Alsace Flashcards
When was AOP Alsace established?
1962
How many départements does Alsace cover?
Two (Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin).
Where are most Grand Cru sites located in Alsace?
Haut-Rhin.
What percentage of wines produced in Alsace are white?
90%
What feature provides Alsace with a dry microclimate?
The Vosges mountains’ rain shadow effect.
What soil type is found in the Alsace plain?
Alluvial soils.
What soil types are found on the lower slopes of Alsace?
Chalk.
What soil types are found on the upper slopes of Alsace?
Granite, volcanic deposits, and schist.
What is the significance of the Vosges mountains for Alsace vineyards?
They protect the region from rain, creating a dry climate.
What is required for a wine to be labeled as a varietal wine in Alsace?
It must contain 100% of the stated grape variety.
What is Edelzwicker?
A blend of any permitted grapes in Alsace.
What is Gentil?
A blend requiring at least 50% noble grapes.
Name the four noble grapes of Alsace.
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.
What grape is used exclusively for Crémant d’Alsace Rosé?
Pinot Noir.
What is Pinot Blanc often blended with in Alsace?
Auxerrois
What grape is often confused with Pinot Blanc but is distinct?
Auxerrois
How many Grand Cru sites are there in Alsace?
51
What noble grapes are required for Alsace Grand Cru wines?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.
Which Grand Cru allows blending with Sylvaner?
Zotzenberg
What are the minimum alcohol levels for Riesling and Muscat in Grand Cru wines?
11%.
What are the minimum alcohol levels for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris in Grand Cru wines?
12.5%.
Name a Grand Cru site that permits blending of multiple noble varieties.
Altenberg de Bergheim.
What is the sugar requirement for Vendange Tardive wines made from Riesling?
235 g/L.
What is the sugar requirement for Sélection de Grains Nobles wines made from Gewürztraminer?
306 g/L.
What is Vendange Tardive?
A late-harvest wine with specific sugar level requirements.
What is Sélection de Grains Nobles?
A wine made from noble rot-affected grapes with higher sugar levels.
When were Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles categories introduced?
1984
Are Vendange Tardive wines always sweet?
No, they can be dry or sweet, depending on fermentation.
What is Crémant d’Alsace?
A sparkling wine made in the traditional method.
Name an authorized grape for Crémant d’Alsace besides Pinot Noir.
Chardonnay
What is the dosage range for Extra Brut Crémant d’Alsace?
0–6 g/L.
What is the dosage range for Brut Crémant d’Alsace?
Less than 12 g/L.
What style of Crémant is made only with Pinot Noir?
Rosé
How many villages may append their name to an AOP Alsace label?
13 villages.
What is required for wines labeled as AOP Alsace Lieu-Dit?
They must meet stringent production standards.
Name one village that can be included in AOP Alsace Communal labels.
Bergheim
Name a Grand Cru site located in Alsace.
Schlossberg
What is unique about Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru wines?
They allow blends of noble varieties.
What is required for Alsace Grand Cru wines in terms of harvesting?
They must be hand-harvested.
What is the difference between Classic blends and Edelzwicker?
Classic blends are made from noble varieties from the same vineyard and vinified together.
What is Grand Vin de Schonenberg?
A classic blend from Alsace
What grape is permitted only in Heiligenstein and four other communes?
Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin Rosé).
Can Chasselas be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?
No, it is not permitted.
When was the first Alsace Grand Cru site designated?
1983
Q: What year did blending become allowed in Grand Cru sites?
2001
Why is Alsace unique compared to other French wine regions?
Its wines are mostly varietal and labeled by grape variety.
What distinguishes Alsace’s climate from other French regions?
It is one of the driest due to the Vosges mountains.
Which grape is not permitted for Grand Cru Zotzenberg?
Gewürztraminer