Alsace Flashcards
What is Alsace’s climate like, and what causes it?
Continental – warm, sunny and unusually dry climate due to it being in the rain shadow of the Vosges Mountains.
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Why is the growing season so long in Alsace?
It has a northerly latitude.
What is Alsace’s annual rainfall?
What pressure does that put on the vineyards?
600mm/year;
Drought pressure (irrigation is not permitted).
Besides being in a rain shadow, what other drying influence is there in Alsace?
Föhn wind – a drying wind that raises the temperature and reduces fungal disease risk.
The better vineyards in Alsace are at what elevations?
What direction do these better vineyards face?
200/250m - 450m asl;
South/southeast/southwest for maximum sunlight interception.
Where and in what kind of soils are the lesser-quality vineyards of Alsace planted?
The plains between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine river;
Deeper, more fertile soils that promote vegetative growth and high yields.
Riesling is cold hardy.
Why does it have some protection against spring frost?
It buds late.
Riesling needs a growing season that’s:
a. short
b. long
c. cloudy
b. long
When does Gewurztraminer bud and ripen?
Buds early, ripens early.
When is Gewurztraminer usually harvested in Alsace?
Late so it achieves fully ripe skins, maximizing the aromas and avoiding unripe tannins.
Pinot Gris is __ budding and __ ripening.
Early budding, early ripening.
Both Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer accumulate high ___ levels leading to medium to high alcohol levels.
Sugar
AOC regulations in Alsace dictate vines must be trained how?
Single or double Guyot.
Why are the fruit zones and canopies trainer higher in Alsace than in other regions?
Fruit zone – to reduce the risk from frost and humidity, especially on the valley plain;
Canopy – to maximize exposure to the sun.
Fungal disease might be low in Alsace, but what other afflictions does the region suffer?
Vine moth;
Esca.
