Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What are the natural factors of Alsace?

A
  1. cool to moderate continental climate
  2. Vosges mountain whether the vineyards from winds and rains
  3. sunny summer and dry autumns.
  4. best vineyards located on east and south-east facing slopes, which can enhance sun exposure = maximum ripeness
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2
Q

How Vosges Mountain help?

A
  1. achieve good ripeness
  2. # long growing season
  3. late-harvest style
  4. consistent growing season
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3
Q

What is the black grape in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir, the only black grape permitted

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4
Q

What are the 7 white grapes in Alsace?

A
  1. Riseling
  2. Gewurztraminer
  3. Pinot Gris
  4. Muscat
  5. Pinot Blanc
  6. Auxerrois
  7. Sylvaner
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5
Q

What is Vendanges Tardives?

A
  1. use must weight to measure
  2. late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
  3. must be noble varieties
  4. may have influences of noble rot but can be dry
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6
Q

What is Selection of Grains Nobles?

A
  1. sweet
  2. select intense grapes
  3. based on minimum sugar ripeness
  4. influence of noble rot
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7
Q

What is the name of noble rot?

A

Gentil / Edelzwicker

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8
Q

Human influence of Alsace

A
  1. vines on slope are trained low to benefit from radiated heat
  2. vines on plain are trained high to minimise the risk of spring frost
  3. hand harvest on slope
  4. organic and biodynamic viniculture is widely practices due to disease pressure
  5. focused on retaining aromas and flavours of grape
  6. selection of nobles -> harvest from Aug to Dec
  7. temperatured controlled stainless steel tank is common -> protective winemaking
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9
Q

Why Alsace use large old barrel?

A
  1. wine has less contact with the surface of large barrels
  2. old barrels have less influence on wine
  3. thicker layer of tartrates shields the wine from the wood
  4. small amount of oak to the volume of wine
  5. old wood will lose its flavour
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10
Q

Explain how Vosges Mountain influences the grape-growing environment in Alsace.

A
  1. Vosges Mountains shelter the vineyards from winds and rains
  2. This results in sunny summers and dry autumns
  3. Thus ensure the grape can achieve high level of sugar ripeness
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11
Q

What are the legal requirements for an Alsace Grand Cru Vendange Tardive

A
  1. over 50 vineyards are classified as Grand Cru
  2. Vendange Tardive means late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
  3. Noble varieties must be used to be labelled as Vendange Tardive
  4. Can be dry or with sweetness in final wine
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