hours/year</li>
<li>Long ripening /growing season (dry warm autumn)</li>
<li>Continental climate</li>
<li>Fohn wind: a drying influence; a warm wind that raises temps & reduces incidence of fungal disease</li>
</ul>
<p>Marked diurnal temps esp. on higher sites; retaining Acidity</p>
Côtes de Toul
AOP in Lorraine
Crémant d’Alsace lees aging
Minimum 9 months
Départments of Alsace (north to south)
Bas-Rhin
Haut-Rhin
<p>Depending on variety, how late can grape picking happen</p>
<p>End November / early December</p>
Describe Albert Boxler
Haut-Rhin
Organic
Labels GC wines after subplots within
Describe Clos Saint Hune
Monopole in Rosacker Grand Cru Alsace
Owned by Trimbach
Describe Domaine Ostertag
Bas-Rhin
Biodynamic
Uses unofficial tags (Vins de Fruit/ Vins de Pierre/ Vins de Temps)
Describe Domaine Weinbach
Haut-Rhin
Biodynamic since 2005
Owns Clos des Capucins
Describe Trimbach
Haut-Rhin
No Grand Cru use
Clos Saint Hune
Cuvée Frédéric Emile;
Describe Zind-Humbrecht
Haut-Rhin
Staunchly biodynamic/non-interventionist
Owns GC Rangen de Thann and Clos Saint Urbain within it
Eichberg location
Grand Cru
Eguisheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Engelberg location
Grand Cru
Dahlenheim and Scharrachbergheim communes
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
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
First approved Alsace Grand Cru
Schlossberg
Florimont location
Grand Cru
Ingersheim and Katzenthal communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Frankstein location
Grand Cru
Dambach-la-Ville commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Froehn location
Grand Cru
Zellenberg commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Furstentum location
Grand Cru
Kientzheim and Sigolsheim communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Geisberg location
Grand Cru
Ribeauvillé commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
General grape requirements for Alsace Grand Cru wines
Must be produced from noble varieties
Must be single-variety wines
<p>Gewurztraminer - describe the varietal and the wines produced</p>
<p><strong> GEWURZTRAMINER – 3rd most planted:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Early budding (prone to spring frosts) Early ripening (avoiding Autumn rains)</li>
<li>Picked late in Alsace to reach full ripeness to maximise aromas, avoiding unripe grapes</li>
<li>Vigorous; Need careful pruning; canopy management;</li>
<li>Prone to coulure</li>
<li>Can suffer from Chlorosis; desiccation of stems; powdery mildew; grape vine moth; grey rot; virus free clones have been produced to reduce these issues</li>
<li>Wines
<ul>
<li>Typically: medium Lemon in colour (grapes are light pink)</li>
<li>Pronounced aromas of Lychee, Peach/Apricot, Rose, Spice (Gewurtz means Spice)</li>
<li>Medium to high Alcohol</li>
<li>Medium to Full Body</li>
<li>Low Acidity</li>
<li>Range of style: dry to Sweet</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Good to Outstanding; Mid to Premium</li>
<li>Best around Barr (Bas Rhin); richer and more aromatic in Southern Alsace</li>
</ul>
Gloeckelberg location
Grand Cru
Rodern and Saint-Hippolyte communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Goldert location
Grand Cru
Gueberschwihr commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Grapes allowed in Alsace AOP
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Muscat Ottonel
Gewurtztraminer
Pinot Blanc (Klevner)
Chasselas (Gutedal)
Sylvaner
Pinot Noir
<p>Harvest - what is it and what are the challenges?</p>
<ul>
<li>Long harvest period; Sept to late Oct; due to range of styles & altitudes</li>
<li>Styles: Sparkling, late picked, Botrytis affected wines</li>
<li>Vineyards on steep slopes handpicked; adding to cost</li>
<li>AOC regulations demand that Grand Cru handpicked</li>
<li>Vineyards on gentle slopes can be picked by machines</li>
</ul>
Hatschbourg location
Grand Cru
Hattstatt and Voegtlinshoffen communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Hengst location
Grand Cru
Wintzenheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
How many Alsatian communes are allowed to varietally bottle Savignin Rose (Klevener de Heiligenstein)?
5
<p>How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace?</p>
<p>51</p>
<p>How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace?</p>
<p>51</p>
<p>In Alsace, what are the typical soil types found in:</p>
<p>1. Steeper slopes. (3)</p>
<p>2. Lower slopes. (1)</p>
<p>3. Flatter plains. (2)</p>
<p>1. Schist, granite, volcanic sediment.</p>
<p>2. Limestone/sandstone</p>
<p>3. Alluvial clay, gravel.</p>
In which départment are Alsace’s best wines typically found?
Haut-Rhin
<p>In which wine region can the town of Riquewihr be found? </p>
<p>Alsace</p>
Is hand-harvesting required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP wines?
Yes
Kaefferkopf blend
60-80% Gewurtztraminer
10-40% Riesling
Max 30% Pinot Gris
Max 10% Muscat
Kaefferkopf location
Grand Cru
Ammerschwihr commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Kanzlerberg location
Grand Cru
Bergheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Kastelberg location
Grand Cru
Andlau
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Kessler location
Grand Cru
Guebwiller commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Key differences between Alsatian Riesling and German Riesling
Alsatian Riesling is usually:
Drier
More Powerful
Higher in alcohol
Kirchberg de Barr location
Grand Cru
Barr commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Kitterlé location
Grand Cru
Guebwiller commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Lower slopes in Alsace soil composition
Limestone
Main Pinot Blanc use Alsace
Sparkling
Mambourg location
Grand Cru
Sigolsheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Mandelberg location
Grand Cru
Mittelwihr and Beblenheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Marckrain location
Grand Cru
Bennwihr and Sigolsheim communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Riesling wines
11%
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Muscat wines
11%
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Gewurtztraminer wines
12.5%
Minimum potential alcohol level required for Alsace Grand Cru AOP Pinot Gris wines
12.5%
<p>Minimum sugar levels in Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles by varietal?</p>
<p><img></img>Vendange Tardive, Muscat/Riesling 235g/l RS</p>
<p>Vendange Tardive, Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer 257 g/l RS</p>
<p></p>
<p>Selection de Grains Noble, Muscat/Riesling 276 g/l RS</p>
<p>Selection de Grains Noble, Pinot Gris/Gewurztraminer 306 g/l RS</p>
MLF in Alsace
Discouraged
Masks pure fruit flavors of aromatic varieties
Modern Alsace oak use
Minimal
Stainless steel preferred for temp control
Moenchberg location
Grand Cru
Andlau and Eichhoffen communes
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Moselle
AOP in Lorraine
Most planted grape in Alsace
Riesling
Most recent Grand Cru in Alsace
2007
Kaefferkopf
Muenchberg location
Grand Cru
Nothalten commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Muscat Ottonel composition
Chasselas x Muscat de Saumur
<p>Muscat?</p>
<p><strong>MUSCAT:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains & Muscat Ottonel grown in tiny amounts</li>
<li>Muscat Ottonel - ripens earlier, making it attractive to avoiding Autumn rains</li>
<li>Wines:
<ul>
<li>Highly Aromatic & grapey;</li>
<li>Generally made to be dry, low alcohol & low acidity</li>
<li>SGN/VT but rare</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Ollwiller location
Grand Cru
Wuenheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Only red varietal permitted in Alsace AOP
Pinot Noir
Osterberg location
Grand Cru
Ribeauvillé commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Percentage of white grape plantings in Alsace AOP
90%
Pfersigberg location
Grand Cru
Eguisheim and Wettolsheim communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Pfingstberg location
Grand Cru
Orschwihr commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
<p>Pinot Blanc - the varietal and the wines produced</p>
<p><strong>PINOT BLANC & AUXERROIS – 2nd most planted:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Early ripening and low aromatic variety</li>
<li>Light Intensity aromas; Apple, Peach</li>
<li>Medium Acidity</li>
<li>Medium Alcohol</li>
<li>Acceptable to Good – with few very good examples</li>
<li>Inexpensive to Mid-priced</li>
<li>Auxerrois can be labelled pinot blanc; early ripening; low aromatic; low Acidity</li>
<li>Used in blends or Cremant d’Alsace</li>
</ul>
<p>Pinot Gris - describe the varietal and the wines produced</p>
<p><strong>PINOT GRIS – 4th most planted:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Early budding; (prone to Spring Frosts); Early ripening;</li>
<li>Moderate yields</li>
<li>Susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot; Downey mildew</li>
<li>Wines
<ul>
<li>Medium to High Alcohol</li>
<li>Medium Intensity: Peach, Apple</li>
<li>Full Body</li>
<li>Medium Acidity</li>
<li>Best examples have an oily rich texture</li>
<li>capacity to age & develop honey & smoky notes</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Range of styles: dry to Sweet</li>
<li>PG can see a rapid rise in sugar levels & a drop in Acidity; thus, picking time important</li>
<li>Climate change has seen earlier picking;</li>
<li>shift towards drier styles; Dry 12.5-13.5%ABV rather than off dry 13.5%ABV</li>
<li>Good to Outstanding; Mid to Premium</li>
<li>Aromatics of gewürztraminer with acidity of Riesling</li>
<li>Also suitable for SGN & VdT</li>
<li>Best in North</li>
</ul>
<p>Pinot Noir - describe the varietal and the wines produced</p>
<p><strong>PINOT NOIR: (now 11% of vineyard plantings and growing)</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Only black grape allowed for AOC wines</li>
<li>Warming climate, improved knowledge of winemaking techniques from Burgundy, Germany has raised the quality levels with oaked & unoaked</li>
<li>Wines:
<ul>
<li>Pale ruby in colour</li>
<li>Red berry fruits, raspberry, strawberry, earthy, leather</li>
<li>Develops smoky notes with age</li>
<li>Unoaked/oaked styles</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Lighter style vs. Burgundy</li>
<li>Domaine Mure and Domaine Albert Mann – best producers</li>
</ul>
Praelatenberg location
Grand Cru
Kintzheim commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
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
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
Proportion of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards in Bas-Rhin
< 1/3
Proportion of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards in Haut-Rhin
> 2/3
Rangen location
Grand Cru
Thann and Vieux-Thann communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
<p>Riesling - no 1 in Alsace - give detais on the varietal and the wines produced</p>
<p><strong>RIESLING – most planted white: >21% of total plantings</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Cold-hardy variety</li>
<li>Late budding; providing protection against frosts</li>
<li>Needs full exposure to sun; good drainage; long growing season to ripen fully</li>
<li>Can produce very good quality at 70hl/ha</li>
<li>Good resistance to Downy mildew; Powdery mildew; Botrytis bunch rot</li>
<li>Medium to Pronounced Aromas; Unoaked & High Acidity</li>
<li>Alsace Style:
<ul>
<li>Dry; (no RS or very low not evident on palate because of high Acidity);</li>
<li>Medium to Full Body;</li>
<li>Medium to High Acidity;</li>
<li>Citrus (lemon, grapefruit); Stone fruit(peach); with pronounced steely character</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Planted in Alsace since 15th century</li>
<li>Expressive grape; hi quality potential; hardy & versatile; ageing potential Alsace: most planted; terroir;</li>
<li>Fuller, drier & more mineral vs. German Rieslings</li>
<li>Used in Selection de grains noble and Vendange Tardive</li>
<li>Bone dry, floral aromas, develops complex gunflint, mineral while retaining fruit flavours w age</li>
<li>Best in Wolxheim, Dambach la ville & Scherwiller</li>
</ul>
<p>Riesling is the \_\_ noble variety to ripen in Alsace.</p>
<p>Last</p>
<p>Riesling is the \_\_ noble variety to ripen in Alsace.</p>
<p>Last</p>
Rosacker location
Grand Cru
Hunawihr commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Saering location
Grand Cru
Guebwiller commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
<p>Schlossberg Grand Cru is ?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Schlossberg Grand Cru</strong>
<ul>
<li>Famous vineyard</li>
<li>Predominantly Riesling grown here</li>
<li>Granite based soils with a southerly aspect</li>
<li>The first ‘lieu-dit’ to be named a Grand Cru</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Schlossberg location
Grand Cru
Kayserberg and Kientzheim communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Schoenenbourg location
Grand Cru
Riquewihr and Zellenberg communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
<p>Selection de grains noble?</p>
<p><strong><u>SGN (selection de grains noble):</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>4 noble grapes.</li>
<li>MUST BE Botrytis affected & sweet</li>
<li>Produced in outstanding vintages.</li>
<li>CHAPTALIZATION FORBIDDEN.
<ul>
<li>Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc. 276g/l res. sugar</li>
<li>Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 306g/l res. sugar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Selection de grains noble?</p>
<p><strong><u>SGN (selection de grains noble):</u></strong></p>
<ul>
<li>4 noble grapes.</li>
<li>MUST BE Botrytis affected & sweet</li>
<li>Produced in outstanding vintages.</li>
<li>CHAPTALIZATION FORBIDDEN.
<ul>
<li>Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc. 276g/l res. sugar</li>
<li>Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 306g/l res. sugar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Sommerberg location
Grand Cru
Niedermorschwihr and Katzenthal communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Sonnenglanz location
Grand Cru
Beblenheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Spiegel location
Grand Cru
Bergholtz and Guebwiller communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Sporen location
Grand Cru
Riquewihr commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Steeper mountain slopes in Alsace soil composition
Schist
Granite
Volcanic Sediment
Steinart location
Grand Cru
Pfaffenheim and Westhalten communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Steingrubler location
Grand Cru
Wettolsheim commune
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Steinklotz location
Grand Cru
Marlenheim commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Sweetness trend in Alsace
More Grands Crus have noticeable sweetness
Issue due to lack of sweetness labeling
<p>Sylvaner?</p>
<p><strong>SYLVANER:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Variety in decline in Alsace</li>
<li>Majority come from old vines (40 yrs)</li>
<li>Very little located on the valley floor</li>
<li>Gaining a reputation for good value wines of very good quality</li>
<li>Difficult to grow;</li>
<li>Wines:
<ul>
<li>slightly bitter w very firm acidity;</li>
<li>med alcohol and full bodied</li>
<li>drink young – can be a bit dull in flavour</li>
<li>best in hot vintages</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Zotzenberg Grand Cru – allows Sylvaner</li>
</ul>
<p>The 4 noble grapes are ?</p>
<p><strong>4 noble grapes</strong>:</p>
<ul>
<li>Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat (Aromatic); Pinot Gris (less Aromatic)</li>
<li>Noble grapes are permitted varieties for Grand Cru</li>
<li>Wine styles - Vendange tardive; Selection de grains nobles are allowed</li>
</ul>
<p>The Alsace AOC will a very important part of production - how much % is it of production?</p>
<p>Where is it generally grown?</p>
<p>Labelling is normally ?</p>
<p><strong>Alsace AOC</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>67% of wine production</li>
<li>grown mainly on the fertile plains</li>
<li>Single varietally labelled is normal and 100% of that varietal</li>
<li>Chaptalisation allowed within EU Rules</li>
<li>Blends:
<ul>
<li>Edelzwicker (can be a blend of any of the white varietals, generally considered to be of lower quality)</li>
<li>Gentil (using 50% Noble varietals – and the wines is deemed a superior designation and each wine used must be of AOC status)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Max yield 80hl/ha whites – can lead to low flavour concentration wines</li>
<li>Alsace Pinot Noir AOC: 60hl/ha maximum yield</li>
</ul>
<p>The Alsace Grand Cru system has had crticism for what reasons?</p>
<ul>
<li>Created in 1975</li>
<li>Two many Grand Cru vineyards – 51!</li>
<li>the size of the vineyards – people don’t believe that the vineyard area can all be Grand Cru</li>
<li>Yields allowed are too high for GC</li>
<li>lack of Premier Cru designation</li>
<li>Producers like Trimbach & Hugel have who initially rejected the GC label have started using it again</li>
</ul>
<p>The Cotes de Toul AOP produces red, white and rosé wines.</p>
<p>What are they made from?</p>
<p>Reds: Pinot Noir</p>
<p>Whites: Auxerrois and Aubin</p>
<p>Rosé: Gamay and Pinot Noir</p>
<p>The Moselle AOP produces wines from 1 red varietal and 3 white varietals.</p>
<p>-Pinot Noir</p>
<p>-Auxerrois, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Gris</p>
Traditional Alsace oak use
In ~100 year old barrels
Tartrate deposits on inside
<p>Trimbach Vendage Tardive is associated with which wine/vineyard area? </p>
<p>Alsace</p>
<p>Typically, how is oak used in the vinification of Alsatian wines?</p>
<p>Neutral casks often used for fermentation/aging.</p>
<p>Little/no use of new oak.</p>
Under which AOP(s) are wines allowed to be labelled Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles?
Alsace AOP
Alsace Grand Cru AOP
<p>Vendange Tardive - describe what this is and what is allowed</p>
<p><strong>Vendange Tardive (late harvest): </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>4 noble grapes. Overripe grapes / late harvest.</li>
<li>CHAPTALISATION FORBIDDEN.</li>
<li>Min sugar levels at harvest if fermented dry is 14-15%ABV</li>
<li>NOT REQUIRED to be botrytis affected or sweet!
<ul>
<li>Riesling and Muscat: Potential alc. 235g/l res. sugar</li>
<li>Pinot Gris: Potential alc. 257g/l res. sugar.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Viticulture in Alsace - training methods used, density of plantings, main hazards?</p>
<ul>
<li>Single or Double Guyot (cane pruning), required by AOC regulations</li>
<li>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)</li>
<li>Canopies higher; up to 1.9m maximizing exposure to sun</li>
<li>Mechanization in plains, hand work on steep slopes; denser plantings on slopes</li>
<li>Spacing between rows wider to avoid shading</li>
<li>Long autumn and long harvest (Sept-Nov).</li>
<li>Dense plantings: 4400-4800 vines/ha.</li>
<li>Mechanization in plains, hand work on steep slopes.</li>
<li>Terracing on steepest slopes as in some grand cru sites</li>
<li>Hazards: Pests, Powdery Mildew, grape vine Moth, Esca (lately)</li>
<li>Low rainfall reducing fungal disease</li>
<li>15% Organic vineyards – nationally the average is 10%</li>
</ul>
Vorbourg location
Grand Cru
Rouffach and Westhalten communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Vosges mountain significance
Rain shadow
Shield Alsace from rain to the west
Makes Alsace one of the driest and sunniest regions in France
<p>What 3 factors have engendered controversy regarding the Alsace Grand Cru system?</p>
<p>-Rapid development.</p>
<p>- size of the Grand Crus - 6% of vineyard area!</p>
<p>- number of Grand Crus - 51</p>
<p>-Lack of intermediary Premier Cru tier.</p>
<p>What are Alsatian synonyms for:</p>
<p>Pinot Blanc</p>
<p>Chassenas</p>
<p>Pinot Blanc = Klevner</p>
<p>Chassenas = Gutedel</p>
<p>What 2 labeling terms are used for blended Alsace wines and what is the difference between them?</p>
<p>'Edelzwicker' and'Gentil'.</p>
<p>"Gentil" is the superior denomination, must be made from 50% noble varietals with each wine used being of AOC standard</p>
<p>"Edelzwicker" can be a blend of any grapes, does not need to list vintage or grapes used, inexpensive blended wine.</p>
<p>What are the 2 AOPs of the Lorraine region?</p>
<p>CotesdeToul AOP</p>
<p>Moselle AOP</p>
<p>What are the 2kinds of Muscat grown in Alsace, and which one is used for the best wines?</p>
<p>Muscat Blanc/Roséa Petits Grains (used for the best wines.)</p>
<p>Muscat Ottonel.</p>
<p></p>
<p>What are the 4 grapes permitted in Grand Cru Alsace wines?</p>
<p></p>
<p>-Riesling -Muscat -Gewurtztraminer -Pinot Gris</p>
<p>What are the four noble grape varieties of Alsace?</p>
<p>What other white/red grapes are grown there?</p>
<p>Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris.</p>
<p>Also: Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir</p>
<p>How do Alsatian rieslings compare to German reislings?</p>
<p>Alsatian rieslings are characteristically dry, more powerful and higher in alcohol, with pronounced acidity and minerality.</p>
<p>What are the key characteristics of Alsatian Gewurtztraminer?</p>
<p>Perfumed, sweet spices, tropical fruit.</p>
<p>Low acidity, high alcohol, likely to be off-dry.</p>
<p>What are the key characteristics of Muscat?</p>
<p>Light to medium body</p>
<p>Mediumalcohol</p>
<p>Low to medium acidity</p>
<p>Intensely aromatic, floral and grapey.</p>
<p>What are the key characteristics of AlsatianPinot Gris?</p>
<p>Full bodied</p>
<p>Medium to High in alcohol</p>
<p>Medium acidity</p>
<p>Spicy, smoky qualities.</p>
<p></p>
<p>What are the max yields per Ha. in Alsace.</p>
<p>Clue they vary by white wine but not by Rose or Red</p>
<p>Whites</p>
<p>Alsace AOC 80 hL/Ha, Alsace AOC + Bergheim (13) 72 hL/Ha</p>
<p>Alsace AOC + lieu dit 68 hL/Ha, Grand Cru 55 hL/Ha.</p>
<p>Rose</p>
<p>75 hL/Ha</p>
<p>Red 60 hL/Ha</p>
<p></p>
<p>What are the smallest and largest Alsatian Grands Crus?</p>
<p>Smallest: Kanzlerberg</p>
<p>Largest: Schlossberg</p>
<p>What are the two principal appelations of Alsace?</p>
<p>Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru</p>
<p>What are "Trives Successives"?</p>
<p>Harvesting in successive passes of the vineyard, picking the ripest berries/those affected by Botrytis each time.</p>
<p>What characteristics do VT wines and SGN wines emphasize?</p>
<p>Vendanges Tardives wines emphasize varietal purity over Botrytis flavors.</p>
<p>SGN wines supress varietal characteristics in favor of Botrytis complexities.</p>
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
What does Edelzwicker translate to in English?
Noble mixture
What does the label Edelzwicker indicate on an Alsatian wine?
An inexpensive blended wine
What does the label Gentil indicate on an Alsatian wine?
That a blended wine contains at least 50% noble varieties
<p>What does 'Vendages Tardives' (VT) mean?</p>
<p>Late harvest. May be affected by Botrytis. Rich, full-bodied but not always sweet.</p>
<p>What effect do the Vosges Mountains have on Alsace?</p>
<p>6 specific effects this has on the vineyards/the wines produced from them:</p>
<p>A rain shadow effect protecting the vineyards from harsh, rainy weather from N. France/ the Atlantic.</p>
<p>1. Drier Climate</p>
<p>2. More sunshine</p>
<p>3. Long growing season</p>
<p>4. Riper grapes</p>
<p>5. Higher alcohol potential</p>
<p>6. Fuller-bodied wines</p>
<p>What is Grés de Vosges?</p>
<p>A local pink sandstone soil found in Alsace.</p>
<p>What is 'Selection de Grains Nobles' (SGN)?</p>
<p>How often and in what kinds of quantities are these wines made?</p>
<p>Wines from Alsace that are always affected by Botrytis.</p>
<p>Made in very small quantities, only in vintages when growing conditions are conducive to production.</p>
<p>What is the approach to ferment temperatures in Alsace white wine making?</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ferment temperature</strong></li>
<li>Cool ferment used for Muscat, Riesling, Sylvaner</li>
<li>Mid-range temps more likely used for Gewurztraminer
<ul>
<li>pronounced aromas not affected by slightly higher temps</li>
<li>slightly higher temp is desirable so can ferment to reach higher alcohol levels</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>very low ferment temps avoided to avoid banana aromas</li>
</ul>
<p>What is the capital of Alsace?</p>
<p>Strasbourg.</p>
<p>What is the capital of the Haut-Rhin Department?</p>
<p>Colmar</p>
<p>What is the climate in Alsace?</p>
<p>What factors contribute to its climate?</p>
<p></p>
<p>CoolContinental due to northerly latitude.</p>
<p>Dry, Sunny Summers due to rain shadow from Vosges.</p>
<p>One of the driest regions in France</p>
<p>What is the most planted grape in Alsace?</p>
<p>Riesling</p>
<p>What is the name of the river on the eastern side of Alsace?</p>
<p>the Rhine</p>
<p>What labeling device does the Alsatian producer Zind-Humbrecht use to help guide consumers?</p>
<p>A Sweetness Index that indicates the level of residual sugar.</p>
<p>Wines range from 1 (Least sweet, most dry) to 5 (Sweetest)</p>
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
<p>What percentage of Alsace AOC wines are white?</p>
<p>90%</p>
<p>What role do the soils play in the style of the wines?</p>
<ul>
<li>Plains: deeper, more fertile; more growth - less concentration and flavour in the grapes</li>
<li>On hillsides: lower fertility; better draining, promoting slower growth; better quality
<ul>
<li>Heavy clay and marl = broad flavours and weight</li>
<li>Limestone and sand=Elegance and finesse</li>
<li>Flint and schist = Flinty aromas</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p>What year was the first Alsace Grand Cru status given and what is the vineyard?</p>
<p>1975</p>
<p>Schlossberg</p>
When was Alsace Grand Cru AOP established?
1975
When was the second group of Grands Crus establised in Alsace? How many were included?
1983
24 vineyards
When was the third group of Grands Crus establised in Alsace? How many were included?
1992
25 vineyards
When were Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles designations authorized in Alsace?
1984
<p>Where are most Grand Crus?</p>
<p>Haut Rhin - the higher and southern end of Alsace</p>
<p>What are the 2 main divisions of Alsace,where are the best vineyards in Alsace located and why are they considered higher quality?</p>
<p>-The Bas-Rhin to the north, lower quality vineyards due to lower elevation and less protection from Vosges.</p>
<p>-Haut-Rhin to the south, higher quality vineyards due to higher elevation, more protection from Vosges.</p>
<p>Where does Marcel Deiss produce wine and what is he known for?</p>
<p>Alsace.</p>
<p>Known for advocating field blends as the best approach for serious wines and for representing Alsatian terroir.</p>
<p>Which division contains more vineyards, the Bas-Rhin or Haut-Rhin?</p>
<p>Haut-Rhin, over 2 thirds.</p>
<p>Which is the only red grape permitted in Alsace?</p>
<p>Pinot Noir</p>
<p>Which French wine region has traditionally put the grape variety on the front label?</p>
<p>Alsace</p>
<p>Which major region was the last to receive AOC status in France?</p>
<p>Alsace</p>
<p>Who produces Riesling "Clos-Ste-Hune"?</p>
<p>Trimbach</p>
<p>Who produces this wine?</p>
<p>Domaine Weinbach.</p>
Why Muscat Ottonel planted more than Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains Alsace
Less rot and poor fruit set
Wiebelsberg location
Grand Cru
Andlau commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Wineck-Schlossberg location
Grand Cru
Katzenthal and Ammerschwihr communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Winzenberg location
Grand Cru
Blienschwiller commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
Zinnkoepflé location
Grand Cru
Soultzmatt and Westhalten communes
Haut-Rhin
Alsace
Zotzenberg location
Grand Cru
Mittelbergheim commune
Bas-Rhin
Alsace
When did Alsace achieve AOC status?
1962 (Last major French winegrowing region to do so);
