Alsace Flashcards
1
Q
What are the natural factors of Alsace?
A
- cool to moderate continental climate
- Vosges mountain whether the vineyards from winds and rains
- sunny summer and dry autumns.
- best vineyards located on east and south-east facing slopes, which can enhance sun exposure = maximum ripeness
2
Q
How Vosges Mountain help?
A
- achieve good ripeness
- # long growing season
- late-harvest style
- consistent growing season
3
Q
What is the black grape in Alsace?
A
Pinot Noir, the only black grape permitted
4
Q
What are the 7 white grapes in Alsace?
A
- Riseling
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
- Pinot Blanc
- Auxerrois
- Sylvaner
5
Q
What is Vendanges Tardives?
A
- use must weight to measure
- late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
- must be noble varieties
- may have influences of noble rot but can be dry
6
Q
What is Selection of Grains Nobles?
A
- sweet
- select intense grapes
- based on minimum sugar ripeness
- influence of noble rot
7
Q
What is the name of noble rot?
A
Gentil / Edelzwicker
8
Q
Human influence of Alsace
A
- vines on slope are trained low to benefit from radiated heat
- vines on plain are trained high to minimise the risk of spring frost
- hand harvest on slope
- organic and biodynamic viniculture is widely practices due to disease pressure
- focused on retaining aromas and flavours of grape
- selection of nobles -> harvest from Aug to Dec
- temperatured controlled stainless steel tank is common -> protective winemaking
9
Q
Why Alsace use large old barrel?
A
- wine has less contact with the surface of large barrels
- old barrels have less influence on wine
- thicker layer of tartrates shields the wine from the wood
- small amount of oak to the volume of wine
- old wood will lose its flavour
10
Q
Explain how Vosges Mountain influences the grape-growing environment in Alsace.
A
- Vosges Mountains shelter the vineyards from winds and rains
- This results in sunny summers and dry autumns
- Thus ensure the grape can achieve high level of sugar ripeness
11
Q
What are the legal requirements for an Alsace Grand Cru Vendange Tardive
A
- over 50 vineyards are classified as Grand Cru
- Vendange Tardive means late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
- Noble varieties must be used to be labelled as Vendange Tardive
- Can be dry or with sweetness in final wine