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French Wine Scholar > Alsace > Flashcards

Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What 2 grapes is Alsace the only wine region growing at the AOC level?

A

Gewurztraminer

Riesling

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2
Q

T or F? Alsace became part of Germany in 1871.

A

True:

It was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian war

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3
Q

What are the 4 permitted grapes in Alsace Grand Crus?

A

The 4 Noble Grapes:

  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Gris
  3. Muscat
  4. Gewurztraminer
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4
Q

What are the 3 primary grapes of Alsace that are not native to France?

A
  1. Riesling (German)
  2. Sylvaner (Austrian)
  3. Muscat (Greek)
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5
Q

T or F? Edelzwicker may be a blend of any white grapes approved for Alsace AOC Wine.

A

True

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6
Q

T or F? Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim may be a blend.

A

True:

If a blend, there must be at least 50% Riesling

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7
Q

T or F? There are 13 different soil types in Alsace.

A

True:

The soil types are very complex, owing to the millions of years of geological faulting and erosion

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8
Q

In which century did Alsace reach it’s peak of prosperity?

A

The 16th century (late Renaissance)

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9
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Alsace?

A

Riesling

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10
Q

Savagnin Rose is also known as?

A

Klevener

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11
Q

T or F? Grass may be planted between rows of vines to increase grape yields.

A

False:

Grass is planted to decrease yields by competing with the vines for nutrients

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12
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Continental, with large seasonal and diurnal temperature swings

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13
Q

“Tokay d’ Alsace” is a former name for?

A

Pinot Gris “Tokay d’ Alsace” is no longer allowed under EU law

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14
Q

What is the impact of global climate change on the dryness of Alsace Wines?

A

Sugar levels are rising and more off-dry wines are being produced

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15
Q

What is the AOC for sparkling wine in Alsace?

A

Crémant d’Alsace

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16
Q

What is the effect of the Vosges Mountains on the vineyards in Alsace

A

The Vosges Mountains provide a rain shadow that ensures mainly sunny and dry growing conditions

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17
Q

T or F? It is common for Alsace wines to be aged in new oak and undergo malolactic fermentation

A

False:

Neither practice is common in Alsace

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18
Q

T or F? Machine harvesting is common in Alsace

A

False:

Most vineyards are hand harvested due to the steepness of the slopes

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19
Q

Auxerrois Blanc is a cross between what 2 grapes?

A

Gouis Blanc and Pinot Noir

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20
Q

What is the difference between Klevner and Klevener?

A

Klevner is Pinot Blanc a genetic offshoot of Pinot Gris

Klevener is the non-aromatic version of Savignan Rose, a secondary grape in Alsace

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21
Q

T or F? A wine labeled “Selections de Grains Nobles” MUST be made from grapes affected by Botrytis

A

True

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22
Q

Klevner or Pinot Vrai is more commonly known as?

A

Pinot Blanc

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23
Q

T or F? Crémant d’Alsace is primarily made from Chardonnay

A

False:

Crémant d’Alsace is mostly Pinot Blanc, but Chardonnay can be used

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24
Q

What red grape is permitted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir

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25
Q

On which bottles of wines is vintage labeling optional?

A

Edelzwicker

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26
Q

Grand Cru Kaefferkoff, when bottled is a blend, must contain a majority of what grape?

A

Gewurztraminer

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27
Q

The Sylvaner grape is believed to be native to?

A

Austria

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28
Q

T or F? Wines in Alsace may be designated AOC, IGP or Vin Sans IG

A

False:

All wines in Alsace are AOC. In 2011, the number of AOC’s expanded to 53 from 3

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29
Q

Is Riesling indigenous to France?

A

No. Riesling is from Germany (the Rhine Valley)

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30
Q

What is Gentil?

A

It is a blend in Alsace that must be at least 50% Noble white grapes - they are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat

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31
Q

A former name for Pinot Gris is?

A

Tokay d’Alsace

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32
Q

Klevener is also known as?

A

Savagnin Rose

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33
Q

T or F? Sylvaner is permitted in Alsace Grand Cru’s

A

True, only in Zotzentberg

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34
Q

What are the 4 secondary grapes in Alsace?

A
  1. Chardonnay
  2. Chasselas
  3. Klevener (Savagnin Rose)
  4. Auxerrois Blanc
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35
Q

What are the 4 Noble Grapes in Alsace?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Muscat
  3. Pinot Gris
  4. Gewurztraminer
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36
Q

Zotzentberg is an exceptional Grand Crus vineyard because?

A

Sylvaner is permitted here

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37
Q

T or F? Chaptilization is common in Alsace

A

False:

The technique is disappearing as a result of global warming

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38
Q

What type of bottle is commonly used for wine in both Germany and Alsace?

A

The “Flute”, a long tapered bottle

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39
Q

In an effort to combat Phylloxera in Alsace, in the late 19th century vignerons were encouraged to?

A

Plant high yield, low-quality hybrids that could resist the pest

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40
Q

T or F? In Alsace. Grand Crus wines may be red or white

A

False:

Grand Cru wines in Alsace are white only

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41
Q

What are the 2 Muscats grown in Alsace?

A
  1. Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc - considered higher quality of the 2
  2. Muscat Ottonel
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42
Q

In which direction do the best slopes in Alsace face?

A

South/Southeast

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43
Q

T or F? Alsace is one of only 2 regions in France where Riesling is permitted

A

True:

Riesling has only recently been permitted in Languedoc

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44
Q

T or F? As a result of global climate change, Pinot Noir is becoming harder to grow in Alsace

A

False:

Pinot Noir is becoming easier to grow and darker in color

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45
Q

T or F? The grapes for the Alsace AOC can be sourced from any part of Alsace

A

True

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46
Q

What are the aging requirements of Crémant d’Alsace

A

9 months sur lie plus 3 months in the cellar (12 months total)

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47
Q

T or F? A wine labeled “Vendage Tardives” must be affected by noble rot

A

False:

Noble rot is not a requirement for VT late harvest wines

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48
Q

T or F? Alsace is the most northerly wine region in France

A 
False:
Champagne is ( located around the 49.5th parallel). Alsace is located between the 47th and 49th parallels
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49
Q

What is a “Graben”

A

A grave like trench caused by geologic uplift. Then collapsing on parallel fault lines.
In Alsace the faulting was followed by erosion creating a complex network of soil

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50
Q

What are the 4 German influences on wine in Alsace?

A
  1. Varietal Labeling
  2. Flute Bottle
  3. Riesling
  4. German Phonics
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51
Q

T or F? In Alsace, Chardonnay is used mainly as a component of a blend

A

True:

Chardonnay is used in Crémant d’Alsace

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52
Q

T or F? A wine labeled “Alsace AOC” can be still or sparkling

A

False:

Sparkling wines are labeled Crémant d’Alsace

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53
Q

What percentage of Alsace wine is white?

A

90%

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54
Q

T or F? In Alsace, each Grand Cru has its own AOC status

A

True:

Since 2011

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55
Q

What are the 7 primary grapes in Alsace?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Blanc
  3. Pinot Gris
  4. Pinot Noir
  5. Gewurztraminer
  6. Sylvaner
  7. Muscat
56
Q

T or F? The AOC approved yields for Alsace are the highest in France

A

True:

The are generally 80 hl/ha for whites

57
Q

What are the 7 primary grapes in Alsace?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Blanc
  3. Gewurztraminer
  4. Pinot Gris
  5. Pinot Noir (only red)
  6. Sylvaner
  7. Muscat
58
Q

What is the German legacy on Alsace wine production in the Alsace wine region?

A
  1. The traditional flute bottle
  2. Combination of German & French nomenclature on label
  3. Varietal labeling vs place names
  4. Riesling grape
59
Q

How many times did Alsace flip nationalities between Germany and France?

A

6 times

60
Q

Alsace was originally part of what country?

A

Alsace was originally part of Germany

61
Q

How much rain does Alsace get annually?

A

Alsace averages 15.5” to 19.5” of rain annually

62
Q

Did the Rhine River form the Rhine River Valley (Rhine Graben)?

A

No, it did not

63
Q

What grape grew wild in the Rhine River Valley?

A

Riesling

64
Q

What river forms the border between Alsace and Germany?

A

The Rhine River

65
Q

What parallels does Alsace lie between?

A

It lies between the 47th and 49th parallels north

66
Q

What grape is Auxerrois Blanc a cross of?

A

It is a cross between Pinot & Gouis Blanc

It is fairly neutral with high sugar and low acid

67
Q

What grape is Klevener de Heiligenstein?

A

It is the non-aromatic version of Savagnin Rose

It is a genetic offshoot of Savagnin Blanc

68
Q

What clones of Muscat are grown in Alsace?

A

Muscat à Petit Grains

Muscat Ottonel

69
Q

What are the 4 noble grape varieties in Alsace?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Gris
  3. Gewurztraminer
  4. Muscat
70
Q

Why are most vineyards hand harvested?

A

Most of the vineyards are planted on slopes and hills that are too steep for machines

71
Q

What 2 Grand Crus can produce blends?

A
  1. Altenberg de Bergheim (50% Riesling)

2. Kaefferkopf (60-80% Gewurztraminer)

72
Q

What grape varieties can be used in the Alsace Grand Crus AOC’s ?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Gris
  3. Gewurztraminer
  4. Muscat
  5. Sylvaner (Zotzenberg AOC only)
73
Q

What is a Lieux-Dits?

A

It is a named plot of land with distinguishable characteristics

74
Q

How many communal designations are in Alsace?

A

13

75
Q

How many AOC’s are there in Alsace?

A

53

  1. AOC Alsace - Regional AOC, can have village or commune name on it
  2. 51 Grand Cru’s - white only, 4% of Alsace wine
  3. Crémant d’Alsace (White or Rose), Gewurztraminer and Muscat are forbidden
76
Q

What is Vendage Tardives (VT)?

A

Late harvest sweet wine
May or may not have Botrytis
Must be a noble variety grape

77
Q

What is Selection de Grains Nobles (VT)?

A

Sweet wine using botrytized grapes
Picked berry by berry
Only Noble grape varieties can be used

78
Q

Describe the Gentil Blend?

A

Minimum of 50% noble grapes
Must be vinified separately
Requires tasting panel approval
Vintage must appear on label

79
Q

Describe the Edelzwicker blend?

A 
Any approved white grape of Alsace
Vinified separately or together
Vintage is optional
Entry level blend
Is not an independent AOC
80
Q

What grapes go into a bottle of Pinot d’Alsace?

A 
100% Auxerrois Blanc
or
100% Pinot Blanc
or
100% Pinot Noir (vinified as a white wine)
or 
100% Pinot Gris
or a blend of any or all
81
Q

What grapes go into a bottle of Pinot Blanc?

A

100% Pinot Blanc
or
100% Auxerrois Blanc
or a blend of both

82
Q

What percentage of Alsace’s total production is white?

A

90%

83
Q

How much of Alsace’s total production is varietally labeled?

A

80%

84
Q

In Alsace if it is varietally labelled what percentage of that variety must be in the bottle?

A

100%

85
Q

Are Alsace wines dry or sweet by tradition?

A

Dry
They spend time in steel or neutral oak
Do not undergo malo-lactic fermentation
Little need to chaptalize

86
Q

Describe Crémant d’Alsace production.

A

Made in the Methode Traditionelle
Grapes are hand picked & whole cluster pressed by law
9 months sur lie aging
White is primarily Pinot Blanc

87
Q

Is Crémant d’Alsace a blended wine?

A

It can be a blend or a single variety

88
Q

Potential blend Pinot d’Alsace can be made from what grapes?

A 
Auxerrois Blanc
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir (vinified as a white)
Pinot Gris
No minimums or maximums and can also be a single variety
89
Q

Potential blend Pinot Blanc can be made from what grapes?

A

Pinot Blanc (Klevner) can be 100% Pinot Blanc or 100% Auxerrois Blanc or a blend of both

90
Q

Describe Muscat d’Alsace …

A
  1. One of the oldest grapes in the world
  2. Two versions grown in Alsace
    Muscat à Petit Grains (16th century)
    Muscat Ottonel (19th century)
  3. They have high sugar levels & high extract levels
  4. Ottonel is less aromatic and acidic than Muscat à Petit Grains
91
Q

Describe Sylvaner.

A
  1. Native to Austria
  2. It is a Savagnin Blanc & Osterreichish Weiss cross
  3. Little aroma, ripens with high acid levels
92
Q

Describe Pinot Noir.

A
  1. Origin undetermined, evidence suggests the Jura
  2. Genetically looks like a Pinot-Savagnin Blanc kinship
  3. Ripens with good acidity and moderate tannins
93
Q

Describe Pinot Gris.

A
  1. Native to France
  2. Genetic mutation of Pinot Noir
  3. High extract levels, low acidity
94
Q

Describe Pinot Blanc…

A
  1. Native to France
  2. Genetic mutation of Pinot Gris
  3. Second most widely planted grape in Alsace
  4. Largely used for Crémant d’Alsace production
95
Q

Is Riesling from the Rhine Valley?

A

Yes

It ripens with high sugar and acid

96
Q

In keeping with German tradition what 2 items does the Alsace list on the bottle?

A
  1. Producer

2. Grape Variety

97
Q

What is Chardonnay a cross of?

A

It is a cross of Pinot & Gouais Blanc and has high sugar and high extract

98
Q

Edelzwicker and Gentil are both what?

A

Blends and along with Crémant make up 20% of Alsace’s total production

99
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Continental

100
Q

T or F? Alsace receives some of the lowest rainfall in France.

A

True, between 15.5” and 19.5”

101
Q

Alsace is one of the most northerly wine regions in France. What one region is more north?

A

Champagne

102
Q

In 1941, 30% of all vineyards in Alsace were planted to?

A

French-American hybrids

103
Q

A northerly climate that is bathed in sunshine results in?

A

Grapes that ripen slowly with intense aromatics

104
Q

What is a graben?

A

A large scale topographical trench with vertical uplifts

105
Q

How many soil types are in Alsace?

A

13

106
Q

T or F? Riesling is native to the Rhine Valley?

A

True

107
Q

Pinot Blanc is?

A
  1. Native to France

2. Genetic off shoot of Pinot Gris

108
Q

Gewurztraminer is?

A
  1. The Aromatic version of Savagnin Rose, which is a pink skinned mutation of Savagnin Blanc
  2. Native to France
109
Q

What is the Non-Aromatic version of Savagnin Rose?

A

Klevener

110
Q

Is Pinot Gris native to France?

A

Yes

111
Q

What grape is Pinot Gris a genetic mutation of?

A

Pinot Noir

112
Q

Sylvaner comes from what country?

A

Austria

113
Q

What grapes are the parents of Sylvaner?

A

Savagnin Blanc & Osterreichish Weiss

114
Q

The two Muscat grapes grown in Alsace are?

A

Muscat à Petit Grains (the better and older one) (16th century)
Muscat Ottonel (18th Century)
Muscat is thought to be the grape that all others came from

115
Q

Is Chardonnay indigenous to France?

A

Yes

In Alsace it is used as a blending partner in Crémant d’Alsace

116
Q

What grapes is Chardonnay a cross between?

A

Gouis Blanc and a member of the Pinot family

117
Q

In Alsace what percentage of wines are blends?

A

20%

118
Q

If varietally labeled, how much of that grape must be in the bottle?

A

100%

119
Q

What percentage of wine is varietally labeled in Alsace?

A

80%

120
Q

T or F? Gewurztraminer is the aromatic version of Savagnin Rose; Klevener is the non-aromatic version?

A

True

121
Q

T or F? Pinot Noir production is increasing due to climate change

A

True

122
Q

T or F? Alsace was reclaimed by Germany in 1871 at the close of the Franco-Prussian war

A

True

It went back to France after WWI

123
Q

What is the length and width of Alsace?

A

75 miles north to south and 3 miles east to west

124
Q

What parallels are the limits of the vine?

A

Between 30 and 50 degrees north and south

125
Q

Where are the vineyards planted in Alsace?

A

On the Vosges Mountain foothills between 660 and 1320 feet

126
Q

Describe the 4 seasons of Alsace.

A

Spring - Mild and often accompanied by frost
Summer - Warm, dry & sunny with sporadic thunderstorms and hail
Fall - Humid (enabling noble rot) chances of thunderstorms and hail
Winter - cold, puts vines in true dormancy. Riesling needs this to survive

127
Q

What does Alsace lie in?

A

The Rhine Graben
A graben is a grave like trench
Although the Rhine River flows through it, the Rhine did not form it

128
Q

What are colluvial soils?

A

Slope wash

129
Q

What are alluvial soils?

A

Materials dropped by streams as they finish their downhill run.
Usually very rich in organic material

130
Q

What are loess and loam soils?

A

Wind deposits that are comprised of silt and sand with very little clay
They are loose and rich with good water retention and make excellent cropland

131
Q

Where does the grape Chasselas come from?

A

It is native to the area around Lake Geneva

132
Q

T or F? Klevener is the non-aromatic version of Savagnin Rose

A

True

Klevener de Heiligenstein is only grown in the area surrounding Heiligenstein near the town of Barr

133
Q

Auxerrois Blanc is a cross between?

A

Gouias Blanc and a member of the Pinot family - Pinot Noir

It is believed to have originated in Lorraine

134
Q

The production stats of Alsace wine is?

A 
80% carried out by 175 producers
90% white
10% red/rose'
75% consumed in France
25% exported
135
Q

T or F? Most of the large wine producers in Alsace are family owned?

A

True

French Wine Scholar (15 decks)

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