Alsace Flashcards
where is Alsace located?
in France on the border between France and Germany
what is different about Alsace wine labeling compared to other French labeling?
Alsace has most of its wine put the varietal on the label.
What is the still wine focus in Alsace?
aromatic white grape varieties made of dry, off dry and sweet styles. some red wine is also made
what is the climate like in Alsace?
cool to moderate continental climate.. The Vosges Mountains shelter the vineyards from the prevailing westerly , rain bearing winds and lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry autumns
What does Alsace’s climate do to the grapes?
assure high levels of ripeness although in driest years drought can also be an issue
Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?
on the steepest slopes with east and south-east facing aspects.
What happens in the most northern part of the vineyards in Alsace?
they are the coolest places and give he least protection from the Vosges.
where do the lesser vineyards of Alsace lie?
at the plains between the foothills of Vosges and Rhine
What type of grapes are produced in the lesser vineyards of Alsace?
Crement d’Alsace the local AC sparkling wine.
what kind of soils does Alsace have?
a variety of soil types especially at the foothills, which contributes to the styles of wines produced.
what are grape growing practices dependent on in Alsace?
if the vineyards are on slopes or plains.
what are the grape growing methods on slopes in ALsace?
vines are trained low to benefit from radiated heat and the rows are oriented to maximize the vines exposure to the sun. grapes are harvested by hand
what are the grape growing methods on plains in ALsace?
vines are trained high to minimize the risk of spring frost. organic and biodynamic viticulture is practiced in many areas due to the low disease pressure in the sunny dry conditions.
what are the two principle appellation for still wines in Alsace?
Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru
What are two classifications for Alsace wines?
Vendages Tardives (VT) and Selection de grains nobles (SGN)
What are two statements that we often seen on Alsace wine labels but don’t have any legal status?
Reserve personnelle and Cuvee speciale
What does having “Alsace” on a label mean?
it accounts for most of the region’s production. most wines are from a single variety and labelled with that variety. If the variety is on the label 100% has to be that grape. rarely wines are blended
What does having “Alsace Grand Cru” on the Label mean
it has come from one of 50 vineyards. must be produced from a single noble grape variety (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, or Gewurztraminer) - but some exceptions do exist. some controversy around this label as some see it as overused.
What does having “Vendanges Tardives (VT)” on the Label mean in Alsace
Late Harvest - can only be made from one of the four noble varieties and must have a minimal sugar ripeness depending on the varietal. in the best wines they will have undergone passerillage and there may be some noble rot.
What does having “Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)” on the Label mean in Alsace
can only be made from one of the four noble varietals and must contain a minimal sugar ripeness depending on the varietal. minimal sugar is higher than VT are normally acheived through noble rot. only produced in small quantities and not every year.
what are known as the four noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtraminer, and Muscat
What are the only varieties in Alsace that can be labelled TD or SNG and grand crus?
the 4 noble varieties
the vast majority of Alsace wines are made of single varieties - T or F?
True - however there are a few blends which are inexpensive and made from juice that was not selected for varietal wines.
How are blended wines labelled in Alsace?
Edelzwicker or Gentil or they carry a brand name
Describe most of Alsace wine varietals
aromatic, and therefore make winemaking focused on retaining aromas and flavors of the grape.
how do traditional producers ferment in Alsace?
in large old oak barrels often more than 100 years old. on the inside there is a thick tartrate deposit which prevents the wood from having any influence on the wine. in modern cellars stainless steel vats are now more commonly used which controls the temperatures at the time of fermentation.
Do producers allow MLF in Alsace wines?
not typically, because of the aromatic grapes but some producers do it.
when does bottling take place for Alsace wines?
in the spring following the harvest, while the wine is young and fresh. most are ready to drink then, but many are capable of further aging in the bottle.
With the exceptions of VT and SGN styles what wines have traditionally been the best in Alsace?
traditionally wines have been dry, but in recent years more wines in particular in grand crus have been made with noticeable sweetness.
What is the labelling scheme to indicate level of sweetness in Alsace?
there is not one, which causes problems for producers
what style does VT wine come in?
they can vary from dry to medium sweet.
what style is SGN wines come in?
they are always sweet but the extent of the influence of noble rot can vary.
Describe an Alsace Riesling?
most widely planted varietal of the noble varieties. the best are medium to full bodied, dry with medium alcohol, high acidity, and display citrus and stone fruit aromas. often with a pronounced stony, steely character. many now being made with a residual sugar. not as floral as the ones from Germany
Describe a Gewurztraminer from Alsace
renowned for its pungent aromatic spicy nose, reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spices. skin of the grape has a light pink tinge which gives a golden color to some of the wines. tend to be full bodied with a rich oily texture, low to medium acidity, and high alcohol ; wines with ABV of 14% are not uncommon.
Describe a Pinot Gris from Alsace
best are rich, full bodied, high in alcohol, but often more with acidity than Gewurztraminer. Can have similar color to Gewurztraminer but are less aromatic. can have a pronounced character with fresh and dried fruits and honeyed character.
Describe a Muscat from Alsace
there are a number of grape varieties called Muscat two of which are grown in ALsace. the best comes from Muscat blanc a Petits Grains and have intense flavors of orange blossom, rose, and grape. Tend to have light to medium body and low to medium acidity. prone to fruit set and rot so Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted because it can be relied on to produce crop more.
Describe Pinot Blanc in Alsace
widely planted. Tends to be grown in the more fertile soils of the plain rather than the better sloped sites. Used mostly for sparkling wines but as a still wine it is generally light, simple, and refreshing and non-aromatic in style.
Describe Auxerrois in ALsace
similar to Pinot Blanc but is slightly spicier and more full bodied.
what is the only black varietal allowed in Alsace?
pinot noir - however much lighter than Burgandy and at best it is light fruity or rose.
