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Certified Sommelier Exam (CMS 2) > Alsace > Flashcards

Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

In Alsace, if the grape variety is mentioned on the label, how much of that grape variety must be in the bottled wine?

A

100%

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1
Q

What are the names of the traditional bottles in which Alsace AOP wines must be bottled?

A

“Vin du Rhin” / “Flûte d’Alsace”

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2
Q

What is the main appellation of Alsace?

A

Alsace AOP / Vin d’Alsace AOP

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3
Q

What is the AOP used for the Grand Crus of Alsace?

A

Grand Cru Alsace AOP

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4
Q

How many Grand Crus are there in Alsace?

A

51

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5
Q

Name 4 important Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace.

A
  1. Schlossberg
  2. Brand
  3. Goldert
  4. Hengst
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6
Q

Traditionally, what are the four grape varieties allowed for Alsace Grand Cru AOP?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Gris
  3. Gewurztraminer
  4. Muscat
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7
Q

What are the 3 exceptions to the Alsace Grand Cru AOP grape variety rule?

A
  1. One of the Grand Crus uses Sylvaner
  2. Two of them allow blending
  3. Two allow red wine*

*As of the 2022 vintage

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8
Q

In Alsace, what is the AOP used for traditional method sparkling
wine?

A

Crémant d’Alsace AOP

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9
Q

In Alsace, what is Edelzwicker?

A
  • Meaning “noble mixture,” Edelzwicker usually indicates its own inverse: an inexpensive blended wine.
  • Alsace AOP wines labeled Edelzwicker do not need to be vintage-dated, nor are they even legally obligated to contain more than one grape.
  • In practice, they are blends and do not need to indicate any percentages or grapes on the label.
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10
Q

In Alsace, what does Gentil mean?

A
  • The unofficial term ‘gentil’ is a superior designation for blends that contain a minimum of 50% noble grapes.
  • Any other Alsace AOP grape may compose the remainder, and the base wines must be vinified separately.
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11
Q

What are the 2 terms Alsace uses for late harvested wines?

A
  1. Vendange Tardive (VT)
  2. Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
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12
Q

What is the difference between VT and SGN from a botrytis perspective?

A
  • VTs may be affected by botrytis (they are late harvest, rich, full-bodied, not always sweet).
  • SGNs are always affected by botrytis (made in small quantities, only in top vintages).
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13
Q

List 6 Alsatian producers you need to know for the exam.

A
  1. Trimbach
  2. Domaine Weinbach
  3. Marcel Deiss
  4. Hugel et Fils
  5. Pierre Sparr
  6. Zind-Humbrecht
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14
Q

What are the 2 natural borders of Alsace?

A
  1. Eastern border: Rhine River
  2. Western border: Vosges Mountains
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15
Q

Fill in the blanks.

Alsace is split into 2 départements, the ____-Rhin in the north and the ____-Rhin in the south.

A
  • North: Bas-Rhin
  • South: Haut-Rhin
16
Q

Differences between the Bas-Rhin and the Haut-Rhin include:

A

Bas-Rhin

  • lower elevation
  • not as protected by the Vosges, so fewer good vineyards

Haut-Rhin

  • higher elevation
  • more protection by the Vosges, so the best vineyards
17
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool continental

18
Q

Fill in the blanks.

Climatically, Alsace is one of the _____est and _____est regions in France.

Why?

A

Sunniest and driest due to the rain shadow caused by the Vosges Mountains.

19
Q

Are Alsace’s vineyards planted on the flat banks of the Rhine River or on the hillsides of the Vosges Mountains?

A

Hillsides of the Vosges Mountains

20
Q

What are the soils of Alsace?

A

Incredibly varied and layered, kind of like a Dagwood sandwich.

Soils include:

  • volcanic
  • clay
  • granite
  • gneiss
  • marl
  • limestone
  • sandstone
  • schist
21
Q

What is the growing season like in Alsace, and what causes it?

A

Long, dry, sunny and temperate caused by the rain shadow by the Vosges Mountains.

22
Q

Where are the best vineyards in Alsace planted?

A

In the Haut-Rhin on lower slopes facing east/southeast.

23
Q

What effects on climate and viticulture does a rain shadow cause?

A
  • Dry climate
  • Sunny climate (tho not necessarily a warmer one)
  • Longer growing season
  • Riper grapes
  • Higher potential alcohol
  • Richer, fuller bodied wines
24
Q

Crémant d’Alsace is usually a blend of grapes or made from a single varietal?

A

Blend of grapes

25
Q

Name classic food pairings that go with Alsatian wines.

A
  • Choucroute
  • Flammkuchen (tarte flambée)
  • Baeckeoffe (casserole of meat, onions and potatoes)
  • Rich, smoky cured meats such as bacon and sausages

Certified Sommelier Exam (CMS 2) (49 decks)

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