Alsace Flashcards
What is protecting Alsace in the west?
The Vosges mountains.
How many percent is white wine in Alsace?
90%, mostly single grape variety and unoaked.
In the 20th century, up to world war 2, what was Alsace a source for?
Inexpensive wine grown on the flatter land
When did Alsace finally return to France and what system did they adopt straight away?
- Alsace adopted the AOC system.
The hillside slopes in Alsace that had a reputation for high quality in the past started being partially re-planted since when?
1960s
On what latitude is Alsace?
Approximately 48 degrees North
What climate does Alsace have? And what is significant for that type of climate?
Continental, cold winters and warm, sunny summers.
Alsace only has half the rainfall compared to the western side of what mountain? How much rain falls in Alsace?
The Vosges mountains gives Alsace rain protection. Alsace has around 600mm of rain per year.
Moderate rainfall in the summer can lead to what in Alsace?
Drought.
Is irrigation allowed in Alsace?
AOC does not allow irrigation in Alsace.
Alsace has high sunshine hours. Why is this important?
To ripen the grapes at the northerly latitude.
What does the Föhn wind do for Alsace?
The Föhn wind is a drying influence. It both raises temperature AND reduces the incidence of fungal diseases.
On higher sites in Alsace there is a marked diurnal temperature difference. Why is this good?
It helps to retain the acidity in the grapes.
At what altitude do you find the best vineyards in Alsace?
200-250 meters, some up to 450 m
The best vineyards in Alsace tend to face what directions?
South, south-west and south-east
Where do you typically find lesser quality vineyards in Alsace?
On the plain between the foothills and the Rhine river.
Why does growers in Alsace speak of a “mosaic of terroirs”?
Soils in Alsace vary widely.
Grape varieties permitted for grand cru in Alsace have a collective name, what?
Noble varieties.
Name the so called noble varieties in Alsace.
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat.
60% of Alsace Pinot Blanc is used for a particular wine style. Which?
Crémant d’Alsace
In order of most to lesser, what 6 varieties is the most grown in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner
Quality and price range for Riesling wines in Alsace?
Good to outstanding, mid-priced to premium and a few super-premium.
Typical Alsace Riesling taste note is?
Dry, medium to full body, medium alcohol, high acidity with citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and stone fruit (peach) flavour. A pronounced stony/steely character
Is typical Alsace Riesling oaked or unoaked?
Typically unoaked
Why is Gewürztraminer picked late in Alsace even though it is an early ripening variety?
To achieve fully ripe skins to maximise aromas, and avoid unripe tannins.
What diseases is Gewürztraminer vulnerable to in Alsace?
Powdery mildew, grape vine moth and grey rot
Quality and price range for Gewürztraminer in Alsace?
Good to outstanding, mid-priced to premium
Typical SAT for Gewürztraminer in Alsace?
Medium lemon colour.
Pronounced aromas of lychee, peach/apricot, rose and spice.
Medium to high alcohol
Medium to full body
Low to medium acidity
Tasting note for Alsace Pinot Blanc?
Low intensity apple and peach. Medium acidity and alcohol.
Quality and price for Alsace Pinot Blanc?
Acceptable to good (a few very good). Inexpensive to mid-priced.
In Alsace, Auxerrois can also be labelled as what?
Pinot Blanc
When does Auxerrois ripen in Alsace? Level of acidity and aroma. For what is Auxerrois mostly used in Alsace?
Auxerrois is early ripening. The variety is low in aromatics and has low levels of acidity. It is mostly used for blends and in Crémant d’Alsace.
Tasting note for Pinot Gris in Alsace?
Medium intensity peach and apple. Full body and medium acidity.
The best examples of Pinot Gris in Alsace can have a rich and oily texture. When aged, what notes can develop?
Honeyed and smoky notes.
Why is picking time for Pinot Gris important in Alsace?
Pinot Gris can have a very rapid increase in sugar levels and drop in acidity.
Pinot gris is Alsace are made in full range of dry to sweet but the is a shift in the market leaning towards what style? And how is picking time affected by this?
Drier styles of Pinot gris. Earlier picking times are taking place due to this, but also as an effect of climate change.