Alsace Flashcards
What is a Foudres?
Large, inert wooden barrel
What are the 7 focal grape varieties of Alsace?
- Pinot Gris
- Gewurztraminer
- Riesling
- Muscat(s)
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Blanc
- Sylvanner
List 4 German influences in Alsace.
- Varietal Labelling
- Flute shaped bottles
- German Phonics
- Use of Riesling
What are the two uplifts of the Rhine Graben?
Vosges Mountains
Black Forest
What is the primary grape variety of Cremant D’Alsace AOC?
Pinot Blanc
What grape varieties are permitted in Alsace Grand Cru AOCs?
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat(s)
- Sylvanner - Zotzenburg ONLY)
- Pinot Noir - Hengst & Kirchberg de Baar ONLY
What are the synonyms for Pinot Blanc in Alsace?
- Klevner
- Pinot Vrai
What is permitted in wines labelled Pinot Blanc?
100% Pinot Blanc
100% Auxerrois
Blend of both
What is permitted in wines labelled Pinot D’Alsace?
100% Pinot Blanc
100% Pinot Gris
100% Pinot Noir
100% Auxerrois
Blend of both
What 3 styles must use only Noble grapes?
- VT
- SGN
- Grand Cru
3 exceptions - Zoztenburg, Hengst, Kirchber de
Baar
What is the difference between Edelzwicker and Gentil?
Edelzwicker - blend of any permitted white grapes
Gentil - Min 50% noble grapes
Vinified separately
Vintage
Tasting panel approved
What is the difference between VT and SGN?
VT - Late Harvest
SGN - Must be botrytised grapes
Which 2 grape varieties are most often used in VT and SGN?
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
Due to the ripening curves aligning with harvest dates.
What are the two varieties of Savagnin Rose?
Aromatic - Gewurztraminer
Non-Aromatic - Klevener de Heligenstein
What is the maximum residual sugar in Riesling?
9g/L
What is the link between Savagnin Blanc and Savagnin Rose?
Rose is a mutation of Blanc
Which 2 Alsace Grand Crus allow blends?
- Altenberg de Bergheim
- Kaefferkopf
Name the 5 exception Grand Crus.
- Zotzenburg - Sylvanner permitted
- Hengst - Pinot Noir permitted
- Kirchberg de Baar - Pinot Noir permitted
- Altenberg de Bergheim - Blends permitted
- Kaefferkopf - Blends permitted
What is the principle training method in Alsace?
Double or Single Guyot
What percentage of grapes must an Alsace varietal wine be?
100% - exception of Pinot Blanc and Pinot D’Alsace
What is a Lieu-Dit?
A named parcel of land with a Cadastral Unit
What is the name of the small region West of Alsace?
Lorraine
What soil type are most of the Grand Cru AOCs located on?
Sedimentary - Limestone, Marl and Sandstone
What is the reason for the planting of Hybrid varieties in Alsace?
Pressure from Germany due to fear of competition.
When was Alsace first incorporated into Germany?
870CE
Who was Eugene Mayer?
The first vigneron in France to adopt organic and biodynamic farming.
Which region is Auxerrois native to?
Lorraine
How many DGCs are there in Alsace AOC?
13
What are the main trade structures in Alsace?
Negociants and Co-operatives
