Alsace

Question 1

What is a Foudres?

Answer 1

Large, inert wooden barrel

Question 2

What are the 7 focal grape varieties of Alsace?

Answer 2

1. Pinot Gris
2. Gewurztraminer
3. Riesling
4. Muscat(s)
5. Pinot Noir
6. Pinot Blanc
7. Sylvanner

Question 3

List 4 German influences in Alsace.

Answer 3

1. Varietal Labelling
2. Flute shaped bottles
3. German Phonics
4. Use of Riesling

Question 4

What are the two uplifts of the Rhine Graben?

Answer 4

Vosges Mountains
Black Forest

Question 5

What is the primary grape variety of Cremant D’Alsace AOC?

Answer 5

Pinot Blanc

Question 6

What grape varieties are permitted in Alsace Grand Cru AOCs?

Answer 6

1. Riesling
2. Pinot Gris
3. Gewurztraminer
4. Muscat(s)
5. Sylvanner - Zotzenburg ONLY)
6. Pinot Noir - Hengst & Kirchberg de Baar ONLY

Question 7

What are the synonyms for Pinot Blanc in Alsace?

Answer 7

1. Klevner
2. Pinot Vrai

Question 8

What is permitted in wines labelled Pinot Blanc?

Answer 8

100% Pinot Blanc

100% Auxerrois

Blend of both

Question 9

What is permitted in wines labelled Pinot D’Alsace?

Answer 9

100% Pinot Blanc
100% Pinot Gris
100% Pinot Noir
100% Auxerrois

Blend of both

Question 10

What 3 styles must use only Noble grapes?

Answer 10

1. VT
2. SGN
3. Grand Cru
   3 exceptions - Zoztenburg, Hengst, Kirchber de
   Baar

Question 11

What is the difference between Edelzwicker and Gentil?

Answer 11

Edelzwicker - blend of any permitted white grapes

Gentil - Min 50% noble grapes
Vinified separately
Vintage
Tasting panel approved

Question 12

What is the difference between VT and SGN?

Answer 12

VT - Late Harvest
SGN - Must be botrytised grapes

Question 13

Which 2 grape varieties are most often used in VT and SGN?

Answer 13

1. Gewurztraminer
2. Pinot Gris

Due to the ripening curves aligning with harvest dates.

Question 14

What are the two varieties of Savagnin Rose?

Answer 14

Aromatic - Gewurztraminer

Non-Aromatic - Klevener de Heligenstein

Question 15

What is the maximum residual sugar in Riesling?

Answer 15

9g/L

Question 16

What is the link between Savagnin Blanc and Savagnin Rose?

Answer 16

Rose is a mutation of Blanc

Question 17

Which 2 Alsace Grand Crus allow blends?

Answer 17

1. Altenberg de Bergheim
2. Kaefferkopf

Question 18

Name the 5 exception Grand Crus.

Answer 18

1. Zotzenburg - Sylvanner permitted
2. Hengst - Pinot Noir permitted
3. Kirchberg de Baar - Pinot Noir permitted
4. Altenberg de Bergheim - Blends permitted
5. Kaefferkopf - Blends permitted

Question 19

What is the principle training method in Alsace?

Answer 19

Double or Single Guyot

Question 20

What percentage of grapes must an Alsace varietal wine be?

Answer 20

100% - exception of Pinot Blanc and Pinot D’Alsace

Question 21

What is a Lieu-Dit?

Answer 21

A named parcel of land with a Cadastral Unit

Question 22

What is the name of the small region West of Alsace?

Answer 22

Lorraine

Question 23

What soil type are most of the Grand Cru AOCs located on?

Answer 23

Sedimentary - Limestone, Marl and Sandstone

Question 24

What is the reason for the planting of Hybrid varieties in Alsace?

Answer 24

Pressure from Germany due to fear of competition.

Question 25

When was Alsace first incorporated into Germany?

Answer 25

870CE

Question 26

Who was Eugene Mayer?

Answer 26

The first vigneron in France to adopt organic and biodynamic farming.

Question 27

Which region is Auxerrois native to?

Answer 27

Lorraine

Question 28

How many DGCs are there in Alsace AOC?

Answer 28

13

Question 29

What are the main trade structures in Alsace?

Answer 29

Negociants and Co-operatives