Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

When did the romans take possession of the Alsace region? When did they begin planting vines?

A

58BC take control of the area, start planting vines in the 2nd century

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What was King Charlemagne’s nickname?

A

Pater vinaerum - The father of the vines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How did King Charlemagne influence the wine trade in Alsace?

A

Throughout 8th, 9th centuries, he entrusts the vines to abbeys, churches and nobility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

In which century did Alsatian wines see a large increase in popularity? How much land was under vine?

A

15th, 16th centuries, wines grow an appreciation in Nordic countries. The area under vine was double what it is today

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

When were Riesling, Muscat and Traminer declared noble grapes of Alsace?

A

Riesling 1477
Muscat 1523
Traminer 1551

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When did Alsace become part of the German empire? What was the effect on its wine industry?

A
  1. Vines were ripped up for more productive plants
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Why are the soil structures of Alsace so complex? How many soil types?

A

Due to the Rhine valley - 13 soil types

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How was the Rhine valley formed?

A

After initially being under sea level, the Rhineland mountain was formed, which then collapsed 50 million years ago, with the Rhine river carving its way through the sedimentary rock over time

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the 2 geological factors that protect the Alsace?

A

Vosges mountains to the west, Black forrest to the east

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the main soil types of Alsace? What are their effects on wine styles?

A

Marly sandstone: lively, fruity

Granite and gneiss: Pure, fresh

Schist: Pure wine with ageing potential. Suitable for Riesling

Clay marls: Body, opulent aromas, complexity

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the main cities of Alsace?

A

Strasbourg - capital city, administrative

Colmar - wine capital

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

When was the Alsace AOC declared?

A

1962

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the 2 bottle types permitted under AOC Alsace wines?

A

Vin du rhin
Flute Alsacienne

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What are the 5 permitted Grand Cru grapes?

A

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir (as of 2022)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How does Alsace Grand Cru differ from other regions?

A

Grand Cru is it’s own seperate AOP

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Why is Schlossberg the most well-known grand cru?

A

First and largest grand cru vineyard

17
Q

How many AOPs are there in Alsace?

A

53

18
Q

What are the different levels of the regional level AOP Alsace?

A

AOP ALSACE
+ the name of the village or locality
+ the special mentions
70.4% of production

19
Q

What is the breakdown of AOPs in Alsace?

A

53 AOPs
- AOP Alsace (Regional)
- AOP Crémant d’Alsace
- 51 AOP Alsace Grand Crus

20
Q

What are the 2 grand crus approved for GC pinot noir as of 2022?

A
  • Hengst
  • Kirchberg de Barr
21
Q

What are the 12 permitted grapes under AOP Alsace?

A

Riesling
Muscat a petits grains
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot Gris
Gewurztraminer
Pinot blanc
Pinot noir
Sylvaner
Auxerrois
Chasselas
Chardonnay
Klevener de Heiligenstein

22
Q

Describe the conditions of AOP Alsace

A
  • All grapes grown in the area are permitted except for Chard
  • Wines must be 100% single varietal, with 2 exceptions
  • Still white, red, rosé
23
Q

What are the 2 AOP Alsace communes that are permitted to blend?

A

AOP Alsace Edelzwicker
AOP Alsace Gentil

24
Q

Describe the conditions of A

A
24
Q

Describe the conditions of AOP Cremant d’Alsace

A
  • White and rosé sparkling wines
  • Trad method
  • Hand harvesting mandatory
  • Min 9 months bottle ageing on lees
  • Pinot blanc, riesling, pinot gris, chardonnary, auxerrois, pinot noir
25
Q

What percentage of Alsatian wines are GC?

A

6.3%

26
Q

What are the criteria for AOP Alsace Grand Cru?

A
  • 51 approved vineyards
  • Noble grapes + 1 Sylvaner GC, Pinot Noir as of 2022 in 2 vineyards
  • Hand harvest
  • Extensive labelling criteria
  • Qualitative tasting done by INAO
27
Q

What are the 2 special mentions in AOP Alsace wines?

A
  • Vendages tardives
  • Selection de grains nobles (botrytis)
28
Q

What are the conditions for the AOP Alsace special mentions?

A
  • Must be tasted by INAO tasting panel before being accepted to use special mention
  • Minimum RS and alc. levels are required, depending on the climate of the vintage
  • Must be tested and subject to an analytical examination 18 months after harvest
  • Sweetness indication mandatory as of 2022
29
Q

What is the name of the popular spirit made in Alsace?

A

AOP Marc d’Alsace de Gewurztraminer

30
Q

What is AOP Marc d’Alsace de Gewurztraminer

A

Distilled skins of Gewurz grapes

31
Q

How large is AOP Alsace?

A

15,500 Ha, spanning 120km x 10km

32
Q

What is the main grape used for AOP Cremant d’Alsace?

A

Pinot blanc

33
Q

Name some notable producers from Alsace

A
  • Domaine Weinbach
  • Maison Trimbach
  • Jean Baptiste Adam
  • Higel et fils
  • Muré