Alsace Flashcards
What is the climate in Alsace?
Cool to moderate Continental
Sunny Summers and dry Autumns
What effect do the Vosges Mountains have on Alsace?
Shelter the vineyards from prevailing Westerly, rain bearing winds
Where are the best vineyards located?
On the steepest slopes with east and south-east aspects
What are the two principal appelations of Alsace?
Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru
What are the four noble grape varieties of Alsace?
Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris
What does ‘Vendages Tardives’ (VT) mean?
Late harvest.
Grapes have a specific minimum sugar ripeness.
The best wines may have undergone ‘passerillage’ and there may be some influence of ‘noble rot’
What is ‘Selection de Grains Nobles’ (SGN)?
Grapes have a specific minimum sugar ripeness (higher than for VT), usually achieved with ‘noble rot’.
Not produced every year, and only in small quantities due to low yield.
Depending on variety, how late can grape picking happen
End November / early December
What are blended Alsace wines called?
‘Edelzwicker’ or ‘Gentil’
What are the key characters of Alsace Riesling? Body Alcohol Acidity Aromas
Medium to full bodied
Medium alcohol
High acidity
Aromas - Citrus and stone fruit, with pronounced stony/steely
What are the key characters of Gewurtztraminer? Body Alcohol Acidity Aromas
Full bodied with a rich oily texture
High alcohol often 14%
Low to medium acidity
Aromas - Lychees, roses, sweet baking spices
What are the key characters of Pinot Gris? Body Alcohol Acidity Aromas
Full bodied
High in alcohol
Medium acidity
Aromas - Fresh and dried fruits, honeyed character
What are the key characters of Muscat? Body Alcohol Acidity Aromas
Light to medium body
Low-medium alcohol
Low to medium acidity
Intensely aromatic - Orange blossom, Rose and Grape
Goes with asparagus/hollandaise
Prone to rot, and poor fruit set, so the less aromatic Muscat Ottonel is used
List the 4 Natural factors of wine
Grapes
Climate
Weather
Soil / Aspect
