Alsace

Question 1

Name the 4 noble varieties of Alsace

Answer 1

Riesling

Gewurztraminer

Muscat

Pinot Gris

Question 2

Describe the style of wine produced in Alsace

Answer 2

Concentrated, full-bodied, white wines

Purity of fruit and terrior

New oak rarely used

Wines labeled by grape variety

Must be 100% of labeled grape

Question 3

Name 6 “non-noble” grapes of Alsace

Answer 3

Pinot Blanc

Auxerrois

Sylvaner

Chasselas

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir

Question 4

What is the typical cepage of Cremant d’Alsace?

Answer 4

Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay

Question 5

What is the only vineyard that allows for a “non-noble” grape to be classified in the Alsace Grand Cru AOP?

Answer 5

Zotzenberg (Sylvaner)

Question 6

Define the term ‘Vendange Tardive’ as it applies to viticulture in Alsace

Answer 6

Late-harvest wines from a single, noble variety

Rich, full-bodied in style

Not necessarily sweet

Question 7

How would an Alsacian wine with a Vendange Tardive designation compare to a German equivalent?

Answer 7

The Alsacian wine will be higher in alcohol

Question 8

Define the term ‘Selection de Grains Noble’ as it applies to Alsacian viticulture

Answer 8

Botytis wines from a single, noble variety

Made in small quantities only in exceptional vintages

Question 9

What terms are used in Alsace to refer to blended wine?

Answer 9

Edelzwicker

Gentil

Question 10

What terms are used to describe the best cuvees or lots from an individual producer in Alsace?

Answer 10

Reserve Personnelle

Reserve Particuliere

Question 11

Recent highly regarded vintages for Alsace?

Answer 11

2005

2007

2008