Alsace

Question 1

Which mountain range protects the Alsace region?

Answer 1

The Vosges

Question 2

Alsace is particularly famous for single varietal wines. Which grape varieties is the region most famous for?

Answer 2

Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Gewurztraminer
Riesling

Question 3

Which Alsace grape variety ferments at a mid-range temperature instead of a cool temperature?

Answer 3

Gewurztraminer has pronounced aromas, not affected by slightly higher fermentation temperatures, and has higher sugar levels. A slightly higher (mid-range) fermentation temperature is desirable to ensure that the yeast can ferment effectively to high alcohol levels. Low fermentation temperatures are avoided as its characteristic banana aroma is not desired in Gewurztraminer.

Question 4

How do the Vosges mountain help protect the vineyards of Alsace?

Answer 4

They are situated to the west of the vineyards and this creates a rain shadow and protection from the dominant westerly winds and clouds. Most rain falls to the west of the mountains and the vineyards are drier, warmer and more protected than land outside the shadow of the Vosges mountains. The Alsace vineyards have higher temperatures and more sunshine hours making this a unique climate at this latitude.

Question 5

why Alsace’s landscape is often described as a ‘mosaic of terroirs’.

Answer 5

The soils are varied:
1. higher, steeper slopes having thin top soil which promotes slower growth, better drainage for the roots and ultimately a more balanced vine producing high quality grapes.
2. the plains nearer the river Rhine, the soils are more fertile which results in high vigour vines that produce higher yields of lesser quality fruit.

Question 6

What Alsace variety is typically dry, medium to full body, medium alcohol, medium to high acidity, with citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and stone fruit (peach) flavour with a pronounced stony/steely character.

Answer 6

Riesling

Question 7

Which Alsace variety typically range in style from dry to sweet, medium lemon in colour, with pronounced aromas of lychee, peach/apricot, rose and spice. They have medium to high alcohol, medium to full body and low acidity.

Answer 7

Geweurztraminer

Question 8

Which Alsace variety is typically dry with light intensity aromas of apple and peach, and medium acidity and alcohol. They are mainly acceptable to good quality, with a few very good examples.

Answer 8

Pinot Blanc & Auxerrois

Question 9

Which Alsace variety typically range in style from dry to sweet, medium intensity aromas of peach and apple and are full bodied with medium acidity. The best examples have a rich oily texture and have the capacity to age and develop honeyed and smoky notes.

Answer 9

Pinot Gris

Question 10

What form(s) of vine training are permitted in Alsace?

Answer 10

Single and double guyot

Question 11

Which pests and diseases are most prevalent in Alsace?

Answer 11

Grape vine moth
Powdery mildew
Downy mildew
Esca

Question 12

Which of the following winemaking techniques are usually avoided in Alsace winemaking?

Answer 12

Lees stirring, new oak, malolactic

Question 13

Which of the following winemaking techniques are typical in Alsace winemaking?

Answer 13

Aging on fine lees, fermentation in stainless

Question 14

Is Chaptalization allowed in Alsace?

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What are the Residual Sugar levels for wines labelled Vendage Tardive?

Answer 15

Muscat or Riesling: 235 g/L
Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer: 257 g/L

Question 16

What are the residual sugar levels for wines labelled Selection de Grains Nobles?

Answer 16

Muscat or Riesling: 276 g/L
Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer: 306 g/L