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
What is the maximum percentage of Muscat allowed in Altenberg de Bergheim blends?
10%
What is required for a wine to carry a Grand Cru designation in Alsace?
It must meet stricter standards, including hand-harvesting and specific noble grapes.
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.
What is the production difference for AOP Alsace Communal wines?
They require higher standards for grape maturity, yields, and pruning.
Q: 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.
Name a permitted noble grape for Alsace blends.
Riesling
What does “single varietal” mean for Alsace wines?
The wine is made from one grape variety.
Which grape is not permitted for Grand Cru Zotzenberg?
Gewürztraminer
What is the minimum alcohol level for Riesling in Alsace Grand Cru wines?
11%
How many Grand Cru sites allow blending of noble varieties?
Two (Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf).
What is required for a wine to carry a Grand Cru designation in Alsace?
It must meet stricter standards, including hand-harvesting and specific noble grapes.
Which Grand Cru allows blending of Pinot Blanc in small amounts?
Kaefferkopf
Name a Grand Cru site in Alsace starting with “B.”
Brand
Name a Grand Cru site in Alsace starting with “K.”
Kanzlerberg
What is the historical significance of Zotzenberg Grand Cru?
It is permitted to use Sylvaner, a historically important variety.
Which Grand Cru has a higher minimum alcohol requirement for Pinot Gris?
Certain Grand Crus, such as Altenberg de Bergheim, require higher minimums.
What does VT stand for in Alsace wine terminology?
Vendange Tardive.
What does SGN stand for in Alsace wine terminology?
Sélection de Grains Nobles.
Are VT and SGN wines permitted under AOP Alsace regulations?
Yes, they are allowed under AOP Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru.
What does noble rot contribute to SGN wines?
Concentrated sugars and intense flavors.
Which grape typically produces the driest wines in Alsace?
Riesling
Are SGN wines always sweet?
Yes, due to high sugar concentration.
What is the typical method used to make Crémant d’Alsace?
Traditional method (méthode traditionnelle).
What dosage level makes a Crémant considered “Sec”?
17–32 g/L.
What is Blanc de Blancs Crémant made from?
White grapes only, such as Chardonnay.
What is the legal sugar range for Extra Dry Crémant?
12–17 g/L.
Name another village included in AOP Alsace Communal.
St. Hippolyte.
What is a Lieu-Dit in Alsace wine classification?
A specific vineyard site with stringent production standards.
Can Pinot Noir be used for AOP Alsace Communal wines?
Yes, in certain locations like Ottrot.
What variety is commonly associated with Klevener de Heiligenstein?
Savagnin Rosé.
What year were SGN and VT categories introduced?
1984
When were Alsace wines granted AOC status?
1962
When were the first Grand Cru sites designated?
1983
What makes Alsace wines unique in French winemaking?
They are predominantly varietal wines labeled by grape variety.
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.
What natural factor makes Alsace suitable for late-harvest wines?
Its dry climate and long growing season.
Which Alsace Grand Cru site is the highest in elevation?
Schlossberg
What role does the Rhine River play in Alsace viticulture?
It moderates temperatures and provides a unique terroir.
Is Chardonnay permitted in AOP Alsace wines?
No, it is only allowed for Crémant d’Alsace.
Can Sylvaner be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?
Yes, in Zotzenberg.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir in Alsace from other regions?
It is used for both red and rosé wines.
Which grape variety is the most widely planted in Alsace?
Riesling
Can Muscat be used in Alsace Grand Cru wines?
Yes, it is one of the noble varieties.
Are Alsace Grand Cru wines machine-harvested?
No, they must be hand-harvested.
What is the typical vine density in Alsace vineyards?
High density to maximize sun exposure.
What pruning method is common in Alsace vineyards?
Guyot pruning.
What is the fermentation vessel often used for Alsace wines?
Large, old oak barrels.
What is the legal alcohol limit for Alsace Riesling?
11% minimum.
Which grape is used for Alsace’s sweet dessert wines?
Gewürztraminer.
Can Alsace wines be vintage-dated?
es, though it is not always compulsory.
What is a classic Alsace wine pairing with food?
Riesling with seafood or white meat.
What is Edelzwicker often used for?
Everyday drinking wines.
What is Gentil a blend of?
At least 50% noble grapes.
What is a key characteristic of Alsace Riesling?
High acidity and mineral notes.
What does the term “AOP Alsace Communal” signify?
Wines meeting higher production standards, sometimes with a village name.
Subzones producing only Red with PN
(6)
Wolxheim
-Ottrott
-Saint-Hippolyte
-Rodern
-Blienschwiller
-Côtes de Rouffach
Give me 3 wine villages in Alsace
Colmar, Riquewihr, Eguisheim
Name 3 domaine in Alsace
Domaine Saint Remy (Haut-Rhin)
Domaine Mann - Vignoble Des 3 Terres (haut Rhin)
Domaine Albert Seltz (Haut-Rhin)
Which village is located near a medieval fortress and produces elegant Riesling and Pinot Gris?
Coteaux du Haut-Koenigsbourg
• Named after the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, overlooking the vineyards.
Where can you find the exclusive Savagnin Rose grape in Alsace?
Klevener de Heiligenstein
• Found in Heiligenstein and 4 nearby villages, producing rare and unique wines.
Which AOP village is the “Cradle of Alsace Pinot Noir”?
Ottrott
• Famous for its rich and spicy Pinot Noir wines grown since the Middle Ages.
Which village has vineyards protected by the Vosges Mountains, producing full-bodied Pinot Noir?
Rodern
• Benefiting from a unique microclimate.
Which village is named after a martyr and is famous for its fruity Pinot Noir?
Saint-Hippolyte
• Named after Saint Hippolytus, whose statue watches over the vineyards.
Which village is named after a martyr and is famous for its fruity Pinot Noir?
Saint-Hippolyte
• Named after Saint Hippolytus, whose statue watches over the vineyards.
What is the “Capital of Riesling” in Alsace?
Scherwiller
• Known for bright, aromatic Riesling grown on ancient granite soils.
Which AOP village is known for soft and fruity Auxerrois and Pinot Blanc wines?
Val Saint-Grégoire
• Famous for its lush, green landscapes and medieval chapels.
Which Alsace village produced wines favored by Napoleon Bonaparte?
Wolxheim
• Known for its rich and intense Riesling.
Which village produces full-bodied Gewürztraminer and has medieval fortifications?
Bergheim
• A historic village with a strong wine culture.
Which village was voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2013?
Eguisheim
• Famous for Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer, with a fairytale-like charm.
Which picturesque village inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast?
Riquewihr
• Renowned for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer, grown on Grand Cru terroirs.
