Alsace

Question 1

Alsace geography?

Answer 1

North 47.5 - 48.4 located between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine river.
38,000 acres of vineyards divided between 4,700 growers
annual sales 10.1 million cases

Question 2

Alsace Terroir

Answer 2

Cold Continental Claimate
Rain Shadow from the Vosges making it the driest area in France. They also block fog and clouds and humidity. Dry sunny summers, varied soils.
Divided into 2 regions - Bas Rhine in the North and Haut Rhine in the south

Question 3

Grape Varieties

Answer 3

Alsace is primarily a white grape area with a small amount of Pinot Noir.
Primary White Grapes:
Riesling - 8,300
Gewurtztraminer - 7,300
Pinot Gris - 5,800
Muscat- 900
Secondary White grapes:
Pinot Blanc - 8,200
Sylvaner - 3,100

Question 4

Alsace Appellations

Answer 4

3 Types:
Alsace AOC - Most wines covers the entire district
Alsace Grand Cru
Cremant d’Alsace
In the Alsace AOC Vinters can make 100% of any of these 10 grape varieties-
The primary varieties plus Chasselas, Auxerrois, and Klevener de Heilgenstein (Savagnin Rose).
The name of the variety can be on the label instead of the place. Chardonnay can also be used but only in Cremant d’Alsace.

Question 5

How many Grand Crus are in Alsace?

Answer 5

51 Grand Cru Vineyards. As of 2011 each was recognised as an appellation in its own right. They can only grow the noble varieties - Gewurtraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Riesling. The majority are located in the Haut Rhin

Question 6

What grapes can be used in Cremant de Alsace appellation?

Answer 6

Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Auxerrois using the traditional method. Cremant accounts for 22% of the production in Alsace.

Question 7

How many IGPs are in Alsace?

Answer 7

0 Wines that do not meet the AOC requirements are just wine.

Question 8

What are blends of permitted grape varieties called?

Answer 8

Edelzwicker - they are not very common

Question 9

What are blends called when produced with at least 50% of noble varieties?

Answer 9

Gentil

Question 10

What are the 2 styles of dessert wine?

Answer 10

Vendange tardive - produced from late harvest grapes

Selection de grains nobles- indicated a sweet Sauternes style botryized wine

Question 11

2 main regions of Alsace

Answer 11

Bas Rhin, Haut Rhin

Question 12

3 types of appellations in Alsace

Answer 12

Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru, Cremant d’Alsace

Question 13

4 noble grapes of Alsace

Answer 13

Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris

Question 14

Eleventh grape of Alsace - only allowed in sparkling wines

Answer 14

Chardonnay

Question 15

Term used in Alsace for blended wines

Answer 15

Edelzwicker

Question 16

Late harvest wine made in Alsace

Answer 16

Vendage Tardive