Alsace Flashcards
What is the climate in Alsace?
Cool to moderate
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 appellations 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?
What is their potential sweetness?
Late harvest.
Dry to medium sweet.
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)?
What is their potential sweetness?
Grapes have a specific minimum sugar ripeness (higher than for VT), usually achieved with ‘noble rot’
Sweet.
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
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 to medium acidity
Intensely aromatic - Orange blossom, Rose and Grape
Why is Gewurztraminer typically high in alcohol?
Late developing aromas mean that sugars continue to rise (and acid falls - also a characteristic) whilst waiting for the aroma/flavour ripeness.
