Alsace Flashcards
What is unique about Alsace’s geographic location and history?
The region is isolated from other French regions due to the Vosges mountain range.
It has flipped back and forth between France and Germany over the centuries, which has shaped its culture and wine styles.
Some of the prominent grapes are Germanic and the vinicultural practices are French
Where is Alsace located?
In the NE corner of France, along the border with Germany.
What mountain range influences Alsace?
The Vosges mountain range, west of Alsace, create a rain shadow on Alsace
What river influences Alsace?
The Rhine river, east of Alsace
What do the Vosges mountains do for the climate of Alsace?
Protects Alsace from harsh, rainy weather coming from Northern France and the Atlantic
What components is Alsace divided into?
Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin.
Bas is in the north and lower elevation
Haut is in the south and higher elevation.
What general direction does the Rhine flow?
South to North. From the Alps to the Netherlands
What is the topography of Alsace?
Vineyards are planted on rolling foothills of Vosges
The region flattens out as it moves east towards the Rhine river
What are the major cities along the length of Alsace?
Strasbourg in the north
Colmar in the middle
Mulhouse in the south
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool continental - due to northernly latitude
What are the summers like in Alsace?
Dry, sunny summers due to rain shadow from Vosges mountains
Is Alsace a “dry” or “wet” region?
Dry. It is one of the driest regions in France
What is the soil of Alsace?
There is a lot of different soil types in Alsace due to geologic activity:
Marl
Limestone
Gneiss
Schist
Sandstone
Granite
Clay
Volcanic soils
What grapes are grown in Alsace?
White: riesling, gewurstraminer, muscat, pinot gris, pinot blanc, sylvaner
Red: pinot noir
What does the growing season look like in terms of weather?
Long, dry, and cool. Due to rain shadow from Vosges
What effect does the rain shadow from the Vosges have on Alsace?
Drier climate
Sunnier climate (but not necessarily warmer)
Long growing season
Riper grapes
Higher alcohol potential
Fuller-boded wines
What percent of Alsatian wines are white?
90%
What vinification techniques are used?
Neutral oak casks used for fermentation and aging.
Little to no use of new oak
How are Alsatian wines labeled?
Most wines are labeled with the single grape variety used?
Are Alsatian wines primarily single varietal or blends?
Single varietal
What are the appellations in Alsace?
Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP
Alsace Grand Cru AOP
How are wines made that are labeled with a single variety?
They must be made from entirely that grape
What rule applies to bottles for wines under Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP?
Must be bottled in traditional tall, slender Flute d’Alsace style bottle
How many Grand Crus are in Alsace?
51 Grand Cru vineyards
How many grape varieties are allowed to be planted in Alsatian Grand Cru vineyards?
4
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
How is it known where to plant each grape variety?
Varieties are matched with specific soil type and terrior of the specific vineyard site
Where are Grand Cru vineyards typically located in Alsace?
Closer to the Vosges mountains, on the foothills of the mountains
What is Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
Sparkling wine made in traditional method made from blend of grapes
What kinds of sweet wines are made in Alsace?
Vendange Tardive (VT) Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
What are Vendange Tardive wines?
Late-harvest (may also be affected by botrytis)
Rich, full-bodied, but not always sweet
Single Variety
What are Selection de Grains Nobles wines?
Always affected by botrytis
Made in small quantities
Only made during vintages with ideal growing conditions
Single variety
Are VT and SGN wines blends or single varietal?
VT and SGN are ONLY single varietal wines.
Only Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, and Pinot Gris are used
When did Germany most recently control Alsace?
1871-end of WW1, then during WW2
What aspect are the best vineyards planted on in Alsace?
East/southeast
What are all the grapes grown in Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Sylvaner
Pinot Noir
What is a good description of Alsatian rieslings vs German rieslings?
Alsatian rieslings are richer, drier
What is the only red grape allowed in Alsace?
Pinot Noir
What is average acreage per grower in Alsace?
5 acres
What percent of grapes are grown by smaller growers?
80%
Can VT wines be blends?
No, by law they have to be a single variety
