Alsace Flashcards
Throughout the entire Middle Ages, Alsace was a province of the ________ Holy Roman Empire.
Throughout the entire Middle Ages, Alsace was a province of the “Germanic” Holy Roman Empire.
When did France first establish Alsace as a national state and who did they rival with at that time?
France developed into a centralized national state in the 15th and 16th centuries, a position which brought them into direct conflict with the Spanish Habsburg house, a branch of Europe’s most powerful dynasty.
When did the thirty year war of the French-Habsburg take place?
The French-Habsburg rivalry catapulted the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) in Europe from a localized German religious dispute into a general European war for political dominance.
What is so important about the Treaty of Westphalia?
The Treaty of Westphalia concluded the war, between the French-Habsburg rivalry, in 1648 and cemented France’s ownership of Alsace until Germany claimed the territory with Lorraine at the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871.
What makes the year 1945 so important for Alsace?
French control following World War I reasserted viticulture in Alsace, yet many of the region’s current vineyards date to 1945 and after. 1945 also marks the beginning of a divergence in French and German winemaking styles; German wines remained classically sweet, whereas Alsace producers fermented to dryness for a more powerful and food-friendly wine.
When was Alsace awarded AOC status?
In 1962, Alsace finally achieved AOC status—the last major French winemaking region to do so.
What are the names of Alsace’s two departments
France’s smallest région, is divided into two départements, Haut-Rhin and Bas- Rhin.
In Alsace, the premier wines originate in which of the two departments?
Generally the premier wines originate in the Haut-Rhin
In Alsace, predominately all of the Grand Cru vineyards are located in which of the 2 departments?
Over two-thirds of Alsace’s Grand Cru vineyards are located in the Haut-Rhin département.
What separates Alsace from the rest of France to the West?
Geographically, Alsace is separated from the remainder of France by the Vosges Mountains in the west.
What effect do the Vosges mountains provide?
The mountains provide a “rain shadow” effect; Alsace is one of France’s driest and sunniest climates.
What is the driest city in the Haut-Rhin.
Colmar, capital of the Haut-Rhin département, is the driest city in France.
The vineyards of Alsace tend to be located where exactly?
The vineyards of Alsace exist in a thin strand along the lower slopes and foothills of the Vosges, and the exact aspect and location of each vineyard is of importance in this semi-continental climate.
The better vineyards of Alsace are usually exposed in what direction?
The better vineyards enjoy southern, southeastern, or warm eastern exposures to maximize sunlight. However, despite its northerly location, Alsatian vines typically ripen with greater regularity than those in the Loire or northern Burgundy, due to the sheer number of sunlight hours in the summertime.
grés de Vosges
Local pink sandstone—grés de Vosges—can be found throughout the region
What type of soil will you find in Alsace vineyards?
Alsatian vineyards have a myriad of soil types. The land is a geologic mosaic; granite, limestone, schist, clay, gravel, chalk, loess, and the local pink sandstone—grés de Vosges—can be found throughout the region.
What type soil will you find on the lower slopes of Alsace’s vineyards.
The lower slopes sit on a limestone base, and the plain at the base of the mountains consists of richer alluvial clay and gravel soils.
White grapes are paramount, and 90% of Alsace AOP wine is white.
True or False
True
What the four “noble” grapes allowed in Alsace?
the four “noble” grapes of Alsace—Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat (either Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat Rosé à Petits Grains or Muscat Ottonel), and Gewürztraminer
Klevner
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Blanc is known as what in Alsace?
Klevner
Chasselas is known as what in Alsace?
Gutedel
Gutedel
Chasselas
Alsace wines generally state the variety on the label.
True or False?
True
If Pinot Blanc is listed on an Alsace label than it is 100% that varietal. True or False?
False
The only exception made is for Pinot Blanc, which is often blended with the similar but not synonymous Auxerrois, all varietally labeled Alsace AOP wines must contain 100% of the printed grape.
Even if bottled as a single variety, Auxerrois may be accorded the title of “Pinot Blanc” on the label.
True or False?
True
Explain the possibilities of varietal make up in an Alsatian bottle of wine if the label simply states “Pinot”.
White wines simply labeled “Pinot,” on the other hand, may contain any proportion of related varieties—Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Auxerrois.
When considered collectively, Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois represent the largest volume of appellation production..
True or False?
True
What is the most planted grape in Alsace?
Riesling
Which of the four noble grapes is last to ripen.
Riesling
How are Alsatian Rieslings different from their German cousins?
Alsatian Rieslings are characteristically dry, more powerful, and higher in alcohol than their German cousins.
How is the aging ability viewed towards Alsatian Riesling
They are amongst the longest- lived dry whites in the world, due to a pronounced acidity and minerality.
What measures have the Alsatian AOP mandated towards their Riesling?
With sweetness creeping steadily upward in recent years, Alsatian AOP law mandates, from 2008 forward, that standard Riesling wines must be dry in style.
What makes Pinot Gris from Alsace so versatile?
Pinot Gris is perhaps Alsace’s quintessential wine: the grape here achieves its fullest, richest expression, with spicy-smoky qualities and a frame of good acidity.
What was Pinot Gris in Alsace formerly called?
Pinot Gris, formerly called Tokay d’Alsace or Tokay Pinot Gris.
What are the 2 most highly aromatic noble grape varieties found in Alsace.
Muscat and Gewurztraminer are both highly aromatic
_____ shows fragrant floral and grapy notes
“Muscat” shows fragrant floral and grapy notes
__________ tends toward perfumed, sweet spices and tropical fruit.
“Gewürztraminer” tends toward perfumed, sweet spices and tropical fruit.
What is the acidity level like for both Gewurtztraminer and Muscat? Also, which one shows more alcohol and is more likely to be off-dry?
Both are lower in acidity, but Gewurztraminer is higher in alcohol and more likely to be off-dry.
Describe the vinification process in Alsace.
New oak is usually not a factor in the vinification of these varieties, although many producers use large neutral casks for fermentation and aging.
Traminer is known as what in the Jura
Traminer—known as Savagnin in the Jura
Briefly describe the plantings of Gewürztraminer in Alsace and what clone it stems from?
Gewurztraminer is a pink-berried clone of the traditional grape Traminer, and steadily replaced it in Alsace’s vineyards throughout the latter half of the 19th century.
Traminer in Alsace is known as what?
Klevener
Klevener is what in Alsace
Traminer
Where are Traminer plantings located in Alsace?
Traminer (known as Klevener in Alsace) retains a few plantings around the commune of Heiligenstein in the Bas-Rhin.
Describe Savagnin Rose
This Savagnin Rose, or Klevener de Heiligenstein, is less intensely aromatic than Gewurztraminer but higher in acidity.
List the 5 communes that can list Savagnin Rose under the existing Alsace AOP.
5 communes may bottle this wine varietally under the existing Alsace AOP:
Heiligenstein Bourgheim Gertwiller Goxwiller Obernai.
Describe the term Edelzwicker
If no grape variety is listed on the label, an Alsatian wine may be a blend. The term Edelzwicker (“noble mixture”) usually indicates its own inverse: an inexpensive blended wine.
What does the term “Edelzwicker” mean?
Noble Mixture
Do Edelzwicker wines need to be vintage dated or list the varietal composition of the wine?
Alsace AOP wines labeled Edelzwicker do not need to be vintage-dated, nor are they even legally obligated to contain more than one grape. In practice they are blends, however, and do not need to indicate any percentages or grapes on the label.
What does the term “genti” indicate when listed on a Alastian label?
“Gentil” is a superior designation for blends, requiring a minimum of 50% noble grapes. Any other Alsace AOP grape may compose the remainder, and the base wines must be vinified separately.
What are Alastian winemakers’ opinion on making wines made from field blends for wines? Also, who is the advocate of this style?
Some producers advocate field blends as the best approach for serious wines. In this case, the grapes are typically vinified together and produced under a vineyard name.
Marcel Deiss is one of the staunchest advocates of using this approach as a means of emphasizing Alsatian terroir.
When was the first Alsace Grand Cru AOP awarded and what was the name of the vineyard?
The Alsace Grand Cru AOP was first decreed in 1975 with a single named vineyard, Schlossberg, specified for the appellation
After 1975, the first year an Alsatian vineyard was awarded Grand Cru Status (Schlossberg), when was the next wave of vineyards awarded GC status?
Another 24 grand cru vineyards appeared in 1983, followed by an additional 25 in 1992
What was the last Alsatian vineyard to be awarded Grand Cru status and what year was it?
A 51st grand cru, Kaefferkopf, was added in 2007
What varietals are Alsatian Grand Cru AOP wines made up of?
Grand Cru AOP wines are produced only from the noble Alsatian grapes and are typically single-varietal wines, although this is no longer required by law.
Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf are to Grand Cru vineyards that may do what differently?
The grands crus Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf may blend according to certain prescribed proportions.
Zotzenberg
Zotzenberg is a historical site for Sylvaner, and as such the grape is permitted in Grand Cru AOP varietal wines from the vineyard.
What is the name of the Grand Cru vineyard that allows Sylvaner?
Zotzenberg
Name a few regulations for Grand Cru status wines.
Hand-harvesting is mandatory for all grand cru wines. Minimum sugar levels at harvest are higher than those for Alsace AOP, and yields are more restricted.
The minimum potential alcohol is ____% for Riesling and Muscat
The minimum potential alcohol is “11%” for Riesling and Muscat
The minimum potential alcohol is ____% for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer
The minimum potential alcohol is “12.5%” for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer
When did Alsace increase its number of Grand Cru vineyards from 1 to 51, and what model does this mostly resemble?
In 2011, the number of actual Alsace Grand Cru AOPs was increased from one to 51 as each vineyard received its own appellation and cahier des charges, pivoting from the Chablis model to that of the Côte d’Or.
Smallest Alsatian GC vineyard
Kanzlerberg (3 hectares)
Largest Alsatian GC vineyard
Schlossberg (80 hectares)
What makes Trimbach’s “Clos-Ste-Hune” wine so special?
Trimbach has traditionally released their Riesling Clos-Ste-Hune as Alsace AOP without any mention of the large Rosacker Grand Cru on the label. (However, the venerable house released its first vintage of Geisberg Grand Cru with the 2009.) The house of Hugel likewise chooses not to promote admissible wines as Alsace Grand Cru AOP.
When was Vendanges Tardives and Selections de Grains Nobles created?
In 1984, just after the number of grands crus increased to 25, a new decree created two new designations for late-harvest wines: Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles.
What do Vendanges Tardives and Sélections de Grains Nobles imply on a label?
These two terms imply sweetness and may be printed on either Alsace AOP or Alsace Grand Cru AOP labels, provided the wines contain a single, noble variety and pass a blind tasting panel.
Selection de Grains Nobles
Grapes destined for Sélection de Grains Nobles are generally picked in tries, and suppress varietal character in return for the complexities of botrytis.
Vendanges Tardives
Vendanges Tardives may show botrytis character but emphasizes varietal purity. Quality VT wines usually originate from vines in a state of passerillage.
Are Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles wines always sweet?
Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles wines are not obligated by statute to be sweet; in practice SGN wines are always dessert-like but VT wines may vary in actual sugar, and can be quite dry.
Muscat and Riesling Vendanges Tardives require a minimum must wait of _____ grams per liter.
Vendanges Tardives requires a minimum of “235” grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardive require a must wait of ____ grams per liter.
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardive require a must wait of 257 grams per liter.
Muscat and Riesling Sélection de Grains Nobles require a minimum must wait of _____ grams per liter.
Muscat and Riesling Sélection de Grains Nobles require a minimum must wait of “276” grams per liter.
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles require a minimum must wait of _____ grams per liter.
Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles require a minimum must wait of “306” grams per liter.
*Note: At 306 grams per liter, these wines are amongst the highest minimum must weights in France.
Pinot Noir can be used in Alsace as still, rose, and what else?
Pinot Noir may contribute to the Crémant d’Alsace AOP blend
What varietal is typically the workhorse in the Crémant d’Alsace AOP blend?
Pinot Blanc
What is the only appellation in Alsace to allow Chardonnay?
Crémant d’Alsace is the only appellation in the region to allow Chardonnay.
Speak about the production of sparkling wines in Alsace.
Sparkling wine production has developed into a profitable and expansive pursuit for Alsatian houses, commanding nearly a quarter-share of the appellation’s output.
In neighboring région Lorraine, what kind of wines are found in Cotes de Toul?
In the Côtes de Toul AOP, light red wines are produced from Pinot Noir and white wines contain Auxerrois and Aubin.
Gris de Toul
Rosé wines, made in a pale vin gris style, include a high proportion of Gamay and Pinot Noir made in Cotes de Toul, Lorraine
Latitude of Alsace
48° 4’ N
Elevation of Alsace
175-214 meters
Edelzwicker
“Edelzwicker”: one or more grape varieties (may or may not be vintage-dated)
Varietals used for Vendanges Tardives (VT) in Alsace
Vendanges Tardives (VT): Single variety wines produced from (and labeled as) Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris
Varieties used for Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) in Alsace
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN): Single variety wines produced from (and labeled as) Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat Blanc / Rosé à Petits Grains, Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris
Region of production for Trimbach in Alsace
Haut-Rhin
Winery location for Trimbach in Alsace
Ribeauvillé
Year Trimbach was established in Alsace
1626
Summary of Trimbach in Alsace
Summary: Currently, brothers Bernard and Hubert Trimbach run Maison Trimbach; Bernard’s sons Pierre (winemaker) and Jean (sales) mark the twelfth generation to work at the estate. Trimbach is known for its “purist” vision, producing dry wines that are labeled by proprietary names rather than grand cru designation. The classic examples of this are their Clos Sainte Hune and Cuvée Frédéric Emile Rieslings, which pre-date the 1983 AOC Grand Cru designation.
Clos Sainte Hune
Clos Sainte Hune: historical 1.67-ha monopole within the Grand Cru Rosacker, owned by the Trimbach family for over 200 years; average vines are 50 years old; soil is limestone
Riesling is what this wine is made of.
Cuvée Frédéric Emile
“Cuvée Frédéric Emile”: blend of Geisberg and Osterberg Grand Crus, named for Frédéric Emile, who is known for providing a new guarantee of quality and authenticity for Trimbach in 1898.
What wines are produced from the famous “Cuvee Frederic Emile” label by Trimbach?
Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile”
Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile” VT
Riesling “Cuvée Frédéric Emile” SGN
Brief description of style and vinification techniques for Trimbach in Alsace.
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques: Grapes are hand harvested as late as possible in order to achieve maximum ripeness, then pressed in a pneumatic press. The juice runs into the cellar by gravity and clarifies naturally prior to fermentation, which takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for two to three weeks. All wines—with the exception of VT and SGN bottlings—are vinified to completely dry with no residual sugar, and malolactic fermentation is avoided. Wines are fined, filtered and bottled early. The wines age in bottle for at least one year and up to five years prior to release, depending on cuvée.
Region of production for Zind-Humbrecht
Haut-Rhin
Winery location for Zind-Humbrecht
Turckheim
Zind-Humbrecht was established in what year?
1959
Summary of Zind-Humbrecht
The Humbrecht family has been winegrowing in Alsace since 1620, but the present-day winery was formed when Leonard Humbrecht married Genevieve Zind in 1959. During the 1960s and 70s, Leonard expanded their vineyard holdings, including the acquisition of Clos Saint Urbain. Their son Olivier Humbrecht, MW, has managed the domaine since 1989 and helped his family build a new winery and cellar in 1992. The domaine has been organically and biodynamically farmed since 1997, earning organic certification in 1998 and biodynamic certification in 2002. Humbrecht is known as a staunch advocate for biodynamic farming and non-interventionist winemaking practices.
Famous bottling for Zind Humbrecht
Grand Cru Rangen de Thann: acquired in 1977, including the steep, south-facing 5.5-ha Clos Saint Urbain on sedimentary volcanic soil; planted to 2.7 ha Pinot Gris, 2.3 ha Riesling, 0.5 ha Gewurztraminer
Capital city of Alsace
Strasbourg
Inaugural Vintage (for top wines) on Zind-Humbrecht?
Inaugural Vintage (for top wines): Riesling Grand Cru Rangen Clos Saint Urbain in 1978
Region of production for Domaine Weinbach
Haut-Rhin
Winery Location for Domaine Weinbach
Kientzheim (NW of Colmar)
Domaine Weinbach was established in what year?
1898
Summary of Domaine Weinbach.
Summary: The Faller brothers formally established Domaine Weinbach in 1898 after acquiring the property. The brothers left the estate to Théo (son and nephew), who, after passing away in 1979, left the domaine to his widow Colette and daughters Catherine and Laurence. These two have run the domaine ever since. Catherine serves as marketing director and Laurence as winemaker, and the estate’s wines are all produced from their own vineyards, including a selection of special cuvées named after family members. Biodynamic conversion began in 1998 and was completed in all vineyards by 2005.
Riesling Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine
Domaine Weinbach
Famous bottlings from Domaine Weinbach
- Riesling Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine
- Riesling Schlossberg Cuvée Sainte Catherine “L’Inédit!”: first produced in 1998; made from specific plots of botrytized Riesling; picked all at once (without tries)
- Gewurztraminer Grand Cru Mambourg
- Pinot Gris Altenbourg
- Quintessences de Grains Nobles: produced only in outstanding vintages (first made in 1983); made from selected botrytized berries; production averages 34 cases/year (375-ml bottles)
Inaugural vintage (for top wines) with Domaine Weinbach
1898
Brief description of style/vinification techniques for Domaine Weinbach
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques: Grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole clusters in modern pnuematic presses. The must settles at cellar temperature and is fermented using indigenous yeasts. The wines ferment and age in large foudres for several months, depending on cuvée. Wines are filtered before bottling, beginning in April and finishing in July.
Albert Boxler is located in what region
Haut-Rhin
Albert Boxler location of winery
Niedermorschwihr (W of Colmar
Year Albert Boxler was established
1673
Summary for Albert Boxler
Summary: In 1946, Albert Boxler was the first to bottle and commercialize his family’s wines under their own label, even though winemaking had taken place at the domaine for generations. Albert passed the estate down to his son, Jean-Marc, who retired in 1996 and passed it down again to his son Jean, the present winemaker. The Boxlers believe in maintaining a distinction between subplots within each Grand Cru holding, and they bottle two to four unique, terroir-specific lots of Riesling from each Grand Cru. Not all Grand Cru bottlings are produced every year. The domaine farms organically but is not certified.
Top wines for Albert Boxler
Riesling Grand Cru Brand “Kirchberg” Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg “Dudenstein” Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg “Eckberg” Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg VT Riesling Grand Cru Sommerberg SGN Pinot Gris Grand Cru Sommerberg “Wiptal”
Inaugural Vintage (for top wines) on Albert Boxler
1946
Brief description of style/vinification techniques of Albert Boxler
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques: Grapes are hand-harvested and pressed, then cold-settled prior to fermentation with indigenous yeasts. All wines are fermented in foudres except for the Gewurztraminer bottlings and all Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles wines, which ferment in stainless steel. The wines receive a small addition of sulfur prior to bottling.
Region where Domaine Ostertag is located
Bas-Rhin
Winery location for Domaine Ostertag
Epfig (S of Barr)
Domaine Ostertag was established in what year?
1966
Summary of Domaine Ostertag
Summary: Domaine Ostertag was founded by Adolphe Ostertag in 1966, and in 1980 he handed it down to his son André, who had previously trained in Burgundy. In 1997, André began biodynamic conversion of the vineyards. André is known for the unofficial categories he created for his wines: Vins de Fruit (wines that express fruity typicity), Vins de Pierre (wines that express their specific terroir) and Vins de Temps (wines that are affected by time and weather—e.g. late-harvest and botrytized wines).
Top wines from Domaine Ostertag
Riesling Grand Cru Muenchberg
Riesling Clos Mathis
Pinot Gris Grand Cru Muenchberg “A360P”: the wine name refers to its vineyard grid reference, used because when he first created the wine in 1983, the AOP denied him the right to label his Pinot Gris as Grand Cru due to considerable oak influence
Meaning behind Domaine Ostertag’s name and their labels.
The Ostertag Family:
The name Ostertag means “Easter day,” and the family coat of arms shows the Easter lamb carrying a battle flag.
This image was the inspiration for the estate’s logo of a sheep.
The Labels:
The images on the vins de fruit and vins de pierre labels are by André’s wife, Christine Colin-Ostertag.
Brief description of style and vinification methods for Domaine Ostertag
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques: Grapes are hand-harvested and slowly pressed as whole clusters in a modern pneumatic press for eight to 12 hours. Fermentation begins spontaneously using indigenous yeasts, and the wines age on their lees. Ostertag sources oak exclusively from the local Vosges Mountains for his 228-liter barrels, which are used for aging his Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The Sylvaner, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Riesling bottlings see only stainless steel. Wines are bottled with a slight filtration and small addition of sulfur.
Region Marcel Deiss is produced
Haut-Rhin
Winery location for Marcel Deiss
Bergheim (E of Ribeauville)
Marcel was established in what year
1947
Summary of Marcel Deis
Summary: The Deiss family comes from a long line of winemakers in Bergheim, dating back to 1744. Domaine Marcel Deiss was established in 1947 after Marcel returned from WWII and, with the help of his son André, developed and grew his land holdings. André’s son Jean-Michel took over in 1973 and today manages the estate with his son Mathieu. The family practices biodynamic farming across their 27 hectares spread over nine communes.
What is Jean Michel,of Marcel Deis, responsible for enforcing within Alsace?
Jean-Michel is a staunch advocate of complantation, or the blending of grapes from one site, as opposed to the more common Alsatian practice of single-variety winemaking and labeling. He also played a large role in the 2005 INAO reform, which dropped the variety designation requirement for Alsace Grand Cru AOP wines (it is now optional) and which modified the Grand Cru Altenberg production laws to allow field blends.
Deiss categorizes his wines using three basic classifications: Vins de Fruit (single variety wines), Vins de Terroir (field blends) and Vins de Temps (late-harvest wines).
Top wines from Marcel Deis
Grand Cru Mambourg
Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim
Grand Cru Schoenenbourg
Description of style/vinification methods on Marcel Deis
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques of Marcel Deis: Grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole clusters in a basket press. The must settles at cellar temperature and is fermented using indigenous yeasts. The wines ferment and age in large foudres for at least one year. Wines are filtered and bottled with minimal sulfur.
Hugel et Fils is located in what region
Haut-Rhin
Where is the winery of Hugel et fils located?
Riquewihr (S of Ribeauville)
Year Hugel et fils was established?
1639
Summary of Hugel et fils
Summary: The Hugel family has been producing wine in Alsace for over 200 years and is known for its pioneering role in the INAO’s 1984 recognition of Vendange Tardive and Sélection des Grains Nobles wines. Today they produce wine from their own vineyards as well as operate as a négociant business, sourcing grapes under contract with growers. The domaine chooses not to use the grand cru designation because the number of vineyards has been expanded to what they feel include less-favored sites. Instead, they produce wines in three tiers of quality: Varietal wines occupy the base tier, “Tradition” the middle, and “Jubilée” the top-quality tier. Wines of particular excellence appear under the “Hommage à Jean Hugel” banner. Vendange Tardive and Sélection des Grains Nobles cuvées are only produced in great vintages.
Top wines from Hugel et fils
Riesling “Jubilée” Pinot Gris “Jubilée” Gewurztraminer “Jubilée” Riesling “Hommage à Jean Hugel” Pinot Gris “Hommage à Jean Hugel”
Brief description of style/vinification techniques for Hugel
Brief Description of Style / Vinification Techniques: Grapes are hand-harvested and sorted at the winery, then gravity-fed into the presses without pumping. After pressing, the must is decanted before a long, slow fermentation in temperature-controlled barrels or tanks. The wine is racked once, before a slow and natural clarification over the winter. After bottling, it is cellared for at least two years on average. In certain vintages, if the wines are judged to be insufficiently distinguished, the wines are partly or wholly sold off in bulk to other growers.
2015 vintage in Alsace
2015 -Much easier than recent vintages. Warm, dry weather throughout June and July resulted in lower acid levels than usual. Pinot Noir was particularly successful. Healthy harvest conditions allowed many producers to make late-harvested sweet wines. Overall, yield was small for the third year in a row.
2014 vintage in Alsace
2014 -Cool temperatures throughout August made 2014 a high-acid vintage for Alsace, which bodes especially well for Crémant. Late-harvested whites were not a strong suit, but dry whites exhibit good typicality, albeit in a relatively restrained way.
(88 WSP)
2013 vintage in Alsace
2013- A stop-start growing season produced a very small crop which, but for harvest rains, would have been perfectly formed. Those that brought in grapes early fared the best.
(89 WSP)
2012 vintage in Alsace
2012 went well for the Alsatians. Volumes were roughly average, and quality was very pleasing, thanks to a warm, steady August and a cool, dry September that kept vineyards disease-free. The Crémants, Pinots Noir and Gris, and Gewurztraminers are all especially successful.
(90WSP)
2011 vintage in Alsace
2011 -Good quality in an early-maturing, drinkable style - but not so impressive as 2010 or the superior 2009s.
(91 WSP)
2010 vintage in Alsace
2010 -Lower yields than 2009, by about 20% overall. Quality is heterogenous thanks to some chaotic weather patterns, meaning that selectivity is the key to finding the best wines.
(90 WSP)
2009 vintage in Alsace
2009 -This year produced some of the most consistently healthy grapes ever in Alsace, translating into exemplary varietal character throughout the region.
(94 WSP)
2008 vintage in Alsace
2008 -Challenging weather conditions looked ominous for Alsace this year, but the wines have turned out to enjoy good concentration with balancing high acidity. Quality is not as high as the 2007 vintage. The Crémants are amongst the best.
2007 vintage in Alsace
2007 -Very good vintage, even earlier than 2003, with extremely healthy, ripe grapes.
(95 WSP)
2006 vintage in Alsace
Firm, dry wines with up-front flavors and character; high-quality VT and SGN, particularly Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris
(89 WSP)
2005 vintage in Alsace
2005 -Ripe wines with great balancing acidity. Very good Riesling, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer and outstanding VT and SGN
2004 vintage in Alsace
Challenging vintage with quite a bit of rain.
92 WSP
2003 vintage in Alsace
2003 -Very difficult in view of the high temperatures. Acidity levels were so low that growers were, for once, allowed to add acid, though few of them really got the hang of it. Early maturing wines.
(88 WSP)
2002 vintage in Alsace
2002 -Fine weather at flowering followed an exceptionally cold winter so crop-thinning was necessary for high quality. The summer was much better than in most of France but rain in early October threatened the health of some grapes.
(92 WSP)
2001 vintage in Alsace
2001 -Flowering was extended by low temperatures. Late autumn warmth made up somewhat for a coolish summer and wet September, which robbed the region of a great vintage but there are some excellent wines drinking well now.
(94 WSP)
2000 vintage in Alsace
2000 -An exceptional vintage in every sense with a very early flowering and a very favourable growing season. A little rot of all sorts developed at the end of August and rains in October were sometimes heavy but good quantities of excellent wines, including late harvest styles, were produced.
(93 WSP)
1999 vintage in Alsace
1999 -Rain plagued the growing season and brought rot and mildew. Fine weather began in mid August and continued for a month so that careful vignerons looked forward to good quality but hopes were dashed by yet more rain.
(87 WSP)
1998 vintage in Alsace
1998 -Early harvest of very ripe grapes with some botrytis. Rich and balanced; some fine late-harvest wines. Top Rieslings superb
Good vintages in Alsace
2012, *2009, 2007, and 2005
Subzones that produce only Blanc wines for Alsace AOP
Subzones for Alsace AOP Blanc Wines only: Blienschwiller, Côtes de Barr, Klevener de Heiligenstein, Scherwiller, Vallée Noble, Val Saint Grégoire, Wolxheim, Coteaux du Haut Koenigsbourg, Bergheim
Subzones that produce only Rouge wines for Alsace AOP
Subzones for Alsace AOP Rouge Wines only: Ottrott, Rodern, Saint-Hippolyte
Subzone that produces both Blanc and Rouge wines for Alsace AOP
Blanc and Rouge Wines: Côte de Rouffach
White varietals allowed in the Alsace AOP
Auxerrois Riesling Pinot Gris (formerly Tokay Pinot Gris) Gewurztraminer Muscat: Muscat Blanc / Rosé à Petit Grains and / or Muscat Ottonel Pinot Blanc: Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois Pinot (Klevner): Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, and / or Pinot Noir (vinified as a white wine) Chasselas (Gutedel) Sylvaner
Varietal used for Rose in Alsace AOP
Varietal Rosé / Clairet / Schillerwein: Pinot Noir
Schillerwein
Pinot Noir in Alsace
Varietals used for Vendanges Tardives (VT)
Vendanges Tardives (VT): Single variety wines produced from (and labeled as) Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris
Varietals used for Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN): Single variety wines produced from (and labeled as) Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Muscat Blanc / Rosé à Petits Grains, Muscat Ottonel or Pinot Gris
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Klevener de Heiligenstein: ?
Klevener de Heiligenstein: Savagnin Rose
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Blienschwiller and Cotes de Barr: ?
Blienschwiller and Côtes de Barr: Sylvaner
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Cote de Rouffach: ?
Côte de Rouffach: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Ottrott, Rodern, Saint Hippolyte: ?
Ottrott, Rodern, Saint Hippolyte: Pinot Noir
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Vallee Noble: ?
Vallée Noble: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Val Saint Gregoire: ?
Val Saint Grégoire: Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Scherwiller, Wolxheim: ?
Scherwiller, Wolxheim: Riesling
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Bergheim: ?
Bergheim: Gewurztraminer
Varieties Authorized for Subzones in Alsace AOP
Coteaux de Haut Koenigshourg: ?
Coteaux de Haut Koenigsbourg: Riesling, Gewurztraminer
Minimum amount of alcohol for blanc wines under Alsace AOP?
9.5% ABV
Minimum amount of alcohol for Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Riesling, Auxerrois for Alsace AOP?
Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Riesling, Auxerrois: 10% (10.5% if labeled with subzone designation or lieu-dit)
Minimum amount of alcohol for Chasselas, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat, Sylvaner under Alsace AOP?
Chasselas, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat, Sylvaner: 9.5% (10.5% if labeled with subzone designation or lieu-dit)
Minimum amount of alcohol for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris under Alsace AOP?
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris: 11.5% (12% if labeled with subzone designation or lieu-dit)
Minimum amount of alcohol for Klevener de Heilfenstein under Alsace AOP?
Klevener de Heiligenstein: 11%
Minimum amount of alcohol for Pinot Noir (rose) under Alsace AOP
Pinot Noir (Rosé): 10%
Minimum amount of alcohol for Pinot Noir under Alsace AOP?
Pinot Noir (Rouge): 11% (11.5% if labeled with subzone designation or lieu-dit)
Minimum must weight for Alsace AOP blanc wines?
Blanc: 144 g/l
Minimum must weight for Chasselas, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat, Sylvaner under Alsace AOP?
Chasselas, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat, Sylvaner: 151 g/l
*(Sylvaner is 168 g/l if labeled with subzone designation)
Minimum must weight for Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Riesling, Auxerrois under Alsace AOP?
Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Riesling, Auxerrois: 160 g/l
168 g/l if labeled with subzone designation
Minimum must weight for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris under Alsace AOP?
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris: 185 g/l
193 g/l if labeled with subzone designation
Minimum must weight for Pinot Noir (Rose) under Alsace AOP
Pinot Noir (Rosé): 160 g/l
Minimum must weight for Pinot Noir (Rouge) under Alsace AOP?
Pinot Noir (Rouge): 177 g/l (185 g/l if labeled with subzone designation)
Minimum must weight for Klevener de Heiligenstein under Alsace AOP
Klevener de Heiligenstein: 177 g/l
Minimum must weight for varietal wines labeled by Lieu-dit in Alsace AOP:
Chasselas, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat
Chasselas, Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot, Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat Ottonel, Muscat: 168 g/l
Minimum must weight for varietal wines labeled by Lieu-dit in Alsace AOP:
Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris: ?
Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris: 193 g/l
Minimum must weight for varietal wines labeled by Lieu-dit in Alsace AOP:
Pinot Noir: ?
Pinot Noir: 185 g/l
Vendanges Tardives (VT) minimum must weight for Reisling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel under Alsace AOP?
Vendanges Tardives
Riesling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel: 235 g/l (formerly 220 g/l)
Vendanges Tardives (VT) minimum must weight for Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer under Alsace AOP
Vendanges Tardive
Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer: 257 g/l (formerly 243 g/l)
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) minimum must weight for Riesling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel under Alsace AOP
Selection de Grains Nobles
Riesling, Muscat, Muscat Ottonel: 276 g/l (formerly 256 g/l)
Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) minimum must weight for Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer under Alsace AOP?
Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer: 306 g/l (formerly 279 g/l)
Maximum Residual Sugar (2008 harvest forward) under Alsace AOP:
Riesling:?
Riesling: 6 g/l (if the wines have been chaptalized), 9 g/l (if tartaric acid is less than 6 g/l), 12 g/l (if tartaric acid is greater than 6 g/l) –this does not apply to SGN or VT Riesling, or Riesling labeled with a lieu-dit
Maximum Residual Sugar (2008 harvest forward) under Alsace AOP:
Rose: ?
Rosé: 4 g/l
Maximum Residual Sugar (2008 harvest forward) under Alsace AOP:
Rouge: 2 g/l
Harvesting method in Alsace AOP for Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir wines labeled by a lieu-dit, and all Alsace VT and SGN wines?
must be hand-harvested
Additional Requirements for VT and SGN Wines under Alsace AOP:
- Chaptalization is not allowed
- Must be vintage-dated
- VT wines are late-harvested, and may be affected by botrytis
- SGN wines are affected by botrytis, and are harvested in tries
- VT and SGN wines may not be released until June 1 of the second year following the harvest
Bottle shape for Alsace AOP wines
Bottle Shape: Alsace AOP wines must be bottled in the traditional “Vin du Rhin” / “Flûte d’Alsace” bottle
Minimum planting density for Alsace AOP
Alsace AOC: 4,000 vines per hectare
Minimum planting density for Alsace AOP (with subzone designation or lieu-dit)
Alsace AOC (with subzone designation or lieu-dit): 4,500 vines per hectare
Maximum Yield (Rendement de Base) for Blanc wines under Alsace AOP
Blanc: 80 hl/ha
Maximum Yield (Rendement de Base) for Rose wines under Alsace AOP
Rosé: 75 hl/ha
Maximum Yield (Rendement de Base) for Rouge wines under Alsace AOP
Rouge: 60 hl/ha
Principal soils in Alsace AOP
Principal Soils: Alsace has a great diversity of soils, including marl, limestone, gneiss, schist, sandstone, granite, clay, and volcanic soils.
Alsace AOP was established when
AOC Established: 1945, officially designated AOC in 1962
AOC Grand Cru was established when?
AOC Grand Cru Established: 1975, officially designated AOC in 1983
Alsace AOC Vendanges Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles were established when?
AOC VT and SGN Established: 1984
Varieties used for Crémant d’Alsace AOP blanc?
Blanc: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois, and/or Chardonnay
Varieties used for Cremant d’Alsace AOP rose?
Rosé: 100% Pinot Noir
Minimum alcohol for Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
Cremant d’Alsace
Minimum Potential Alcohol: 9%
Minimum Must Weight for Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
Minimum Must Weight: 144 g/l
Fermentation used for Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
Traditional Method Secondary Fermentation
How long must the wines remain on the lees for Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
The wines must spend a min. 9 months on the lees prior to dégorgement (12 months total aging, with at least 9 months on the lees, is required from the 2012 vintage forward.)
Minimum atmospheric pressure for Cremant d’Alsace?
Min. 4 atmospheres of pressure
Harvesting Method for Cremant d’Alsace
Cremant d’Alsace
Harvest Method: Manual harvesting is mandatory.
Minimum planting density for Cremant d’Alsace?
Minimum Planting Density: 4,000 vines per hectare
Maximum row spacing in Cremant d’Alsace?
Maximum row spacing: 2.5m
Maximum in-row spacing for Cremant d’Alsace?
Maximum in-row spacing: 1.5m (0.75m minimum)
Mandated training systems for Cremant d’Alsace?
Mandated training systems: Guyot simple, double Guyot
Maximum yield (rendement de base) for Cremant d’Alsace?
Maximum Yield (Rendement de Base): 80 hl/ha
Maximum press yield for Cremant d’Alsace?
Maximum Press Yield: 100 liters/150 kg
Cremant d’Alsace AOP was established when?
AOC Established: 1976 (last updated 2011)
Department for Côtes de Toul AOP
Meurthe-et-Moselle
Varietals allowed for Cotes de Toul AOP blanc
Blanc: Auxerrois and Aubin
Principle varietals used for Cotes de Toul AOP Vin Gris
Principal Varieties: Max. 85% Gamay, min. 10% Pinot Noir (both must be present)
Accessory varieties for Cotes de Toul AOP Vin Gris?
Accessory Varieties: Max. 15% combined Pinot Meunier, Aubin, and Auxerrois
Principle varietal for Cotes de Toul AOP rouge?
Rouge: 100% Pinot Noir
Minimum alcohol for Cotes de Toul AOP blanc?
Blanc: 10% ABV
Minimum alcohol for Cotes de Toul AOP rouge?
Rouge: 10.5% ABV
Minimum alcohol for Cotes de Toul AOP vin gris?
Vin Gris: 9.5%
Minimum must weight for Cotes de Toul AOP blanc?
Blanc: 161 g/l
Minimum must weight for Cotes de Toul AOP rouge?
Rouge: 171 g/l
Minimum must weight for Cotes de Toul AOP vin gris?
Vin Gris: 153 g/l
Maximum residual sugar allowed in Cotes de Toul for Blanc/Vin Gris?
Blanc/Vin Gris: 8 g/l (residual sugar may not exceed g/l of tartaric acid +2)
Maximum residual sugar allowed in Cotes de Toul for rouge?
Rouge: 3 g/l
Training method allowed in Cotes de Toul AOP?
Training System: Cordon de Royat or Simple Guyot
Cotes de Toul AOC was established when?
AOC Established: 1998 (last updated 2011)
Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergbieten AOP is in what commune?
Bergbieten (Bas-Rhin)
Alsace Grand Cru Gloeckelberg AOP is what commune?
Rodern, Saint-Hippolyte (Haut Rhin, N of Ribeauville)
Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim AOP is what commune?
Bergheim (Haut-Rhin)
Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Wolxheim AOP is in what commune?
Wolxheim (Bas-Rhin)
Alsace Grand Cru Brand AOP is in what commune?
Turckheim (Haut-Rhin)
Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal AOP is in what commune?
Molsheim (Bas-Rhin)
Alsace Grand Cru Eichberg AOP is in what commune?
Eguisheim (Haut-Rhin)
What 2 Alsace Grand Cru AOP are allowed to blend?
Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim AOP
Alsace Grand Cru Kaefferkopf AOP
What is the smallest Grand Cru in Alsace?
Alsace Grand Cru Kanzlerberg AOP
Northern most Grand Cru from Alsace?
Alsace Grand Cru Steinklotz AOP
Southern most Grand Cru from Alsace?
Alsace Grand Cru Rangen AOP
Muscat is not authorized for varietal wines from what Alsace Grand Cru AOP?
Zotzenberg, Altenberg de Bergheim, or Kaefferkopf.
Is the minimum ABV level lower or higher for Riesling from Altenberg de Bergheim than the required Alsace Grand Cru AOP for Riesling (minimum 11% ABV)?
Yes it is 12%
What is the dead line to declare a Grand Cru wine from Alsace? Also, does it have to be vintage dated?
Additional Requirements for Alsace Grand Cru Wines:
Intent to produce Grand Cru wine must be declared before March 1 of the harvest year
Yes, must be vintage-dated
Minimum Planting density for Alsace Grand Cru AOP and Altenberg de Bergheim (also a grand cru AOP)
Alsace Grand Cru: 4,500 vines per hectare (2 meters or less between rows)
Altenberg de Bergheim: 5,500 vines per hectare
