Alsace Flashcards
Alsace is divided into what two departments?
Bas-Rhin (north)
Haut-Rhin (south)
What mountain range lies to the west of Alsace?
Vosges Mountains
What aspect do the best vineyards in Alsace have?
Southern, south eastern or warm eastern
The steeper mountain slopes of Alsace have what soils?
Schist, granite, volcanic sediment
The lower slopes of the Vosges have what soils?
Limestone base
The foot of the Vosges Mountains have what soils?
Alluvial clays and gravel
What are the four “noble” grapes of Alsace?
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Gewurztraminer
What’s the difference between Alsatian Rieslings and German Rieslings?
Alsatian Rieslings are characteristically dry, more powerful and higher in alcohol.
What does Edelzwicker mean?
“Noble mixture”
Inexpensive blended wine
What does gentil mean?
Blends that contain a minimum of 50% noble grapes
Minimum potential alcohol for Riesling and Muscat for Grand Cru AOP Alsace.
11%
Minimum potential alcohol for Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer for Grand Cru AOP Alsace.
12.5%
In 1975 the first decreed Alsace Grand Cru vineyard
Schlossberg
What red variety is permitted in Alsace AOP wines?
Pinot Noir
What is passerillage?
The process of twisting the stalks of grape bunches in order to stop the flow of sap. This is done to desiccate grapes on the vine and concentrate sugars through water loss.
Vendanges Tardives
Late harvested wines that contain considerable residual sugar.
Selection de Grains Nobles
Late harvested wines where noble rot is a requirement.
Minimum sugar levels for Vendages Tardives
244 g/L for Riesling and Muscat
270 g/L for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris
Minimum sugar levels for Selection de Grains Nobles
276 g/L for Riesling and Muscat
306 g/L for Gewurztraminet and Pinot Gris
The geological feature Alsace lies on, a section of rift system that zigzags across Europe.
Rhine Graben
What Grand Cru vineyard allows Sylvaner?
Zotzenberg
What is lieu-dit?
A parcel of land contained within a single commune. Usually given to a plot of land that is notable and has a significant expression of terroir.
Which area of Alsace is known for premier wines?
Haut-Rhin
2/3 of Alsace Grand Crus are here
