Alsace

Question 1

What is the climate of Alsace?

Answer 1

Continental

Question 2

What is the elevation range of Alsace?

Answer 2

This isn’t a high elevation region- ranges from 175-214 meters

Question 3

What is the largest AOP in Alsace?

Answer 3

Vin d’Alsace AOP which covers 15,500 ha. Alsace Grand Cru AOP is 850 ha in comparison.

Question 4

When did Alsace receive it’s AOP?

Answer 4

1962, the last major French region to do so.

Question 5

How did the 30 Years War affect Alsace?

Answer 5

The 30 Years War happened between 1618-1648 when the French seized Alsace. The Treaty of Westphalia concluded the war in 1648 and cemented France’s ownership until 1871 during the Franco-Prussian war. Alsace was occupied during the World Wars by the Germans, but since 1940s remains French.

Question 6

How far back does grape growing date to in Alsace?

Answer 6

Back to the year 1,000 AD

Question 7

Which grapes are permitted for use in the Vin d’Alsace AOP?

Answer 7

Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir plus the noble grapes Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat and Gewurtztraminer and sometimes Sylvaner.

Question 8

What are the five communes for Savagnin Rose or Klevener de Heiligenstein?

Answer 8

Heiligenstein, Bourgheim, Gertwiller, Goxwiller, Obernai

Question 9

What are the rules for a wine to be labeled Gentil in Alsace?

Answer 9

Must be comprised of 50% noble varieties with any other permitted Alsatian grape making up the balance. The wines must be vinified separately prior to making the blend.

Question 10

Which is the only type of wine in Alsace that can be made by cofermentation?

Answer 10

Wines with a vineyard name can be the only wines that can be co-fermented.

Question 11

Best Alsace vintages for SGN wines since 2000?

Answer 11

2005 and 2007

Question 12

What are the must weights for Riesling and Muscat VT in Alsace?

Answer 12

244 VT

276 SGN

Question 13

What are the minimum must weights for Gewurtz and Pinot Gris VT and SGN

Answer 13

270VT

306 SGN