ALSACE Flashcards
What two countries have fought over Alsace?
- Germany
- France
What two land features is Alsace nestled between?
- Vouges Mountains (west)
- Rhine river (east)
What are the two departments of the Rhin?
- Bas-Rhine: lower elevation, no protection from elements via vouges mts.
- Haut-Rhine: higher elevation
Bas-Rhine (lower rhine)
Haut-Rhine (upper) Think Medoc and Haut-Medoc
Does Alsace have tremendous soil diversity?
There is tremendous diversity across the region because of ancient
geologic activity, with various soil types including marl, limestone, gneiss,
schist, sandstone, granite, clay, and volcanic soils
What White grape varieties are grown in Alsace? (6)
- Riesling
- Gewertztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Sylvanner
What is the only red grape grown in Alsace?
- Pinot Noir
Describe the growing conditions (climate) in Alsace.
- Cold, and long season.
- dry: due to rain shadow cast by the vouges mountains.
The better growing vineyards where on the slopes?
- Southern and facing east-southeast
How are the wines labeled in Alsace?
- Typically by the Single grape varietal used.
Riesling grape profile
- Green apple, lime, white peach and pear
- Flint, wet stone, petrol and light floral (jasmine)
- Bone dry to off dry. Excellent aging potential
Loves: slate, schist and granite soil.
desc: linear, precise, focused with bright acidity and elegant minerality
Pinot Gris grape profile
Fruit: Apricot, Ripe pear, yellow apple and melon
Non Fruit: Honey, Mushroom, smoke, and light floral notes
Structure: medium to full bodied, moderate acid. Often off-dry
Soil: clay and limestone soil (richness and complexity)
Gewurtztraminer grape profile:
Fruit: Lychee, Pineapple, apricot, peach and grapefruit
Non Fruit: Rose petals, honeysuckle, baking spices, slight smokieness
Structure: full bodied, low acid, off-dry to sweet
Soil: marl-limestone, sandy soil
Desc: Opulent and perfumed, with intensely exotic and floral aromas.
Muscat grape profile
Fruit: fresh grape, orange, tangerine and peach
Non Fruit: Floral (elderflower, orange blossom) light herbal notes
Structure: Light bodided, low to moderate acid, dry to off-dry
Soil: limestone and sandy soil
Desc: Bright, aromatic, and fresh, with an emphasis on true grape flavors
Gewurtraminer and Muscat are both highly ________.
Gewurtraminer and Muscat are both highly Aromatic.
Riesling and Pinot Gris are more restrained, with Pinot Gris leaning earthy.
Of the 4 Grapes allowed in the Alsace Grand cru AOP, which are they?
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Gris
- Riesling
Gewurztraminer and Muscat are soft and round while Riesling is ______.
- acidic: freshness and longevity are added.
Which of the 4 main grand cru grapes exhibit minerality and complexity?
- Riesling and Pinot Gris
Which of the 4 main grand cru grapes exhibit aromatics and fruit-driven expression?
- Muscat and Gewurztraminer
The adjective Gris is French for…
The adjective Gris is French for “gray”, and refers to the dusty, light-gray sheen the grapes often take on.
What is the sparkling wine for Alsace called?
- Cremant de Alsace
What are the two styles of late harvest wine in Alsace?
- VT: may be affected by botrytis
- SGN: is always affected by Botrytis
Vendage Tardive (VT) and Selection de grains Nobles (SGN)
VT and SGN are always how many varietals of wine
- Single Varietals
Only Riesling,
Gewurztraminer,
Muscat, and Pinot Gris
can be used.
What river flows to the east of Alsace?
- The Rhine: it empties into the North sea
Flows through Alsace, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands
If a wine from Alsace is labeled by grape variety, it must
contain _____ % of that variety.
100%
