Alsace

Question 1

Alsace climate

Answer 1

cool to moderate continental
rainshadow effect of Vosges mtns which also protect from westerly winds; sunny summers; dry autumns

n-most regions less protected/are coolest = better for sparkling and are where more cremant grapes are sourced from
due to dry sunny climate, organic and biodynamic viticulture are widely practised

Question 2

An unusual fact about Alsace which differentiates it from other French regions

Answer 2

labels varietally; 100% to be on label

Question 3

alsace sloped vines trained how

Answer 3

low to the ground to benefit from heat radiating from ground; hand harvested; se; east exposure

Question 4

alsace plains vines trained how

Answer 4

high to minimise frost risk

Question 5

alsace start of harvest

Answer 5

sept can last to dec (SGN VT). due to plots planted to different varieties, bunches will be ready to harvest at different points in the season

Question 6

alsace riesling

Answer 6

most widely planted; medium-full-bodied; dry; medium alch; high acid; citrus stone fruit; stony; steely; less floral than german

Question 7

alsace gewurz

Answer 7

spicy; roses; lychees; baking spice; can be slightly golden in colour dep. on skin contact; full-bodied ‘oily’ low to medium acid high alcohol (14% + not uncommon)

Question 8

alsace muscat

Answer 8

orange blossom; rose; grape; low to medium acid; light to med body

Question 9

alsace pb

Answer 9

not ‘noble’ but widely planted (in plains) for sparkling. auxerrois = sim to PB but spicier and more full bodied can be blended with PB but labeled Pinot.

Question 10

alsace sylvaner

Answer 10

traditional variety seldom found. delicately perfumed and rich but less so than gewurz

Question 11

alsace pinot noir

Answer 11

cremant; still; light.