Alsace

Question 1

Factors affecting climate

Answer 1

-The vineyard is sheltered by the Vosges mountains, which act as a natural barrier for the vineyard and give the region the lowest rainfall in France. This factor reduces the risk of rot and limits the treatments of the vines. Climate:Continental

Question 2

Sub - Districts

Answer 2

Bas-Rhin Haut-Rhin

Question 3

Variety of Soils

Answer 3

Alsace plain - alluvial soils
Lower slopes - chalk
Upper slopes - granite, schist, volcanic deposits

Question 4

Location of the best vineyards

Answer 4

Altenberg de Bergheim (Strasbourg)
Zotzenberg
Kaeeferkopf ( below Riquewihr)

Question 5

Grape Varieties

Answer 5

Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir,
Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Chasselas, Klevener, Sylvaner

Question 6

AOC Vin d’ Alsace Communale

Answer 6

These wines must state there grape variety, 13 village may append their name to the label under AOP Alsace Communal.
High quality, strict regulations

Question 7

Lieu-dit

Answer 7

Individual vineyard or plot within an appellation.
High quality, strict regulations

Question 8

AC Crémant

Answer 8

The appellation for sparkling wine which has a secondary fermentation in the bottle and is sold in champagne-style bottles.
Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay

Question 9

AOC Alsace Grand Cru

Answer 9

Introduced in 1975 last expansion 1992.
51 vineyards entitled.
Riesling and Muscat wines must have min potential abv 11% at harvest.
Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris 12.5% abv.
Chaptalization permitted up to 1.5% for all wines excluding VT and SGN.
The production of Grand Cru wines is strictly controlled with lower permitted yields and a tasting test.

Question 10

Vendage Tardive Style of wines

Answer 10

Wines can range from dry to sweet
Very high quality
Generally high in alcohol
Honey bouquet

Question 11

Selection de Grains Nobles Style of wine

Answer 11

Sweet wines similar to Beerenauslese in Germany with slightly higher alcohol.
Made only from overripe or botrytized grapes.
Tropical overripe fruits, honey bouquet, high acidity.

Question 12

AOC Edelzwicker

Answer 12

Blend of two or more of the permitted grape varieties

Question 13

AOC Vin d Alsace

Answer 13

Minimum alcohol content 8.5%
Must be made from one of the permitted grape varieties or a blend of two or more of these

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Auxerrois (10)

Question 14

AOC Gentil

Answer 14

Blend of two or more grape varieties and contains a minimum of 50%
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris or Muscat. (4)
The remaining blend can be
Sylvaner, Chasselas, Pinot Blanc.(3)
Vintage must be stated.
The grapes must be vinified separately before blending.
Tasting test is included.