Alsace Flashcards
Primary Varieties of Alsace
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat
Alsace’s Location
Northeastern France along the Rhine River, bordering Germany
Departments in Alsace
Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin
Effect of the Vosges Mountains
Creates a rainshadow effect, making Alsace the driest wine region in France
Major River in Alsace
The Rhine River
Alsace’s Climate
Semi-continental
Influence on Alsace’s Winemaking History
French and Germanic cultures
Year Alsace Received AOC Status
1962
First Alsace Grand Cru Vineyard
Schlossberg
Standard Winemaking Practice in Alsace
Dry wines, usually not aged in new oak
Alsace Wines Labeled with a Variety Requirement
Must contain 100% of the stated variety
Edelzwicker Wine in Alsace
Inexpensive blended wine, does not need to carry a vintage
Meaning of ‘Gentil’ in Alsace Wine
A wine with a minimum of 50% noble grapes in the blend
Hand Harvesting Requirement in Alsace
Mandatory for all Grand Cru wines
‘Vendanges Tardives’ in Alsace
Late harvest wines, can be fermented dry or left sweet
‘Sélection de Grains Nobles’ Wines
Affected by botrytis, can be semi-dry or sweet
Major Wine Trade Centers in Alsace
Colmar and Strasbourg
Notable Grand Cru Vineyard in Alsace
Schlossberg, Schoelhammer, Rangen de Thann, Geisberg
Specialty of Domaine Weinbach
Luxurious, expressive wines especially Riesling and Gewürztraminer
Style of Trimbach Wines
Elegant, structured, and age-worthy with a focus on minerality
Hugel et Fils’ Range of Varietals
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris
Domaine Zind-Humbrecht’s Approach
Biodynamic, terroir-driven wines
Josmeyer’s Specialty
Biodynamic approach, excelling in Riesling and Pinot Gris
Albert Mann’s Winemaking Practices
Organic and biodynamic practices, highlighting purity of fruit and terroir
Domaine Ostertag’s Style
Distinctive wines challenging traditional Alsace styles
Maison Marcel Deiss’ Unique Approach
Emphasis on field blends and terroir expression
Domaine Schoffit’s Renowned Wine Types
Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles
Domaine Paul Blanck’s Focus
Terroir and minimal intervention, resulting in pure and expressive wines
Aromatic Intensity of Alsace Wines
Known for pronounced floral and fruit aromas
Food Pairing Versatility of Alsace Wines
Pairs well with a variety of cuisines, including spicy and Asian dishes due to the dry aromatic profile