Alsace

Question 1

Describe grape growing in Alsace.

Answer 1

Organic and biodynamic common due to low disease pressure

Grapes on slopes:

• Trained low to benefit from radiated heat
• Oriented to maximize exposure to sun
• Hand harvested

Grapes on plains:
- Trained high to minimize spring frost

Large variety of varieties = different harvest dates = long vintage period

Question 2

Describe the winemaking techniques used in Alsace.

Answer 2

Vast majority are single grape varietals

Traditional winemakers use large old oak barrels (often 100+ years old)
Inside of barrels are coated with thick tartrate (so no oak influence)

Modern winemakers use SS vats for temperature control

MLF is uncommon due to aromatic grapes

Question 3

How are blended wines labeled in Alsace?

Answer 3

Edelzwicker, Gentil, or with a brand name

Question 4

Describe the muscat grape in Alsace.

Answer 4

Many varieties called “muscat”, but two are common in Alsace.

Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains:
Best muscat in Alsace but prone to poor fruit set
Intensely aromatic - orange blossom, rose, grape
Light-med body, low-med acid

Muscat Ottonel:
More widely planted
More reliable crop

Question 5

What is the climate in Alsace? What natural factors influence it?

Answer 5

Cool to moderate
Continental

Vosges mountains shelter vineyards from rainy winds
Lack of clouds + mountains = sunny summer, dry autumn
Grapes achieve high level of sugar ripeness
Drought can be an issue

Question 6

How are Alsace’s vineyards organized?

Answer 6

Best are on steepest slopes facing E or SE
Northern part of vineyard has coolest climate + least protection from mountains

Lesser vineyards are in plains between Vosges foothills and Rhine river
These grapes are often used for Cremant d’Alsace

Question 7

What is the classification system in Alsace?

Answer 7

Alsace - mostly single varietal, if labeled by grape then 100% that grape

Grand Cru - Over 50 vineyards, produced from 1 noble grape (with a few exceptions)
Label must state vineyard, vintage, and grape (when appropriate)

Question 8

What is Vendanges Tardives (VT)?

Answer 8

“Late harvest” wine

Made from 1 noble grape
Must have specific min. sugar ripeness
Can range from dry - medium sweet

Best undergo passerillage
May have noble rot

Question 9

What is Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?

Answer 9

Made from 1 noble grape
Min. sugar > Vendanges Tardives

Usually noble rot
Not produced every year + only in small quantities
Always sweet, but degree varies

Question 10

Are wines in Alsace generally dry or sweet?

Answer 10

Traditionally the best are dry (other than VT and SGN).
Now more have sweetness, particularly at Grand Cru level

There is no official labeling scheme for sweetness

Question 11

Describe Riesling in Alsace.

Answer 11

Most widely planted noble variety
Best are med-full body, dry, med alc, high acidity
Citrus, stone fruit, stone/steel
Some have residual sugar
Not as much floral character as those in Germany

Question 12

Describe Pinot Gris in Alsace.

Answer 12

Best are rich, full body, high alcohol, more acid than Gewurztraminer
Similar to Gewurz. but less aromatic
Fresh fruit, dried fruit, honey

Question 13

Describe Pinot Noir in Alsace.

Answer 13

Only back grape in Alsace.
Lacks weight and concentration of Burgundy.

Commonly light, fruity red or rose.