Alsace Flashcards
When did Alsace gain AOC status?
1962
Between the Haut-Rhin and the Bas-Rhin, which subregion contains the most premier quality vineyards?
The Haut-Rhin
What is the capital of the Haut-Rhin?
Colmar
What is the single most important aspect of Alsace’s climate with regards to viticulture?
Sunshine hours. The Vosges create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace incredibly sunny and dry.
What is grés de Vosges?
Pink Sandstone
What soils are generally found on the higher mountain slopes?
schist, granite, volcanic sediment
What soils are generally found on the lower mountain slopes?
limestone
What soils are generally found on the plain?
alluvial clay and gravel
What % of Alsace’s production is white?
90.00%
-representing about 20% of France’s total AOP still white wine production
What are the four noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer
What are the three allowed clones of Muscat?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Rosé à Petits Grains
Muscat Ottonel
What is Klevner?
Pinot Blanc
What is Gutedel?
Chasselas
What is Klevener?
Savagnin
What other variety may be blended into varietal bottlings of Pinot Blanc?
Auxerrois
If the wine is labeled simply “Pinot,” what varieties are permitted?
Noir, Blanc, Gris, Auxerrois
As of 2008, what style is mandatory for Alsatian riesling?
Dry
Klevener de Heiligenstein is permitted in what villages?
(N to S)
Obernai
Goxwiller
Heiligenstein
Bourgheim
Gertwiller
What is edelzwicker?
“Noble blend” - usually inexpensive, may be single varietal, may or may not be vintage dated
What is gentil?
A superior designation for blends, requiring >50% noble grapes; base wines must be vinified separately.
Who is the standard-bearer for traditional Alsatian field blends?
Marcel Deiss
In a traditional Alsatian field blend, are the grapes vinified together or separately?
Together
When was the Alsace Grand Cru AOP proposed?
1975
When did the first 25 Grand Crus appear?
1983
When did the next 25 Grand Crus appear?
1985
What is the most recent Grand Cru elevation, and when?
Kaefferkopf in 2006
Must Alsatian Grand Crus be varietal wines?
Yes, with exceptions
Which Grand Crus are permitted to blend?
Kaefferkopf
Altenberg de Bergheim
(may also produce varietal Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Riesling)
What is the encepagement for Altenberg de Bergheim?
50-70% Riesling, 10-25% Pinot Gris, 10-25% Gewurztraminer, plus
What is the encepagement for Kaefferkopf?
60-80% Gewurztraminer, 10-40% Riesling, max. 30% Pinot Gris, max. 10% Muscat
Which Grand Cru is authorized for Sylvaner?
Zotzenberg
Which Grand Crus are not authorized for varietal Muscat?
Altenberg de Bergheim
Kaefferkopf
What is the basic minimum alcohol for Riesling and Muscat?
11.00%
What is the basic minimum alcohol for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris?
12.50%
What is the smallest Grand Cru in Alsace?
Kanzlerberg (3ha)
What is the largest Grand Cru in Alsace
Schlossberg (80ha)
What is the northernmost Grand Cru in Alsace?
Steinklotz
What is the southernmost Grand Cru in Alsace?
Rangen
What is the minimum must weight for Riesling and Muscat VT? For SGN?
VT: 244g/L
SGN: 276g/L
What is the minimum must weight for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris VT? For SGN?
VT: 270g/L
SGN: 306g/L
Post 2008, what is the max residual sugar for Riesling?
9g/L (if Tartaric acid is less than 6g/l)
6g/L (if chaptalization is used)
12 g/l (if tartaric acid is greater than 6 g/l)
What are the exceptions to the Dry Riesling rule?
if labeled by a lieu-dit.
(also VT and SGN)
What are the subzones of Alsace (as of 2012)?
Klevener de Heiligenstein
Blienschwiller
Côtes de Barr
Côte de Rouffach
Ottrott
Rodern
Saint Hippolyte
Valée Noble
Val Saint Grégoire
Scherwiller
Wolxheim
Bergheim
Coteaux de Haut-Koenigsbourg
What varieties are authorized for Klevener de Heiligenstein?
Klevener (Savagnin)
What varieties are authorized for Blienschwiller and Côtes de Barr?
Sylvaner
What varieties are authorized for Côte de Rouffach?
Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir