Alsace Flashcards
Alsace Factors of Production
Location: Northeastern corner of France along the border with Germany. Protected by the rain shadow of the Vosges mountains to the west and the Rhine river to the east.
Climate: Cool continental with dry, sunny summers due to the rain shadow. One of the driest regions in France
Topography/Aspect: Vineyards are planted on the rolling foothills of the Vosges mountains and the flat plains of the Rhine river.
Soil: Tremendous diversity of marl, limestone, gneiss, schist, sandstone, granite, clay and volcanic soils
Vinification: Neutral casks with little to no new oak
What percentage of Alsace wines are white?
90%
Alsace Grape Varieties
Riesling Gewurztraminer Muscat Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc Sylvaner Pinot Noir
Where are the better vineyards planted in Alsace?
On the lower slopes facing east-southeast
Alsace Appellations
Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP
Alsace Grand Cru AOP (51 Grands Crus Vineyards)
Alsace Grand Cru Grape varieties?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Crémant d’Alsace AOP
Méthode Traditionelle sparkling wines that are usually made from a blend of grapes
Vendange Tardive (VT)
Late-harvest (may also be affected by botrytis)
Rich, full-bodied, but not always sweet
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
The wines are always affected by botrytis. Made in very small quantities, only in vintages when growing conditions are conducive to their production.
What single grape varieties can be used in VT & SGN?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
If a wine from Alsace is labeled by grape variety it must contain what percentage of that variety?
100%
