Alsace Flashcards
What kind of climate does Alsace have?
Cool to moderate continetal
What do the Vosges Mountains do?
Shelter the vineyards from the prevailing rainbearing westerly wind and the lack of clouds which results in sunny summers and dry autumns.
Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?
Steepest slopes with east/south-east facing aspects.
Where do the lesser vineyards exist in Alsace and what are their grapes typically used for?
On the plain between the Vosgnes Foothills and the Rhine. Grapes are often used for Cremant d’alsace.
How are vines trained on the slopes of Alsace?
Trained low to benefit from the radiated heat and orientated to maximise vines exposure to the sun. Hand harvesting.
How are vines trained on the plains of Alsace
?
Trained high to reduce affect on spring frosts.
Why do harvestors face key logistical challenge at harvest?
Because they have small plots of land with lots of different varieties which means that there is a lot of different ripening types. Usually starts in August for Sparkling and may last until beginning of December for VT and SGN wines
What does VT mean on an alsace bottle?
Vendange Tardives - late harvest. Can only be made from 1/4 noble varieties and must have a minimum sugar weight depending on the varietal.
What are the four noble grapes in Alsace?
Gewurtztraminor, pinot gris, melon blanc and riesling.
If a grape variety is listed on an Alsace label what percent must be in that bottle?
100%
In Alsace there are ___ vineyards that have their own _____ appellation.
50, GRand Cru
What are the two principal levels of Alsatian classifications?
- Alsace
- Alsace GRand Cru
Why don’t some Grand Cru vineyard producers put grand cru on their label in Alsace?
Because they believe that some vineyards labelled Grand Cru, emcompass too much area and the land isnt worth it.
What does SGN mean on an Alsatian bottle of wine?
Selection de grains noble - Can only be made fro 1/4 noble rot varieties and have a minimum sugar level. Sugar level is higher than VT wines and usually achieved with noble rot. Wines are not produced every year and only ever in small quanities.
What are blended wines called in Alsace?
Edelzwicker or Gentil or just the producers name.
