Alsace

Question 1

Which mountain range protects the Alsace region?

Answer 1

The Vosges

Question 2

Alsace is particularly famous for single varietal wines. Which grape varieties is the region most famous for?

Answer 2

• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Blanc
• Muscat
• Gewurztraminer
• Riesling

Question 3

Which Alsace grape varieties ferment at a mid-range temperature instead of a cool temperature?

Answer 3

Gerwutztraminer

Gewurztraminer has pronounced aromas, not affected by slightly higher fermentation temperatures, and has higher sugar levels. A slightly higher (mid-range) fermentation temperature is desirable to ensure that the yeast can ferment effectively to high alcohol levels. Low fermentation temperatures are avoided as its characteristic banana aroma is not desired in Gewurztraminer.

Question 4

Briefly explain how the Vosges mountain help protect the vineyards of Alsace?

Answer 4

The Vosges mountains are situated to the west of the vineyards and this creates a rain shadow and protection from the dominant westerly winds and clouds. Most rain falls to the west of the mountains and the vineyards are drier, warmer and more protected than land outside the shadow of the Vosges mountains. The Alsace vineyards have higher temperatures and more sunshine hours making this a unique climate at this latitude.

Question 5

Describe why Alsace’s landscape is often described as a ‘mosaic of terroirs’.

Answer 5

The soils are varied with the higher, steeper slopes having thin top soil which promotes slower growth, better drainage for the roots and ultimately a more balanced vine producing high quality grapes. On the plains nearer the river Rhine, the soils are more fertile which results in high vigour vines that produce higher yields of lesser quality fruit.

Question 6

Describe Alsace Riesling

Answer 6

Typically dry, medium to full body, medium alcohol, medium to high acidity, with citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and stone fruit (peach) flavour with a pronounced stony/steely character.

Question 7

Describe Alsace Gerwutztraminer

Answer 7

Typically range in style from dry to sweet, medium lemon in colour, with pronounced aromas of lychee, peach/apricot, rose and spice. They have medium to high alcohol, medium to full body and low acidity.

Question 8

Describe Alsace Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois

Answer 8

Typically dry with light intensity aromas of apple and peach, and medium acidity and alcohol. They are mainly acceptable to good quality, with a few very good examples.

Question 9

Describe Alsace Pinot Gris

Answer 9

Typically range in style from dry to sweet, medium intensity aromas of peach and apple and are full bodied with medium acidity. The best examples have a rich oily texture and have the capacity to age and develop honeyed and smoky notes.

Question 10

What form(s) of vine training are permitted in Alsace?

Answer 10

Single Guyot
Double Guyot

Question 11

Which pests and diseases are most prevalent in Alsace?

Answer 11

Esca
Grape vine moth
Powdery mildew
Downy mildew

Question 12

What winemaking techniques are usually avoided in Alsace

Answer 12

• Fermentation in new oak
• Malolactic conversion
• Lees stirring

Question 13

True or false?

Chaptalisation for Alsace AOC is allowed within EU rules.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

What are the minimum sugar levels for Vendange Tardive Muscat or Riesling

Answer 14

235 g/L

Question 15

What are the minimum sugar levels for Vendange Tardive Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer

Answer 15

257 g/L

Question 16

What are the minimum sugar levels for Sélection de Grains Nobles Muscat or Riesling

Answer 16

276 g/L

Question 17

What are the minimum sugar levels for Sélection de Grains Nobles Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer

Answer 17

306 g/L