Alsace Flashcards
When did Alsace return to France?
1945, after WW2
Describe the climate and grape growing environment of Alsace
Continental climate with cold winters and warm, sunny summers. The Vosges Mountains protect the region from westerly winds that bring rain. Summer drought can be an issue and irrigation is not permitted, but rainfall can also be a problem at flowering, fruit set, and more rarely at harvest. Fohn wind is also a warming influence. There is marked diurnal temp swings, especially at higher sites
Describe the soils and topography of Alsace
Varied. Best sites are typically at 200-250 M, and go as high as 450 M for quality, with south-southeast, or southwest aspects for max sunlight interception. Lesser vineyards are on the plain between the foothills and Rhine. Soil types are very diverse
By planting, what are the main varieties grown in Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Blanc / Auxerrois, Gewuztraminer, and Pinot Gris
What are the noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat
What does being a ‘noble grape’ allow in Alsace?
Noble grapes are the only vaieties allowed in grand cru, vendange tardive, and selection de grains nobles
Describe Riesling viticulture and disease threats
Cold-hardy variety that buds late and requires a good site and a long growing season to fully ripen. Can produce very good quality fruit at high yields (up to y70 hl/ha). Good disease resistance.
Describe Gewurztraminer viticulture and disease threats
Early budding, early ripening variety that rapidly accumulates sugars. Vigorous but only moderately productive due to coulure. Vulnerable to chlorosis, desiccation of stems, powdery mildew, grape vine moth, grey rot.
Describe Pinot Gris viticulture and disease threats
Early budding, early ripening variety that produces moderate yields and is suceptible to botrytis and downy mildew. Can accumulate high sugar levels and high alcohol as a result. Best examples have rich, oily textures and are ageworthy
Describe vineyard management in Alsace
Most common training is single or double Guyot as required by AOC. Typically trained higher than in other regions to reduce frost risk and humidity. Canopies are also higher to maximize sun exposure, and spacing between rows is wider as a result. Planting density is 4,400-4,800 vines per ha. Terracing may necessary on the steepest slopes. Low incidence of diseases, and small production wineries helps monitor health. 15% of vineyards are certified organic (vs. 10% French avg). Harvest from early Sept to late Oct
Describe winemaking in Alsace
Usually single varietal and aiming to preserve primary fruit character. Skin contact or keeping pressed grape in the press longer is practiced by some producers for flavor and texture. Cool fermentation temps (Gewurz will be mid temp) in neutral oak or stainless. New oak and malolactic are rare. Ambient yeast. Aging is typically on the lees in large neutrl containers but without stirring. May be dry to off-dry
Is chaptalization used in Alsace AOC?
Yes, especially in cool years
What are the max yields in Alsace AOC?
80 hl/ha for PG and Gewurz, 90 hl/ha for Riesling, 100 hl/haa for PB. Max for PN is 60 hl/ha
Are there subregions of Alsace AOC?
There are 13 communes, and lieu-dit, which may be added to Alsace AOC. Max yields for communes are 72 hl/ha and lieu-dit are 68 hl/ha
What is the max yield for Alsace Grand Cru?
55 hl/ha usually, in some cases 50 hl/ha
