Alsace Flashcards
Where is the Alsace region?
In eastern France along border with Germany and surrounds the Rhine River east of Vosges (Vooge) mountains.
History of Alsace
History of French and German rule
Strategic area fought over for years
Distinctive culture
* Language
* Food (germanic influence)
* Wine (mostly white)
* Architecture
Alsace Geography
(two areas)
Bas-Rhin (Ba Rhine)
* Northern area
* Lower elevation
* Less protecttion from Vosge
Haut-Rhin (oat rhine)
* Southern area
* higher elevation
* location of best vineyard sites
Alsace climate
- Cool continental
- Dry with warm sunny summers, with good diurnal shift at night
- Rolling foothills
- better vineyards planted on E/SE facing slopes
Alsace soil
- Tremendous diversity of soil
- Mosaic of geologic time
- Allows many different styles or expressions
Alsace grape varieties
Core (Noble) varieties
* Riesling
* Gewurztraminer
* Muscat
* Pinot Gris
Other
* Pinot Blanc
* Sylvaner
* Pinot Noir (only red grape in Alsace)
Alsace regional wine law
Most wines are labeled by grape variety and must be 100% if variety is listed on the label.
Alsace viticulture
Long, cool, dry growing season
Rain Shadow from the Vosges
Alsace Vinification
Neutral casks
Little to no use of new oak
Alsace Grand Crus
what are only grapes allowed
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Gris
Alsace “special” wines
Vendage Tardive (VT)
* Late Harvest
* Single variety
* Rich, full bodied
Selection de Grains Noble (SGN)
* Botrytis
* Single variety
* Small quantities
* Only exceptional vintages
What is Cremant d’Alsace
Sparkling wine
