Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

When was AOP Alsace established?

A

1962

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How many départements does Alsace cover?

A

Two (Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Where are most Grand Cru sites located in Alsace?

A

Haut-Rhin.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What percentage of wines produced in Alsace are white?

A

90%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What feature provides Alsace with a dry microclimate?

A

The Vosges mountains’ rain shadow effect.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What soil type is found in the Alsace plain?

A

Alluvial soils.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What soil types are found on the lower slopes of Alsace?

A

Chalk.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What soil types are found on the upper slopes of Alsace?

A

Granite, volcanic deposits, and schist.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the significance of the Vosges mountains for Alsace vineyards?

A

They protect the region from rain, creating a dry climate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is required for a wine to be labeled as a varietal wine in Alsace?

A

It must contain 100% of the stated grape variety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is Edelzwicker?

A

A blend of any permitted grapes in Alsace.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is Gentil?

A

A blend requiring at least 50% noble grapes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Name the four noble grapes of Alsace.

A

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What grape is used exclusively for Crémant d’Alsace Rosé?

A

Pinot Noir.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is Pinot Blanc often blended with in Alsace?

A

Auxerrois

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What grape is often confused with Pinot Blanc but is distinct?

A

Auxerrois

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

How many Grand Cru sites are there in Alsace?

A

51

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What noble grapes are required for Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Which Grand Cru allows blending with Sylvaner?

A

Zotzenberg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the minimum alcohol levels for Riesling and Muscat in Grand Cru wines?

A

11%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the minimum alcohol levels for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris in Grand Cru wines?

A

12.5%.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Name a Grand Cru site that permits blending of multiple noble varieties.

A

Altenberg de Bergheim.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is the sugar requirement for Vendange Tardive wines made from Riesling?

A

235 g/L.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What is the sugar requirement for Sélection de Grains Nobles wines made from Gewürztraminer?

A

306 g/L.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is Vendange Tardive?

A

A late-harvest wine with specific sugar level requirements.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is Sélection de Grains Nobles?

A

A wine made from noble rot-affected grapes with higher sugar levels.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

When were Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles categories introduced?

A

1984

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Are Vendange Tardive wines always sweet?

A

No, they can be dry or sweet, depending on fermentation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is Crémant d’Alsace?

A

A sparkling wine made in the traditional method.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Name an authorized grape for Crémant d’Alsace besides Pinot Noir.

A

Chardonnay

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What is the dosage range for Extra Brut Crémant d’Alsace?

A

0–6 g/L.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What is the dosage range for Brut Crémant d’Alsace?

A

Less than 12 g/L.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

What style of Crémant is made only with Pinot Noir?

A

Rosé

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

How many villages may append their name to an AOP Alsace label?

A

13 villages.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is required for wines labeled as AOP Alsace Lieu-Dit?

A

They must meet stringent production standards.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

Name one village that can be included in AOP Alsace Communal labels.

A

Bergheim

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

Name a Grand Cru site located in Alsace.

A

Schlossberg

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

What is unique about Altenberg de Bergheim Grand Cru wines?

A

They allow blends of noble varieties.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

What is required for Alsace Grand Cru wines in terms of harvesting?

A

They must be hand-harvested.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

What is the difference between Classic blends and Edelzwicker?

A

Classic blends are made from noble varieties from the same vineyard and vinified together.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

What is Grand Vin de Schonenberg?

A

A classic blend from Alsace

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

What grape is permitted only in Heiligenstein and four other communes?

A

Klevener de Heiligenstein (Savagnin Rosé).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

Can Chasselas be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

No, it is not permitted.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

When was the first Alsace Grand Cru site designated?

A

1983

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

Q: What year did blending become allowed in Grand Cru sites?

A

2001

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
46
Q

Why is Alsace unique compared to other French wine regions?

A

Its wines are mostly varietal and labeled by grape variety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
47
Q

What distinguishes Alsace’s climate from other French regions?

A

It is one of the driest due to the Vosges mountains.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
48
Q

Which grape is not permitted for Grand Cru Zotzenberg?

A

Gewürztraminer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
49
Q

What is the maximum percentage of Muscat allowed in Altenberg de Bergheim blends?

A

10%

50
Q

What is required for a wine to carry a Grand Cru designation in Alsace?

A

It must meet stricter standards, including hand-harvesting and specific noble grapes.

51
Q

How many villages may append their name to an AOP Alsace label?

A

13 villages.

52
Q

What is required for wines labeled as AOP Alsace Lieu-Dit?

A

They must meet stringent production standards.

53
Q

What is the production difference for AOP Alsace Communal wines?

A

They require higher standards for grape maturity, yields, and pruning.

54
Q

Q: What is the difference between Classic blends and Edelzwicker?

A

Classic blends are made from noble varieties from the same vineyard and vinified together.

55
Q

What is Grand Vin de Schonenberg?

A

A classic blend from Alsace.

56
Q

Name a permitted noble grape for Alsace blends.

A

Riesling

57
Q

What does “single varietal” mean for Alsace wines?

A

The wine is made from one grape variety.

58
Q

Which grape is not permitted for Grand Cru Zotzenberg?

A

Gewürztraminer

59
Q

What is the minimum alcohol level for Riesling in Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

11%

60
Q

How many Grand Cru sites allow blending of noble varieties?

A

Two (Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf).

61
Q

What is required for a wine to carry a Grand Cru designation in Alsace?

A

It must meet stricter standards, including hand-harvesting and specific noble grapes.

62
Q

Which Grand Cru allows blending of Pinot Blanc in small amounts?

A

Kaefferkopf

63
Q

Name a Grand Cru site in Alsace starting with “B.”

A

Brand

64
Q

Name a Grand Cru site in Alsace starting with “K.”

A

Kanzlerberg

65
Q

What is the historical significance of Zotzenberg Grand Cru?

A

It is permitted to use Sylvaner, a historically important variety.

66
Q

Which Grand Cru has a higher minimum alcohol requirement for Pinot Gris?

A

Certain Grand Crus, such as Altenberg de Bergheim, require higher minimums.

67
Q

What does VT stand for in Alsace wine terminology?

A

Vendange Tardive.

68
Q

What does SGN stand for in Alsace wine terminology?

A

Sélection de Grains Nobles.

69
Q

Are VT and SGN wines permitted under AOP Alsace regulations?

A

Yes, they are allowed under AOP Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru.

70
Q

What does noble rot contribute to SGN wines?

A

Concentrated sugars and intense flavors.

71
Q

Which grape typically produces the driest wines in Alsace?

A

Riesling

72
Q

Are SGN wines always sweet?

A

Yes, due to high sugar concentration.

73
Q

What is the typical method used to make Crémant d’Alsace?

A

Traditional method (méthode traditionnelle).

74
Q

What dosage level makes a Crémant considered “Sec”?

A

17–32 g/L.

75
Q

What is Blanc de Blancs Crémant made from?

A

White grapes only, such as Chardonnay.

76
Q

What is the legal sugar range for Extra Dry Crémant?

A

12–17 g/L.

77
Q

Name another village included in AOP Alsace Communal.

A

St. Hippolyte.

78
Q

What is a Lieu-Dit in Alsace wine classification?

A

A specific vineyard site with stringent production standards.

79
Q

Can Pinot Noir be used for AOP Alsace Communal wines?

A

Yes, in certain locations like Ottrot.

80
Q

What variety is commonly associated with Klevener de Heiligenstein?

A

Savagnin Rosé.

81
Q

What year were SGN and VT categories introduced?

A

1984

82
Q

When were Alsace wines granted AOC status?

A

1962

83
Q

When were the first Grand Cru sites designated?

A

1983

84
Q

What makes Alsace wines unique in French winemaking?

A

They are predominantly varietal wines labeled by grape variety.

85
Q

Why is Alsace unique compared to other French wine regions?

A

Its wines are mostly varietal and labeled by grape variety.

86
Q

What distinguishes Alsace’s climate from other French regions?

A

It is one of the driest due to the Vosges mountains.

87
Q

What natural factor makes Alsace suitable for late-harvest wines?

A

Its dry climate and long growing season.

88
Q

Which Alsace Grand Cru site is the highest in elevation?

A

Schlossberg

89
Q

What role does the Rhine River play in Alsace viticulture?

A

It moderates temperatures and provides a unique terroir.

90
Q

Is Chardonnay permitted in AOP Alsace wines?

A

No, it is only allowed for Crémant d’Alsace.

91
Q

Can Sylvaner be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

Yes, in Zotzenberg.

92
Q

What distinguishes Pinot Noir in Alsace from other regions?

A

It is used for both red and rosé wines.

93
Q

Which grape variety is the most widely planted in Alsace?

A

Riesling

94
Q

Can Muscat be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

Yes, it is one of the noble varieties.

95
Q

Are Alsace Grand Cru wines machine-harvested?

A

No, they must be hand-harvested.

96
Q

What is the typical vine density in Alsace vineyards?

A

High density to maximize sun exposure.

97
Q

What pruning method is common in Alsace vineyards?

A

Guyot pruning.

98
Q

What is the fermentation vessel often used for Alsace wines?

A

Large, old oak barrels.

99
Q

What is the legal alcohol limit for Alsace Riesling?

A

11% minimum.

100
Q

Which grape is used for Alsace’s sweet dessert wines?

A

Gewürztraminer.

101
Q

Can Alsace wines be vintage-dated?

A

es, though it is not always compulsory.

102
Q

What is a classic Alsace wine pairing with food?

A

Riesling with seafood or white meat.

103
Q

What is Edelzwicker often used for?

A

Everyday drinking wines.

104
Q

What is Gentil a blend of?

A

At least 50% noble grapes.

105
Q

What is a key characteristic of Alsace Riesling?

A

High acidity and mineral notes.

106
Q

What does the term “AOP Alsace Communal” signify?

A

Wines meeting higher production standards, sometimes with a village name.

107
Q

Subzones producing only Red with PN
(6)

A

Wolxheim
-Ottrott
-Saint-Hippolyte
-Rodern
-Blienschwiller
-Côtes de Rouffach

108
Q

Give me 3 wine villages in Alsace

A

Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim

109
Q

Name 3 domaine in Alsace

A

Domaine Saint Remy (Haut-Rhin)

Domaine Mann - Vignoble Des 3 Terres (haut Rhin)

Domaine Albert Seltz (Haut-Rhin)

110
Q

Which village is located near a medieval fortress and produces elegant Riesling and Pinot Gris?

A

Coteaux du Haut-Koenigsbourg
• Named after the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, overlooking the vineyards.

111
Q

Where can you find the exclusive Savagnin Rose grape in Alsace?

A

Klevener de Heiligenstein
• Found in Heiligenstein and 4 nearby villages, producing rare and unique wines.

112
Q

Which AOP village is the “Cradle of Alsace Pinot Noir”?

A

Ottrott
• Famous for its rich and spicy Pinot Noir wines grown since the Middle Ages.

113
Q

Which village has vineyards protected by the Vosges Mountains, producing full-bodied Pinot Noir?

A

Rodern
• Benefiting from a unique microclimate.

114
Q

Which village is named after a martyr and is famous for its fruity Pinot Noir?

A

Saint-Hippolyte
• Named after Saint Hippolytus, whose statue watches over the vineyards.

115
Q

Which village is named after a martyr and is famous for its fruity Pinot Noir?

A

Saint-Hippolyte
• Named after Saint Hippolytus, whose statue watches over the vineyards.

116
Q

What is the “Capital of Riesling” in Alsace?

A

Scherwiller
• Known for bright, aromatic Riesling grown on ancient granite soils.

117
Q

Which AOP village is known for soft and fruity Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc wines?

A

Val Saint-Grégoire
• Famous for its lush, green landscapes and medieval chapels.

118
Q

Which Alsace village produced wines favored by Napoleon Bonaparte?

A

Wolxheim
• Known for its rich and intense Riesling.

119
Q

Which village produces full-bodied Gewürztraminer and has medieval fortifications?

A

Bergheim
• A historic village with a strong wine culture.

120
Q

Which village was voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2013?

A

Eguisheim
• Famous for Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, with a fairytale-like charm.

121
Q

Which picturesque village inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?

A

Riquewihr
• Renowned for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer, grown on Grand Cru terroirs.