Alsace Flashcards
Where is Alsace located?
In Northeastern France on the east side of the Vosges Mountains
What is the climate in Alsace? Why?
Continental climate.
Summers are warm, sunny, and unusually dry due to protection from inclement weather by the Vosges mountains
Winters are cold.
600mm rainfall per year.
Fohn wind has impact.
Large diurnal range.
How much of the wine output from Alsace is white? Are they typically varietal or blends?
90%
All wines are generally varietal wines
Are Alsatian wines generally unoaked or oaked?
Unoaked
How can the German influence on Alsatian wine production be seen?
In the use of aromatic varieties such as Gewurztraminer and Riesling
What was the style of wine made in Alsace from the beginning of the 20th Century and up to WWII?
Inexpensive wines made from the flatter land in the region
What happened to the quality of wine in Alsace following WWII? Why?
Alsace returned to France in 1945 where it adopted the AOC system. Vineyards were planted on hillsides which led to an increase in quality
What has been the recent trend in vineyard plantings in Alsace?
Over the past decade vineyards for the production of Crémant d’Alsace have increased while vineyard area for still wines has decreased
How does the latitude occupied by Alsace affect the length of the growing season?
It is comparatively long as Alsace is so far north
What type of climate does Alsace have?
Continental with cold winters and warm, sunny summers
How do the Vosges Mountains protect Alsace from inclement weather?
They act as a shield against westerly rain storms and wind.
How much rain does Alsace receive each year? How does this compare to the Western side of the Vosges Mountains?
600mm, less than half the other side of the mountains
Is drought an issue in Alsace? Why not why not?
Yes. Alsace receives low rainfall (600mm) and irrigation is not allowed in AOC wines
When is drought most critically an issue in Alsace? When isn’t it?
Most of the rainfall arrives during summer, specifically August. Drought during flowering, fruit set, and (rarely) harvest can be an issue
What factors aid grape ripening in Alsace? Why are these important?
High sunshine hours, important for insulation and heat and high latitude
The Föhn wind that sinks down the leeward side of the Vosges mountains warms the region. It also reduces disease pressure
What is a Föhn wind?
A warming wind that sinks down the leeward side of a mountain.
True or False
Alsace generally experiences a low diurnal swing
False. There is a high diurnal swing across the appellation, especially on higher sites
Where are the better vineyard sites in Alsace generally planted?
Altitudes of 200-250m, with some as high as 450m. They generally face south, southeast, or southwest to improve sunlight interception
Where are the lower quality vineyards in Alsace generally located?
On the plain between the foothills and the Rhine river
What soil type defines Alsace?
None!
Soils are varied and “mosaic of terroir” is a term thrown about frequently.
How does the soil on the Alsatian plains differ from the hillside? What effect does this have on grape growing?
The flatter sites are deeper, more fertile soils. Vines planted there have more vegetative growth and their grapes are suited for high volume, inexpensive wines.
Hillside soils are shallow, and have better drainage. This promotes slower growth and, thus, better quality.
List the varieties planted in Alsace from most to least planted.
Riesling Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois Gewurztraminer Pinot Gris Pinot Noir Sylvaner
What varieties are permitted for use in Alsace Grand Cru AOC?
The SGN varieties
Pinot Gris
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat Blanc
What makes Riesling suitable for viticulture in Alsace?
It is late budding and resistant to cold weather (especially winters)
What type of aspect and soil are most beneficial to Riesling in Alsace?
Full sunlight interception
Good drainage
Long growing season
Soil varies in Alsace; multiple soils seem to work.
True or False
Riesling can produce very good quality grapes at relatively high yields
True. Yields of 70 hl/ha can still create very good grapes
Is Riesling susceptible to disease?
No. It is resistant to downy mildew and fairly resistant to powdery mildew and botrytis
What is the general style of Alsatian Riesling?
Dry High acid Medium to full body Medium alcohol Medium to pronounced aromas (citrus, stone fruit, steely) Unoaked
What is the general quality and pricing of Alsatian Riesling?
Good to outstanding quality
Mid priced to premium with some super premium
Is Gewurztraminer an early, mid, or late budding variety? Is it early, mid, or late ripening? How does this affect its cultivation in Alsace?
It is early budding, making it vulnerable to spring frost.
It is early ripening, allowing it to avoid autumn rains
Does Gewurztraminer accumulate sugars quickly? How does this affect its harvest in Alsace?
It does accumulate sugar quickly, but harvest is delayed until the skins achieve phenolic ripeness and soft tannins
Describe the vigor and productivity of Gewurztraminer. How are these managed?
It is vigorous, requiring careful pruning and canopy management.
It is moderately productive due to coulure.
What might Gewurztraminer suffer from during the growing season in Alsace?
Chlorosis, stem desiccation generally
In Alsace, powdery mildew, grape vine moth, and grey rot are a problem
What is the general character of Alsatian Gewurztraminer wine?
Medium lemon color Dry to sweet Low acid Medium to full body Medium to high alcohol Pronounced lychee, peach/apricot, rose, and spice aromas
What is the quality and pricing of Alsatian Gewurztraminer?
Good to outstanding
Mid priced to premium
What is the general character of Alsatian Pinot Blanc?
Medium acidity
Medium alcohol
Low intensity apple and peach aromas
What is the general quality and pricing of Alsatian Pinot Blanc?
Acceptable to good with a few very good examples
Inexpensive to mid-priced
How is Auxerrois used in Alsace?
Most often in Crémant d’Alsace, though it can also produce low aromatic still wine sometimes labelled as Pinot Blanc
What are the budding and ripening characteristics of Pinot Gris? How does this affect its cultivation in Alsace?
It is early budding, which makes it vulnerable to spring frost
It is early ripening, allowing it to avoid autumn rains
Is Pinot Gris low, mid, or high yielding?
It produces moderate yields
What is Pinot Gris susceptible to?
Botrytis
Downy mildew
What level of sugar does Pinot Gris accumulate?
High levels, leading to medium to high potential alcohols
What is the general character of Alsatian Pinot Gris?
Dry to sweet Medium acidity Medium to high alcohol Full body Medium intensity peach and apple
What qualities do the best Alsatian Pinot Gris wines typically have?
A rich oily texture and the ageability to develop honeyed and smoky notes
True or False
Climate change had caused producers in Alsace to produce more off-dry and sweet wines with Pinot Gris
False. The grapes are harvested earlier and used to produce dry wines between 12.5% and 13.5% due to demand for dry wines.
What is the typical quality and pricing of Alsatian Pinot Gris?
Good to outstanding
Mid-priced to premium
What is the only black grape permitted for use in Alsace AOC wines?
Pinot Noir
What has been the historical style of Alsatian Pinot Noir?
Lean and thin
What has influenced the recent improvements in quality of Alsatian Pinot Noir?
Warming climate
Learning from Burgundy and Germany
Increased interest from consumers
Is Alsatian Pinot Noir made in an unoaked or oaked style?
Both
Are plantings of Sylvaner decreasing or increasing? Why?
Decreasing in favor of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, which are easier to grow
Is Sylvaner gaining a reputation as a source of good value wines? Why or why not?
The replanting in favor of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris has left 40 year old Sylvaner vines on better sites intact. These wines offer very good quality for good pricing.
Which Muscat variety(ies) is/are grown in Alsace? What is the amount of area under vine?
Muscat Blanc á Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel, though in tiny amounts
What is the most common training system in Alsace AOC? Why?
Single or double Guyot, as required by denomination law
In Alsace, how far from the ground is the fruit zone trained? Why?
1.0-1.2 meters. This protects the grapes from frost (especially on the valley plain) and humidity
How high is the canopy trained above the ground in Alsace? Why?
Up to 1.9 meters to maximize sunlight exposure
What effect does the typical canopy management in Alsace have on vine row spacing?
Vine rows are more spread out to prevent shading from the high canopy management
What is the typical planting density in Alsace?
4,400-4,800 vines/ha
Is vine density lower or greater on the valley floor on the slopes in Alsace?
Planting density is lower on the valley floor and higher on the slopes
Is terracing necessary in Alsace?
Yes, on the steepest slopes, as with some Grand Cru sites
What are the main pests and diseases in Alsace?
Powdery mildew
Downy mildew
Grape vine moth
Esca
What climatic factors reduce the incidence of disease in Alsace?
The warm, dry, sunny climate
What percentage of vineyards in Alsace are certified organic? How does this compare to the French national average?
Nearly 15% certified in Alsace, which is higher than the nearly 10% nationally
How long is the harvest period in Alsace? Why?
From September to October. It is so long due to the range of styles (dry to sweet) made here and the diversity of vineyard sites
What is the range of wine styles produced in Alsace and how do these styles affect harvest?
Styles range from sparkling to very sweet still wines. Sparkling wines occur at the earliest possible harvest times in August and September while the sweeter styles can be picked in October or later.
What adds to the cost of wines for grapes that are grown on steep slopes?
He cost of manual labor as these sites must be picked by hand
Are the majority of wines from Alsace varietal or blends?
Varietal wines
What is the aim of winemaking in Alsace?
To preserve primary fruit aromas
What might some producers in Alsace do to extract flavor and texture into their wines?
Pre-fermentation skin contact or letting he juice sit in the press with the skins for extra time
What fermentation temperatures are used for Muscat, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Sylvaner in Alsace?
Cooler temperatures for Muscat, Riesling, and Sylvaner.
Mid-range temperatures for Gewurztraminer.
Why is Gewurztraminer typically not fermented at cooler temperatures?
Gewurztraminer has high sugar levels
It’s pronounced aromas are typically not affected by higher temperatures and the characteristic banana note generally creates from cooler ferments is undesirable.
How is the fermentation temperature controlled in Alsace wineries?
Generally through technology, though some cellars are cool enough to maintain adequate temperatures
What type of fermentation vessel is used in Alsace? Why?
Inert vessels such as large old oak barrels and stainless steel. Secondary aromas are not desired in Alsatian wines.
Is malolactic conversion typically permitted in Alsace?
No. Primary aromas are everything.
True or False
All producers in Alsace prefer to use ambient yeasts
False. It is typically smaller producers who do this to express their terroir
How are white wines matured in Alsace?
Usually in the same container in which fermentation is done on the fine lees. The lees are not stirred
How do producers of Alsace indicate the level of sweetness off their wines?
Those who do indicate sweetness do so on the back label. There has historically been no consistency or indication, though an increasing number are now including it.
Is chaptalization permitted in Alsace?
Yes, as part of the AOC rules due to its northerly latitude. It is practiced widely in cool years
What are the permitted yields for Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, and Gewurztraminer in Alsace?
80 hl/ha for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer
90 hl/ha for Riesling
100 hl/ha for Pinot Blanc
What is the maximum yield permitted in an Alsatian wine that is labelled with one of the region’s 13 communes? One of its lieux-dits?
72 hl/ha for communes
68 hl/ha for lieux-dits
What is the maximum permitted yield for Alsace Pinot Noir AOC?
60 hl/ha
What is the maximum permitted yield for Alsace Grand Cru?
55 hl/ha, though some have as low as 50 hl/ha (Rangen)
When was the Grand Cru system started in Alsace?
1975
Name three well known Grand Crus in Alsace.
Rangen
Geisberg
Schoenenbourg
What varieties are permitted in Alsace Grand Cru sites?
The four noble varieties are permitted in Alsace Grand Cru, though each Cru is dedicated to a single varietal.
The only exceptions are Altenberg de Berghein (blends), Kaefferkopf (blends), Zotzenberg (Sylvaner)
True or False
Some Alsace Grand Cru producers do not label their wines as such
True. Some producers feel the Grand Cru designations were too freely given and that yields are too high. However, Trimbach and Hugel initially rejected Grand Cru labeling and currently use it.
How many Grand Crus are there in Alsace? When did they become individual Grand Cru sites and what does this mean for production.
51
Starting in 2011, each Grand Cru was given authority over it’s own harvest and production requirements
Is Pinot Noir permitted in the Grand Crus of Alsace? Which ones?
Some Grand Cru syndicates are petitioning INAO to allow Pinot Noir to be labelled as Grand Cru in Alsace, but it has not been granted yet.
How many Premier Crus are there in Alsace?
None, though petitioning is underway to qualify some single vineyards there
True or False
Alsace Grand Cru wines may not be labelled as Vendange Tardive or Sélection de Grains Nobles
False. They can be applied to all Alsace wines provided the wines meet the minimum requirements
What grapes may be used in the production of Alsace Vendange Tardive or SGN wines?
The noble varieties
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Is Alsace Vendange Tardive a botrytized style of wine?
No, there is no requirement for it to be botrytized or sweet.
What is the potential ABV grapes destined for Alsace Vendange Tardive be harvested at? Can these grapes be fermented to dryness?
14-15%
Vendange Tardive wines don’t need to be sweet, so they can be fermented completely if desired
Is Alsace SGN a botrytized style of wine?
Yes
What are the minimum sugar levels required for Alsace Vendange Tardive?
Muscat and Riesling: 235 g/l
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 257 g/l
What is the minimum sugar level required for Alsace SGN wines?
Muscat and Riesling: 276 g/l
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 306 g/l
What is the average vineyard holding size in Alsace? What effect does this have on wine production?
3.5 ha
Most growers sell their grapes to cooperatives or large producers
What percentage of Alsace wine sales is by cooperatives? What is the general perception of their reputation?
40% of sales is from cooperatives with reputations for high quality wines
What is the reputation of Alsace wines within France and the EU? How does this affect domestic sales?
There is a perception that Alsace wines are extremely suitable for gastronomy. 75% of sales are domestic.
What are the top export markets for Alsace wines?
EU (especially Belgium, Germany, Netherlands)
North America
What containers are permitted for the packaging of still Alsace wines?
The typical tall, thin, “flute” bottle
Bag-in-box is not allowed
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Alsace AOC packaging requirements?
The tall, thin bottles give a clear brand identity against French wines but confusion with German wines
What is notable about the output of Alsatian wine producers?
A large number produce many or all possible styles permitted in the AOC. Still, sparkling, dry, sweet, red, white, and a range of sweetness levels are typical of many portfolios.
How many bottlings might be seen from a medium to large Alsace domaines?
20-35
Name three significant producers of a range of Alsace wines.
Hugel
Trimbach
Zind-Humbrecht
What Alsace cooperative offers 50 bottlings from seven varieties?
Cave de Turkheim
What effect does the large number of bottling offered by a producer have on Alsatian wine identity and sales?
Many consumers buy wines based on producer reputation as opposed to individual labels.
