Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

Alsace is hemmed between which 2 natural barriers and historic adversaries?

A
  • Vosges Mountains & France to the west
  • Rhine River and Germany to the east
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2
Q

How are the wines of Alsace similar to those in Germany?

A
  • varietally labeled
  • presented in slender flute bottles
  • Riesling commands the spotlight
  • a botrytized dessert wine tradition
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3
Q

How are the wines of Alsace dissimilar to those in Germany?

A

White wines have traditionally been devoid of residual sugar.

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4
Q

Why is the Grand Cru pedigree in Alsace not enough to guarantee quality?

A

When the first vineyard sites were being considered for Grand Cru status in the 1970s, many producers lying outside the historic boundaries were quick to petition for expanded borders so that their properties were included within them.
The producer is of paramount importance.

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5
Q

How much of wine produced in Alsace is consumed within France?

A

75%; much is drunk within Alsace itself thanks to the region’s pioneering efforts at oenotourism.

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6
Q

Alsace is a leader in France with regard to which viticultural practice?

A

Organic/biodynamic

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7
Q

Who was the first vigneron to convert to biodynamics in France?

A

Eugene Meyer, an Alsatian.

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8
Q

Which wine regions in France are leading the forefront of “green” practices?

A
  • Alsace
  • Loire
  • Languedoc-Rousillon
  • Rhone
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9
Q

What percentage of Alsace’s growers sell their grapes or vinify the grapes themselves?

A
  • 50% sell to co-operatives
  • 31% sell to negociants
  • 19% vinify their grapes

Note: many of the largest producers are family-owned and operated.

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10
Q

Where is Alsace located?

A

In northeastern France, on the border with Germany. It lies between the 47th & 49th parallels north.
The region runs north to south as a slender strip of land 75mi/120km long and on average 3mi/4.8km in width.

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11
Q

What topographical feature protects Alsace from Atlantic influences?

A

Vosges Mountains; they are high enough to block rain-laden clouds pushed by the west winds.

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12
Q

How do the Vosges Mountiains protect the Alsace region?

A

It blocks rain-laden clouds that are pushed by the west winds. These clouds reach the mountain range and are forced upwards. The cooler temperatures at higher altitude condense the water vapor into rain.
Lying effectively in the rain shadow of the Vosges, this region receives some of the lowest rainfall in France (15.5-19.5in/394-495mm per year).
The west side of the mountain range gets 90in/2,286mm per year.

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13
Q

How much sunshine does Alsace receive each year?

A

1,800 hours
This is due to the “mountain effect” from the Vosges Mountain range.

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14
Q

What is the climate in Alsace?

A

Continental
* significant seasonal & diurnal temperature swings
* cool nights during the growing season preserves natural acidity

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15
Q

What 2 variables contribute to grapes in Alsace ripening slowly with more complex aromas?

A
  • northern continental climate: maintains natural acidity
  • long hours of sunshine: allows grapes to ripen fully
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16
Q

Why is it that weather incidents in Alsace are so convoluted.

A

The foothills of the Vosges Mountains leads to a variation in weather and vine threats throughout the region. The principal vine threats do not typically affect all vineyards equally.
* frost
* hail
* drought
* thunderstorms

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17
Q

How do the humid autumns contribute to wine styles in Alsace?

A

Humidity in autumn encourages noble rot which enables the vignerons to craft bortytized dessert wines.

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18
Q

Why are cold winters in Alsace important for varieties such as Riesling?

A

Cold winters throw the vines into true dormancy. Some vines will degenerate if dormancy is not achieve.

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19
Q

Which geological structure is Alsace located in?

A

This region lies in the Rhine Graben, a section of the rift system that zigzags across Europe from the Mediterranean to the North Sea.

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20
Q

What geological incidence occured during the Paleozoic Era (542-251mya) in the general area of Alsace?

A

300 mya, building pressure within the earth’s crust caused a momentous upthrust of cooling magma which solidified into igneous rock.

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21
Q

What geological incidence occured during the Mesozoic Era (251-65mya) in the general area of Alsace?

A

150 mya, what was to become Alsace was covered by an inland sea. Over the millenia, the igneous rock was worn down and marine sedimentary deposits covered the rock.

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22
Q

What geological incidence occured during the Cenozoic Era (65mya-present) in the general area of Alsace?

A

50 mya, there was tremendous upheaval and buckling of landforms as the Africain/Arabian & Eurasian tectonic plates collided. Like a souffle, a great dome of earth rose in Alsace, then fell along parallel fault lines.
The western side of the graben was not one clear break, but rather multiple fractures or fault bundles that subsequently developed cross faults. This faulting exposed many different soil types from many different geological epochs. Eventually, these fault blocks eroded and formed the Vosges foothills.

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23
Q

How is it that Alsace has a complex network of soils?

A

The combination of earth movement & erosion contribute to the variety of soils found in this region. All geological formations created from the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and the current Cenozoic Eras can be found here. This translates to 300 million years of rock formation & decomposition.

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24
Q

Where in Alsace are vineyards located?

A

Lower elevation of the Vosges peaks:
* slopes are steep (can reach 60-degree gradient)
* 820-1,300ft/250-400m in elevation
* south or southeast facing aspect for optimal sunlight & warmth

Vosges foothills (majority of vineyards are here):
* significant, but less dramatic slopes
* 660-1,200ft/200-360m elevation
* south or southeast facing aspect

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25
Which area in **Alsace** largely grows grapes that are destined for cremant production?
The rich, deep & fertile soils at the base of the foothills.
26
What are the 13 different major soil types in **Alsace**?
* **Slopes of Vosges**: granite/gneiss, schist, volcanic elements, sandstone * **Vosges Foothills**: limestone, calcareous sandstones, marly sandstone, marly limestone, marly clay, calcareous-marl-sandstone * **Rhine Plain**/**Alsace Plain**: alluvium, loess/loam, colluvium/colluvial
27
What soils are found in the Grands Cru areas of **Alsace**?
The majority are on sedimentary soils with a large number planted on combinations of: * marl & limestone (or) * limestone & sandstone Just over a dozen consist of ancient rocks such as: * granites * schists * volcanic elements
28
Name some of the well-respected Grand Crus planted on ancient soils.
* *Schlossberg* * *Rangen* * *Brand*
29
Name the 7 main/focal grape varieties of **Alsace** as spoken of by the Alsace inter-professional organization.
1. **Riesling** 2. **Pinot Gris** 3. **Gewurztraminer** 4. **Muscat(s)** 5. **Sylvaner** 6. **Pinot Blanc** 7. **Pinot Noir**
30
Name the ancillary grapes of **Alsace**.
* **Auxerrois** * **Chardonnay** * **Chassela** * **Savagnin Rose**
31
Which of **Alsace**'s grape varieties is plentiful despite being an ancillary variety?
**Auxerrois**
32
What is the primary role of the **Auxerrois** grape variety in **Alsace**?
*Cremant* production.
33
Name the white grapes grown in **Alsace**.
* **Riesling** * **Pinot Blanc** * **Sylvaner** * **Auxerrois** * **Muscat a Petits Grans Blanc** * **Muscat Ottonel** Minor plantings of: * Chessalas * Chardonnay
34
Which varietal wine stands at the pinnacle of prestige among **Alsace**'s wine offerings?
**Riesling**
35
What styles of wine are produced from the **Riesling** grape in **Alsace**?
* traditionally fermented to dryness * *Vendanges Tardives* (TD) * *Selection de Grains Nobles* (SGN)
36
What other names is **Pinot Blanc** known by?
* **Pinot Vrai** * **Klevner**
37
**Pinot Blanc** is mostly used to produce what style of wine in **Alsace**?
*Cremant*
38
Which 2 varieties are commonly factored together into the total plantings in **Alsace**, despite being vastly dissimilar?
* **Pinot Blanc** * **Auxerrois**
39
Which variety in **Alsace** is a modest grape with a modest flavour unless given a superior site?
**Sylvaner**
40
Where is the **Sylvaner** variety permitted to grow in **Alsace**?
In the *Grand Cru* vineyard of *Zotzenberg*.
41
Where is the **Auxerrois** grape variety native to?
**Alsace**-*Lorraine*
42
How does the vineyard area planted by **Auxerrois** compare to **Pinot Blanc**?
**Auxerrois** occupies more than twice as much vineyard land as **Pinot Blanc**. Note: **Auxerrois** is counted as **Pinot Blanc** in official figures.
43
What style of wine is produced from the **Auxerrois** variety in **Alsace**?
*Cremant*; it's fairly neutral, low-acid grape that provides a blank canvas for sparkling wine production.
44
What style of wine is typically produced from the **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc** variety in **Alsace**?
This grape is usually vinified dry here. Muscat's overt, musky grapiness & peach, mango and citrus flavor profile are put into a lean, svelte package that hints of spring blossom versus harvest fruit.
45
How does **Muscat Ottone**l compare to **Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc**?
It is less aromatic, but vinified in the same way for the same reasons.
46
What style of wine is produced from Chardonnay grapes in **Alsace**?
This variety is only authorized for *cremant* production at the **AOC** level. However, some does make its way into creative blends sold as **Vin de France** (e.g. Zind)
47
Rank the grapes grown in **Alsace** from most to least.
1. **Riesling** (21%) 2. **Pinot Blanc**/**Auxerrois** (21%) 3. **Gewurztraminer** (20%) 4. **Pinot Gris** (16%) 5. **Pinot Noir** (11%) 6. **Sylvaner** (6%) Other (5%)
48
Name the rose/gris grape varieties grown in **Alsace**.
* **Gewurztraminer** * **Pinot Gris** * **Klevener de Heiligenstein**
49
Which aromatic grape variety is given a spotlight in just one French wine region: **Alsace**?
**Gewurztraminer**
50
Why are **Gewurztraminer** and **Pinot Gris** often used to craft **VT** and **SGN** wines?
The ripening curve of these varieties coincides with autumn mists.
51
Which variety is the *aromatic* version of pink-skinned **Savagnin Rose**?
**Gewurztraminer**
52
How does **Pinot Gris** benefit from the climate of **Alsace**?
In this region, this variety achieves an extraordinary level of: * texture * complexity * depth
53
Which variety is the **non**-*aromatic* version of pink-skinned **Savagnin Rose**?
**Klevener de Heiligenstein**
54
What is the difference between **Klevner** and **Klevener**?
They are 2 distinct grape varieties: * **Klevner** = **Pinot Blanc** * **Klevener** = **Savagnin Rose** :a pink-skinned mutation of **Savagnin Blanc** of **Jura** fame
55
Which varieties, until recently, have been known as the noble grapes of **Alsace**?
* **Riesling** * **Gewurztraminer** * **Pinot Gris** * **Muscat** Note: only these varieties can be crafted into *Vendanges Tardives*, *Selection de Grains Nobles* and *Grands Crus* bottlings (with one Grand Cru exception, *Zotzenberg*).
56
Name the only red grape variety grown in **Alsace**.
**Pinot Noir** Note: plantings are on the rise.
57
Describe the wines historically produced in **Alsace** from the **Pinot Noir** variety.
* These never developed much concentration or colour due to cooler temperatures. * High yields also contributed to what ended up as an almost-red red wine.
58
Describe the **Pinot Noir** wines being produced in **Alsace** presently.
Thanks to the current warming trend in the region, producers are crafting wines of: * saturated colour * depth * concentration * silken tannins that hint of their northern location
59
How much of **Alsace**'s vineyards are farmed according to organic or biodynamic practices?
Almost 16% (There are over 300 organic vignerons)
60
What vine training method is used in **Alsace**?
*Guyot* (single or double), is the principal method.
61
How are vines in **Alsace** trained in regards to elevation?
* Because cold air settles, the vines on the *Rhine Plain* are trained high to avoid frost. * Vines at higher elevations are trained closer to the ground to capitalize on reflected light and warmth.
62
When does harvest take place in **Alsace**?
Begins September and continues through November.
63
What factors contribute to the long harvest duration in **Alsace**?
* different varieties have different ripening curves * different soils reflect or do not reflect light & heat * each site receives differing amounts of sunshine * style of wine being crafted * grapes for cremant production gets picked first * grapes for late-harvest wine production hang on the vine well into autumn
64
What harvesting methods are used in **Alsace**?
* **Hand harvest**: most vineyards are too steep for machinery * **Machine harvest**: some takes place on the *Rhine Plain*
65
How has climate change had an impact on **Alsace** and its growing seasons?
* average annual temperatures have exceeded the 20th century average in every year of the 21st century (so far). * harvest dates have moved forward by 2-3 weeks * historically, grapes have achieved high degrees of ripeness 1-3 times a decade, now, vignerons are achieving high degrees of ripeness almost every year.
66
What percentage of wine production in **Alsace** is white?
89% (2019)
67
What percentage of wine production in **Alsace** is put into varietal bottlings?
80% (both dry & sweet) This means blends comprise 20% of **Alsace**'s total production.
68
What is the traditional method of wine storage vessels used in **Alsace**?
Large wooden *foudres*, which impart no oak flavour to the wine because of their size and age. Many are close to 100 years old (or older) and still in use.
69
If a grape variety is listed on the label of wine from **Alsace**, what percentage of the wine must be made up of that grape variety?
**100%** Note: **Pinot Blanc** & **Pinot d'Alsace** are the notable exceptions to this rule.
70
What grapes are permitted in a bottle labeled **Pinot Blanc**/**Klevner** in **Alsace**?
* 100% **Pinot Blanc** or * 100% **Auxerrois** or * a blend of both
71
What grapes are permitted in a bottle labeled **Pinot d'Alsace** in **Alsace**?
* 100% **Auxerrois** or * 100% **Pinot Blanc** or * 100% **Pinot Noir** (vinified as white wine) or * 100% **Pinot Gris** or * a blend of any or all
72
Name the 2 traditional wine blends found within **Alsace**.
* *Edelzwicker* * *Gentil* Note: these are categories within the **Alsace AOC**.
73
What are the blending rules for *Edelzwiker* wines?
* A blend of any of the approved white grapes of **Alsace**, vinified together or separately. 1. Vintage is optional.
74
What are the blending rules for *Gentil* wines from **Alsace**?
* A blend comprising a min. 50% of the "noble" grape varieties; each variety must be vinified separately. * Requires tasting panel approval. * Vintage must appear.
75
What are "*wines of terroir*"?
These are *field blends*. Some producers co-plant different grape varieties on prominent sites such as Grands Crus, pick and ferment them together, and then label the wines after the vineyard in which they are grown or give them a proprietary name.
76
Which producers utilize "wines of terroir" in their winemaking methods?
* Jean-Michel Deiss of *Domaine Marcel Deiss* * Sebastien Schoech of *Domaine Maurice Schoech*
77
What method of blending may be used by producers in **Alsace** other than through the "wines of terroir" method?
Some producers blend different varietal wines in the cellar, opting out of the *Gentil* and *Edelzwicker* categories, to create blends that are also given proprietary names.
78
What are some reasons that wines from **Alsace** are increasing in the numbers of off-dry wines?
* high sugar levels in the harvested grapes have resulted in fermentations that stop before all the grape sugars are converted into alcohol * some producers are purposefully leaving a little residual sugar (RS) in their wines * others maintain a non-interventionalist winemaking approach, end up with some residual sugar as a matter of course
79
What is the maximum R.S. level of **Riesling** wines in **Alsace**?
0.9% (9g/l) * As of the 2008 vintage * does not apply to Grand Cru or *lieu-dit*
80
In **Alsace**, there is pending legislation from 2020 that would require all dry wines to carry which word or the label?
*Sec*
81
Define *Sec*.
* Meaning dry * less than 0.4% (4g/l) R.S. Note: sugar levels in "dry" wines can be higher if acid levels are also high.
82
What is **Vendanges Tardives**?
Late-harvest wines containing considerable residual sugar.
83
How are **Vendanges Tardives** wines produced in **Alsace**?
Grapes are picked by hand late into the season when the berries are overripe; sometimes they are affected by noble rot, but this is not a mandatory requirement. Fermentation terminates naturally when the yeasts die, leaving unfermented or residual sugar in the wine. Malolactic conversion is not encouraged. The wine needs the acid to balance out its high sugar level.
84
What is **Selection de Grain Nobles**?
A late-harvest wine, affected by noble rot.
85
How are the grapes for **Selection de Grain Nobles** harvested in **Alsace**?
Grapes are handpicked, berry by berry, through multiple passes in the vineyard.
86
How many **AOC**s are there in **Alsace**?
53
87
What are the **AOC**s in **Alsace**.
* **Alsace AOC** (regional) * **Alsace AOC Lieu-Dit** (within **Alsace AOC**) * **Alsace AOC Communal Designation** (within **Alsace AOC**) * **Cremant d'Alsace AOC** * 51 **Alsace Grand Cru AOC**s
88
How much wine is produced within each AOC in **Alsace**?
1. 64% **Alsace AOC** 2. 25% **Cremant d'Alsace AOC** 3. 6% **Alsace Grand Cru AOCs** 4. 4% **Alsace Lieu-Dit designation AOC** 5. 1% **Alsace Communal Designation AOC**
89
When was **Alsace** awarded **AOC** and when was it implemented?
Awarded: 1945 Implemented: 1962
90
What wine styles are permitted under **Alsace AOC**.
* dry white * rose * red * sweet white * blend * varietal * *VT* * *SGN*
91
What are the minimum sweetness requirements for **Alsace AOC** wines?
No standards
92
Name the grape varieties permitted for **Alsace AOC** wines.
White: * [P] **Riesling**, **Pinot Blanc**, **Sylvaner**, **Muscat**(s) * [S] Auxerrois, Chasselas Rose/Gris: * [P] **Gewurztraminer**, **Pinot Gris** * [S] Savagnin Rose (Klevener de Heiligensein) Red: * [P] **Pinot Noir**
93
**Alsace AOC** wine can be produced with grapes sourced from where?
Any vineyard in **Alsace**.
94
In the German tradition, how are sweetness levels of VT and SGN measured?
Before fermentation rather than after. The sugar levels and alcoholic potential must reach prescribed levels at harvest to qualify for these sweet styles, and they are carefully monitered through fermentation so that sugar and alcohol are perfectly balanced in the final wine.
95
What is the *Communal Designation* in **Alsace AOC**?
This is a subcategory of **Alsace AOC** as of 2011. These are meant to echo the "village-level" wine category in Bourgogne and are called *denominations geographiques complementaires* (**DGC**s) Quality standards are higher and producers can add the name of the commune to the label. Each commune is authorized to produce specific wine styles from specific varieties.
96
How many *Communal Designation*s are there in **Alsace AOC**?
**13** *denominations geographiques complementaires* (**DGC**s)
97
What is *Lieu-Dit*?
A parcel of land, contained within a single commune, whose traditional (and often centuries-old) name recalls a topographical or historic peculiarity. It is a technical cadastral unit used by geographers and is legally registered. Within **Alsace AOC** it is a name given to a plot of land or vineyard b/c of its notable and significant expression of *terroir*. These are special plots of earth.
98
What requirement are placed on wines produced under the *lieu-dit* designation in **Alsace AOC**
Restrictions are placed on: * grape varieties planted * vine density * pruning methods * trellising Requires: * higher grape maturity levels at harvest * a more restricted yield * can only be white or red (not rose)
99
What are some non-regulated terms you may find on a label of wine from **Alsace AOC**?
* *prestige* * *reserve* * *reserve personelle* Note: there are many terms that may appear on wine labels. and many are unique to each producer and within the specific "families" of wines they produce.
100
When was **Alsace Grand Cru** awarded **AOC** status?
1975
101
What styles of wine are produced under **Alsace Grand Cru AOC**?
* Dry white * Sweet white * varietal
102
Which grape varieties are permitted under **Alsace Grand Cru AOC**?
White: * [P] **Riesling**, **Muscat**(s) * [S] **Sylvaner** Rose/Gris: * [P] **Gewurztraminer**, **Pinot Gris**
103
How has the **Alsace Grand Cru AOC** changed?
The original appellation was one **AOC** encompassing many signature *terroirs*. All these special sites were governed by one set of regulations. This changed in 2011. Each **Grand Cru** vineyard was given its own **AOC** in order to allow for self-governance (under the auspices of the INAO).
104
What is a good example of why it is beneficial for each vineyard under **Alsace Grand Cru AOC** to be self-regulating?
Some **Grand Cru** sites may opt to add **Pinot Noir** to their list of approved grape varieties (e.g. *Hengst*, *Kirchberg de Barr* & *Vorbourg*). This move may not appeal to other Grand Crus, but a change will be easier to implement by those petitioning, now that a new ruling need not apply to all.
105
How is the ranking system in **Alsace** similar to that of **Bourgogne**?
The vineyards are ranked, not the producer. There can by many producers farming one **Grand Cru** vineyard - and with varying degrees of talent.
106
What is the controversy surrounding the **Grand Cru** vineyards in **Alsace**?
* Some are arguably too large to deliver a signature flavour profile in the glass * Some highly regarded terroirs expanded beyond their original boundaries as vignerons on the fringes petitioned to be included when these sites requested Grand Cru status * Some of the region's most esteemed producers opt to market their wines without putting the Grand Cru name on the front label
107
Name a wine produced under **Alsace Grand Cru AOC** that abstains from labeling their wines "Grand Cru".
***Trimbach***'s *Clos Sainte Hun*e, a monopole within the **Grand Cru** Rosacker
108
How many **Alsace Grand Cru AOC**s are there?
**51** Note: Production is only 6% of **Alsace**'s total production.
109
Is the grape variety a mandadory requirement on any **Alsace Grand Cru AOC** label?
No, not anymore.
110
Does **Alsace Grand Cru AOC** produce only single-varietal wines?
Whereas most of the 51 Grand Crus craft single-varietal wines, there are 2 notable exceptions: * *Altenberg de Bergheim* * *Kaefferkopf*
111
Which appellations in **Alsace** permit the use of **Sylvaner**?
**Zotzenberg Grand Cru** This grape variety is only permitted under this single Grand Cru. This Grand Cru also produces wines from Gewurztraminer, Riesling or Pinot Gris.
112
When was **Cremant d'Alsace** awarded **AOC** status?
1976
113
Which wine styles are produced under **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**?
* Sparkling White * Sparkling Rose
114
Name the grape varieties permitted under **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**.
White: * [P] **Pinot Blanc**, **Auxerrois**, **Chardonnay**, **Riesling** Rose/Gris: * [P] **Pinot Gris** Red: * [P] **Pinot Noir**
115
Which grape variety is forbidden in the the production of **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**?
**Gewurztraminer**
116
How many producers are making sparkling wine in **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**?
**500** In a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
117
Which grape varieties can make up 100% of a wine in **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**?
* 100% **Chardonnay** * 100% **Pinot Gris** * 100% **Riesling** *Blanc de Noirs* and *Rose*: * 100% **Pinot Noir**
118
How are rose wines made under **Cremant d'Alsace AOC**?
* *saignee* * maceration
119
What is **Lorraine**?
This is a very small wine region west of Alsace & east of Champagne. It is bordered on its northern side by Germany, Belgium & Luxembourg; Metz and Nancy are its two principal cities. It has two AOCs: * **Moselle** * **Cotes de Toul** And one IGP: * **Cotes de Meuse** Production is small.
120
* Which grapes are used to produce wines in **Moselle AOC**?
White: * [P] **Auxerrois**, **Pinot Gris**, **Muller-Thurgau** Rose: * [P] **Pinot Noir** (backbone) Red: * [P] **Pinot Noir** (100%) Note: The **Cotes de Meuse IGP** makes red, white & rose/vin gris from a very similar pool of grape varieties.
121
Which grape varieties are used to produce wines in **Cotes de Toul AOC**?
White: * **Aubin**, **Auxerrois** Rose/Gris: * **Pinot Noir**, **Gamay** Red: * **Pinot Noir** Note: The **Cotes de Meuse IGP** makes red, white & rose/vin gris from a very similar pool of grape varieties.