Alsace Flashcards
When did Alsace gain AOC status?
1962
Between the Haut-Rhin and the Bas-Rhin, which subregion contains the most premier quality vineyards?
The Haut-Rhin
What is the capital of the Haut-Rhin?
Colmar
What is the single most important aspect of Alsace’s climate with regards to viticulture?
Sunshine hours. The Vosges create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace incredibly sunny and dry.
What is grés de Vosges?
Pink Sandstone
What soils are generally found on the higher mountain slopes?
schist, granite, volcanic sediment
What soils are generally found on the lower mountain slopes?
limestone
What soils are generally found on the plain?
alluvial clay and gravel
What % of Alsace’s production is white?
90.00%
What are the four noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat, and Gewurztraminer
What are the three allowed clones of Muscat?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains Muscat Rosé à Petits Grains
Muscat Ottonel
What is Klevner?
Pinot Blanc
What is Gutedel?
Chasselas
What is Klevener?
Savagnin
What other variety may be blended into varietal bottlings of Pinot Blanc?
Auxerrois
If the wine is labeled simply “Pinot,” what varieties are permitted?
Noir, Blanc, Gris, Auxerrois
As of 2008, what style is mandatory for Alsatian riesling?
Dry
Klevener de Heiligenstein is permitted in what villages?
Heiligenstein Bourgheim Gertwiller Goxwiller Obernai
What is edelzwicker?
“Noble blend” - usually inexpensive, may be single varietal, may or may not be vintage dated
What is gentil?
A superior designation for blends, requiring >50% noble grapes; base wines must be vinified separately.
Who is the standard-bearer for traditional Alsatian field blends?
Marcel Deiss
In a traditional Alsatian field blend, are the grapes vinified together or separately?
Together
When was the Alsace Grand Cru AOP proposed?
1975
When did the first 25 Grand Crus appear?
1983
When did the next 25 Grand Crus appear?
1985
What is the most recent Grand Cru elevation, and when?
Kaefferkopf in 2006
Must Alsatian Grand Crus be varietal wines?
Yes, with exceptions
Which Grand Crus are permitted to blend?
Kaefferkopf
Altenberg de Bergheim
What is the encepagement for Altenberg de Bergheim?
50-70% Riesling, 10-25% Pinot Gris, 10-25% Gewurztraminer, plus
What is the encepagement for Kaefferkopf?
60-80% Gewurztraminer, 10-40% Riesling,