Alsace Flashcards
What are the ‘noble’ varieties of Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat
What labelling terms can be used in Alsace to indicate a wine is made from a blend of grape varieties?
These wines are either labelled ‘Edelzwicker’ or ‘Gentil’ or otherwise they carry a producer’s brand name.
Describe the typical charasteristics of the ‘best’ Riesling wines from Alsace.
Medium to full bodied, dry, with medium alcohol, high acidity and display citrus and stone fruit aromas, often with a pronounced stony/steely character.
Describe the typical charasteristics of a Gewurztraminer from Alsace.
Gewurztraminer is renowned for its pungent aromatic spicy nose, reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spices. Tend to be full bodied with a rich oily texture, low to medium acidity and high alcohol.
What are the notable differences between Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer from Alsace?
Pinot Gris often has more acidity than Gewurztraminer. PGris is normally less aromatic than Gwt.
Describe the typical characteristics of the ‘best’ Pinot Gris wines from Alsace.
Rich, full bodied and high in alcohol with medium to high acidity. On the palate thely can be richly textured and have a pronunced flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character.
What are the full names of the two grape varieties generally referred to as Muscat which are grown in Alsace?
- Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
- Muscat Ottonel
Describe the typical characteristics of a quality wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
These wines are intensely aromatic with flavours of orange blossom, rose and grape. Thely tend to have a light to medium body and low to medium acidity.
A wine labelled VT denotes what?
Late Harvest (Vendanges Tardives)
In Alsace the most planted of the noble varieties is…?
Riesling
Compared to German Rieslings, Alsatian counterparts typically show less of which characteristics?
Less floral characters.
Which grape grown in Alsace typically has a light pink tinge to the skin?
Gewurztraminer
Why is Muscat Ottonel more widely planted the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains?
Muscat Ottonel can be relied on to crop more regularly. Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is prone to poor fruit set and rot.
As of the 2021 harvest, what must producers in Alsace now indicate? Where?
All producers must now indicate the level of sweetness of their wine on the back label.
How many Communale in Alsace?
13
