Alsace Flashcards
What makes Alsace France’s most distinct region in terms of regional law
Varietal Labeling and German flute style bottle. 100% of one grape type.
Where is Alsace located
Northeastern border of France near Germany in between the Voges Mountains and Rhine River
Diffeence between Bah-Rhin and Haut Rhin
Northern Region (Bah) is less protected by Voges mountains and has lower elevation. Southern Region (Haut) protected by Voges and is higher in elevation-it contains highest qaulity producers.
Climate of Alsce
Cool continental. Hot and dry in summer. Lowest rainfull area in all of France due to Voges mountains. Makes for a LONG cool dry growing season.
Where do vineyards lie and what direction do they face
Foothills of Voges mountains and along the plains of the river. East and southeast.
There are multiple soils in Alsace (over 13)
Gneiss, limestone, volanic soils, marl, limesrone, schist sandstone, granite, and clay
Grapes of Alsace
Riesling, muscat, pinot gris, gewurtraminer, pinot blanc, sylvaner and PINOT NOIR
Benefits of a rain shadow
Sunnier climate (not warmer) and less rain, riper grapes, higher alcohol, fuller bodied wines.
Wine style
Use of neutral cask. Little to no oak.
Alsace AOP/Vind de Alsace.
The appellation that covers the entire region. Must use flute bottle
Alsace Grand Crus
51 Grand Crus that can only use the Noble grapes RMPG and are matched to a specific terroir.
Cremant d’Alsace
Uses a blend of grapes in the Method Traditional
Late Harves Wines of Alsace
THESE ARE SINGLE VARIETAL ONLY VT (Vandanges Tardive). It is not always sweet but is full bodied and rich. SGN (Selecion de Grains de Nobles) These dessert wines can only use the Noble grapes RMPG and are only made in good vintages.
Which dessert wine MUST be affected by botrytis
SGN Selecion de Grains de Nobles
Which dessert wine CAN be afffected by botrytis. Not required
VT Vandanges Tardive
