Alsace Flashcards
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool to moderate continental, with cold winters and warm sunny summers.
Moderate rainfall, summer drought can be a problem as irrigation not permitted for AOC wines. Wettest month in August.
High sunshine hours.
What are the natural influences in Alsace affecting viticulture?
Föhn wind drying influence, raise temperatures and reduces fingal disease risks.
Vosges mountain provides protection from rain and winds from the west.
Wettest month in August affecting flowering and fruit set.
Diurnal range at altitude.
What type of Alsation wines were most in demand in the early 20th century?
Inexpensive wines from grapes grown on the flatter lands.
What types of soils are there in Alsace?
Soil types very varied, hence the term ‘mosaic of terroirs’
At what altitudes are the best sites of Alsace?
200-250m
What are the noble grape varieties of Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat and Pinot Gris.
Which wine styles and AOCs of Alsace only permit noble varieties?
Grand Cru, Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles
What are the top grapes of Alsace?
Riesling. Pinot Blanc. Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris. Pinot Noir. Sylvaner.
What are the main characteristics of the Riesling grape?
Late budding.
Needs good site and long growing season to ripen fully.
Cold-hardy.
Very good wuality at relatively high yields (70 hL/ha).
Good disease resistance.
What is the typical style of Riesling in Alsace?
High acidity, dry, medium alcohol, medium to full body, medoum to pronounced intensity, lemon, grapefruit, stone fruit, steely/stony character.
Good to outstanding.
Mid-prices to premium, some super premium.
What arevteh key characteristics of Gewürztraminer?
Early budding and early ripening.
Accumulates sugar quickly.
Vigorous but moderately productive due to coulure.
Vulnerable to chlorosis, desiccation of the stems, powdery mildew, grape vine moth and grey rot.
What is the typcial style Gewürztraminer from Alsace?
Low acidity, medium lemon in colour, dry to sweet, medium to high alcohol, medium to full body, pronounced intensity, lychee, peach/apricot, rose, spice.
Good to outstanding.
Mid-prices to premium.
Which grape variety in Alsace use virus-free clones to reduce risks from disease etc?
Gewürztraminer
What is the typical style of Alsation Pinot Blanc?
Medium acidity, medium alcohol, low intensity, apple, peach.
Acceptable to good, some very good.
Inexpensive to mid-priced.
What are the key characteristics of the Pinot Gris grape?
Early budding and eatly ripening.
Moderate yields.
Prone to botrytis bunch rot and downy mildew.
Can accumulate high sugar levels.
Rapid increase in sugar and a drop in acidity.
What is the style of Alsation Pinot Gris?
Dry to sweet.
Medium acidity, medium to high alcohol, full bodied, medium intensity, peach, apple.
Bests have rich oily texture, can age and develop honey and smoky notes.
Good to outstanding.
Mid-prices to premium.