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Advanced Sommelier > Alsace > Flashcards

Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What are the primary grape varieties of Alsace?

A

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir

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2
Q

What are the four ‘noble grapes’ of Alsace?

A

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat

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3
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool continental with low rainfall due to the rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains

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4
Q

What is the significance of the Vosges Mountains for Alsace viticulture?

A

They block rain and provide a dry, sunny climate ideal for viticulture

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5
Q

What is the term for vineyard-specific wines in Alsace?

A

Lieu-dit

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6
Q

What percentage of Alsace wine production is white?

A

Approximately 90%

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7
Q

What are the three levels of appellation in Alsace?

A

Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, Crémant d’Alsace AOC

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8
Q

What is the minimum alcohol requirement for Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

Varies by variety but generally 11% for Riesling and Muscat, 12.5% for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer

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9
Q

What is the dominant training system used in Alsace vineyards?

A

Guyot

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10
Q

How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace?

A

51

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11
Q

What year was the Alsace Grand Cru AOC established?

A

1975, with the first Grand Cru designated in 1983

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12
Q

Which Alsatian Grand Cru allows Sylvaner?

A

Zotzenberg

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13
Q

What is the largest Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace?

A

Schlossberg (80 hectares)

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14
Q

What is the smallest Grand Cru vineyard in Alsace?

A

Kanzlerberg (3 hectares)

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15
Q

What is unique about the Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru?

A

Allows blended wines

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16
Q

Which Grand Cru is known for its sandstone soils?

A

Kitterlé

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17
Q

What distinguishes the Rangen Grand Cru?

A

It is the southernmost Grand Cru and features volcanic soils

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18
Q

Which Grand Cru is planted primarily to Riesling?

A

Rosacker

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19
Q

What is Vendanges Tardives?

A

A late-harvest wine, often off-dry or sweet, made from overripe grapes

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20
Q

What is Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?

A

A wine made from botrytized grapes, typically very sweet and concentrated

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21
Q

What is Crémant d’Alsace?

A

A traditional method sparkling wine made from Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Gris

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22
Q

What is the minimum lees aging for Crémant d’Alsace?

A

9 months

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23
Q

What is Edelzwicker?

A

A blended wine made from multiple grape varieties, often inexpensive

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24
Q

What is Gentil in Alsace?

A

A blend requiring at least 50% noble varieties

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25
Q

What is sous voile, and where is it occasionally practiced in Alsace?

A

Aging wine under a veil of yeast, similar to Jura; occasionally seen in experimental wines

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26
Q

What is the significance of ‘dry Riesling’ in Alsace?

A

Indicates the wine has little to no residual sugar, though sweetness levels are not strictly regulated

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27
Q

What is the average alcohol content for Alsace Riesling?

A

Around 12-13%

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28
Q

What is marc in the context of Alsace?

A

A pomace brandy distilled from grape skins and stems

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29
Q

Who is a leading biodynamic producer in Alsace?

A

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

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30
Q

What is the significance of Trimbach’s ‘Clos Ste. Hune’?

A

A renowned dry Riesling from the Rosacker Grand Cru

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31
Q

What is the flagship wine of Domaine Weinbach?

A

Clos des Capucins

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32
Q

Who produces ‘Cuvée Frédéric Emile’?

A

Trimbach

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33
Q

What is the significance of Domaine Marcel Deiss in Alsace?

A

Known for its emphasis on terroir and field blends

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34
Q

What is the flagship wine of Hugel & Fils?

A

Jubilee Riesling

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35
Q

Who produces ‘Clos Windsbuhl’?

A

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

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36
Q

What distinguishes Albert Boxler as a producer?

A

Focus on single-vineyard Rieslings and Pinot Gris with minimal intervention

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37
Q

What is a signature wine of Domaine Ostertag?

A

Grand Cru Muenchberg Riesling

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38
Q

Who produces the iconic ‘Cuvee St. Catherine’?

A

Domaine Weinbach

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39
Q

What is the main geographical feature influencing Alsace’s terroir?

A

The Vosges Mountains

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40
Q

What is the impact of the Rhine Graben on Alsace soils?

A

Created a rift valley with diverse soils, including granite, limestone, and volcanic origins

41
Q

What is argilo-calcaire, and how does it affect wine?

A

Clay-limestone soil; provides richness and structure to wines

42
Q

What is the typical vine density in Alsace?

A

4,000-6,000 vines per hectare

43
Q

What are foehn winds, and how do they influence Alsace viticulture?

A

Warm, dry winds that help ripen grapes and prevent rot

44
Q

What are the benefits of Alsace’s high diurnal temperature range?

A

Preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity

45
Q

What are the primary characteristics of Riesling grown in Alsace?

A

High acidity, pronounced minerality, citrus, and floral notes

46
Q

What are the typical flavors of Gewurztraminer from Alsace?

A

Lychee, rose, spice, and tropical fruit

47
Q

How does Pinot Gris in Alsace differ from its Italian counterpart?

A

Alsace Pinot Gris is richer, fuller-bodied, and often slightly sweet

48
Q

What is the typical aging potential of Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

10-20 years or more, depending on variety and producer

49
Q

What percentage of Alsace’s vineyards are planted to Riesling?

A

Approximately 22%

Riesling is the most widely planted grape variety in Alsace.

50
Q

What percentage of Alsace’s vineyards are planted to Pinot Gris?

A

Approximately 15%

Pinot Gris is one of the key varietals in Alsace.

51
Q

What is the only red grape variety allowed in Alsace AOC?

A

Pinot Noir

52
Q

What is the average annual rainfall in Alsace?

A

500-600 mm

This makes Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France.

53
Q

What is Charmat and how does it differ from Crémant d’Alsace?

A

Charmat is the tank method; Crémant d’Alsace uses the traditional method.

54
Q

What are the permitted residual sugar levels for dry Riesling under Alsace Grand Cru AOC?

A

Generally less than 9 g/L

Exceptions exist based on acidity.

55
Q

What are the three main export markets for Alsace wines?

A
  • Germany
  • United States
  • Belgium
56
Q

What is the maximum yield allowed for Alsace AOC?

A

80 hl/ha

57
Q

What is the maximum yield for Alsace Grand Cru AOC?

A

55 hl/ha

58
Q

What is the significance of the 1962 decree for Alsace wines?

A

It established the Alsace AOC.

59
Q

Which Grand Cru is known for volcanic soils?

A

Rangen de Thann

60
Q

What is the primary grape of Sommerberg Grand Cru?

A

Riesling

61
Q

What distinguishes Hengst Grand Cru?

A

Known for its Gewurztraminer and clay-limestone soils.

62
Q

Which Grand Cru is located near the city of Colmar?

A

Florimont

63
Q

What is the primary grape of Brand Grand Cru?

A

Riesling

64
Q

What distinguishes the Rosacker Grand Cru?

A

Home to Trimbach’s Clos Ste. Hune and known for its chalky soils.

65
Q

What is the northernmost Grand Cru in Alsace?

A

Steinklotz

66
Q

What is the primary soil type of the Eichberg Grand Cru?

A

Marl-limestone

67
Q

What is the unique characteristic of the Altenberg de Wolxheim Grand Cru?

A

Known for Riesling with pronounced minerality from marl-limestone soils.

68
Q

Which Grand Cru is considered the steepest vineyard in Alsace?

A

Rangen de Thann

69
Q

What is the average slope of Alsace vineyards?

A

10-30%

Steeper slopes are found in certain Grand Cru sites.

70
Q

What is lutte raisonnée, and how is it applied in Alsace?

A

Sustainable viticulture focusing on minimal chemical intervention.

71
Q

What is the main pest threat in Alsace vineyards?

A

Grape moth (Eudemis)

72
Q

What is the significance of hand harvesting in Alsace?

A

Required for Vendanges Tardives, SGN, and Grand Cru wines.

73
Q

What is the role of biodiversity in Alsace vineyards?

A

Enhances soil health and prevents erosion, especially on steep slopes.

74
Q

What is the effect of low rainfall on Alsace grape growing?

A

Concentrates flavors and sugar, aiding ripeness.

75
Q

How does the high diurnal range in Alsace benefit wine?

A

Preserves acidity and enhances aromatic complexity.

76
Q

What is the typical vine spacing in Alsace vineyards?

A

1-1.5 meters apart

77
Q

What is inter-row grassing, and why is it practiced in Alsace?

A

Planting grass between rows to reduce erosion and improve soil health.

78
Q

What is the average yield for Alsace Riesling in high-quality vineyards?

A

Around 50-60 hl/ha

79
Q

What is the significance of stainless steel in Alsace winemaking?

A

Preserves freshness and aromatic purity.

80
Q

What is the typical fermentation temperature for aromatic whites in Alsace?

A

16-18°C

This is considered low-temperature fermentation.

81
Q

What is the role of old oak foudres in Alsace winemaking?

A

Neutral aging vessels that add texture without imparting oak flavors.

82
Q

What is bâtonnage, and how often is it used in Alsace?

A

Lees stirring; occasionally used for richer styles of Pinot Gris.

83
Q

What is vinification intégrale, and how does it apply to Alsace?

A

Fermentation and aging in barrel, used by experimental producers.

84
Q

How is malolactic fermentation managed in Alsace Riesling?

A

Often avoided to retain high acidity and freshness.

85
Q

What is biodynamic winemaking, and which producers in Alsace practice it?

A

Farming with natural rhythms; practiced by Zind-Humbrecht and Marcel Deiss.

86
Q

What is the significance of extended skin contact for Gewurztraminer?

A

Enhances aromatics and structure, occasionally practiced in Alsace.

87
Q

What is spontaneous fermentation, and how is it used in Alsace?

A

Fermentation with indigenous yeasts, emphasizing terroir.

88
Q

What is the average residual sugar in Vendanges Tardives wines?

A

Typically 30-60 g/L, depending on ripeness and style.

89
Q

What is the flagship wine of Domaine Rolly-Gassmann?

A

Their late-harvest Gewurztraminer

90
Q

What distinguishes Domaine Bruno Sorg as a producer?

A

Focus on terroir-driven wines from small Grand Cru plots.

91
Q

What is notable about André Ostertag’s winemaking philosophy?

A

Combines biodynamics with minimal intervention.

92
Q

What is a signature wine of Domaine Albert Mann?

A

Furstentum Grand Cru Riesling

93
Q

What is the significance of ‘Cuvée Frédéric Emile’ by Trimbach?

A

A benchmark dry Riesling from Grand Cru Osterberg and Geisberg vineyards.

94
Q

Which producer is known for their ‘Field Blends’?

A

Marcel Deiss

95
Q

What distinguishes Hugel’s ‘Schoelhammer’ Riesling?

A

A single-vineyard dry Riesling from marl soils.

96
Q

What is the significance of ‘Clos des Capucins’ by Domaine Weinbach?

A

A monopole vineyard producing rich and expressive wines.

97
Q

Who produces Grand Cru ‘Clos Windsbuhl’?

A

Zind-Humbrecht

98
Q

What makes Meyer-Fonné notable in Alsace?

A

Known for traditional styles with a focus on purity and terroir.

Advanced Sommelier (17 decks)

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