Alsace Flashcards
what is the sole black grape allowed to be planted in Alsace
Pinot Noir
what is the climate of Alsace
cool to moderate continental
what is the name of the mountain range on Alsace’s west boundary that creates rainshadow
Vosges Mountains
in which direction do the top vineyards of Alsace face
east and south east
the majority of grapes that go into Crémant d’Alsace come from where
from the alluvial plains
what factor contributes the broad range of wine styles in Alsace
the geological complexity of the soils
France’s wine region with the driest and sunniest climate is
Alsace
the dry and sunny climate in Alsace means that vine disease pressure is
low
in Alsace vines planted on the slopes: how are they harvested and how are they trained
hand harvested + trained low to the ground to take advantage of the heat radiating
in Alsace vines planted on the alluvial plains: how are they harvested and how are they trained
machine harvested + trained high to mitigate frost
when does harvest in Alsace usually start and end
start = end of August
end = November
what are the 4 noble grapes of Alsace
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
what are the two terms used in Alsace on bottles of inexpensive white blends
- Edelzwicker and Gentil
what is the fermentation vessel used by traditional wine producers in Alsace
large old oak barrels –> thick layer of tartrate crystals
in Alsace modern producers, which fermentation vessel
stainless steel tanks
in Alsace why is MLC usuelly blocked
because it would mask the purity of the flavours
what are the 2 classifications that can be used by Alsace AOP and Alsace Grand Cru AOP wines
- VT = Vendanges Tardives
- SGN = Selection de Grains Nobles
define and explain VT (Alsace)
- made only from the 4 noble varieties
- dry, off dry, medium sweet
- may/may not show botrytis
define and explain SGN (Alsace)
- only from one of the 4 noble varieties
- only in excellent vintages
- always sweet
- must show botrytis
which noble grape is the most widely planted and the last to ripen in Alsace
Riesling
Alsatian Rieslings vs German Rieslings
drier, less floral and richer & fuller in body
describe Gewurztraminer’s palate
- high alcohol
- full body, oily texture
- low-medium acidity
- lychee, rose, aromatic baking spices
describe the palate of Alsace PG
- high alcohol
- full rich body
- medium acidity
- less aromatic than Gewurz, intensely flavoured with fresh/dried fruit and honey
describe Muscat’s palate
- light medium body
- medium alcohol
- low medium acidity
- orange blossom, rose, grapey
what are the two muscat varieties grown in Alsace
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains and Muscat Ottonel
which muscat variety in Alsace is prone to poor fruit set and rot
Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains
which muscat variety in Alsace is less aromatic but more reliable
Muscat Ottonel
what environmental issue can be a threat to Alsace
drought
