Alsace

Question 1

where is Alsace located?

Answer 1

in France on the border between France and Germany

Question 2

what is different about Alsace wine labeling compared to other French labeling?

Answer 2

Alsace has most of its wine put the varietal on the label.

Question 3

What is the still wine focus in Alsace?

Answer 3

aromatic white grape varieties made of dry, off dry and sweet styles. some red wine is also made

Question 4

what is the climate like in Alsace?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

What does Alsace’s climate do to the grapes?

Answer 5

assure high levels of ripeness although in driest years drought can also be an issue

Question 6

Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?

Answer 6

on the steepest slopes with east and south-east facing aspects.

Question 7

What happens in the most northern part of the vineyards in Alsace?

Answer 7

they are the coolest places and give he least protection from the Vosges.

Question 8

where do the lesser vineyards of Alsace lie?

Answer 8

at the plains between the foothills of Vosges and Rhine

Question 9

What type of grapes are produced in the lesser vineyards of Alsace?

Answer 9

Crement d’Alsace the local AC sparkling wine.

Question 10

what kind of soils does Alsace have?

Answer 10

a variety of soil types especially at the foothills, which contributes to the styles of wines produced.

Question 11

what are grape growing practices dependent on in Alsace?

Answer 11

if the vineyards are on slopes or plains.

Question 12

what are the grape growing methods on slopes in ALsace?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

what are the grape growing methods on plains in ALsace?

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

what are the two principle appellation for still wines in Alsace?

Answer 14

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

Question 15

What are two classifications for Alsace wines?

Answer 15

Vendages Tardives (VT) and Selection de grains nobles (SGN)

Question 16

What are two statements that we often seen on Alsace wine labels but don’t have any legal status?

Answer 16

Reserve personnelle and Cuvee speciale

Question 17

What does having “Alsace” on a label mean?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

What does having “Alsace Grand Cru” on the Label mean

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

What does having “Vendanges Tardives (VT)” on the Label mean in Alsace

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

What does having “Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)” on the Label mean in Alsace

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

what are known as the four noble varieties in Alsace?

Answer 21

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtraminer, and Muscat

Question 22

What are the only varieties in Alsace that can be labelled TD or SNG and grand crus?

Answer 22

the 4 noble varieties

Question 23

the vast majority of Alsace wines are made of single varieties - T or F?

Answer 23

True - however there are a few blends which are inexpensive and made from juice that was not selected for varietal wines.

Question 24

How are blended wines labelled in Alsace?

Answer 24

Edelzwicker or Gentil or they carry a brand name

Question 25

Describe most of Alsace wine varietals

Answer 25

aromatic, and therefore make winemaking focused on retaining aromas and flavors of the grape.

Question 26

how do traditional producers ferment in Alsace?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Do producers allow MLF in Alsace wines?

Answer 27

not typically, because of the aromatic grapes but some producers do it.

Question 28

when does bottling take place for Alsace wines?

Answer 28

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.

Question 29

With the exceptions of VT and SGN styles what wines have traditionally been the best in Alsace?

Answer 29

traditionally wines have been dry, but in recent years more wines in particular in grand crus have been made with noticeable sweetness.

Question 30

What is the labelling scheme to indicate level of sweetness in Alsace?

Answer 30

there is not one, which causes problems for producers

Question 31

what style does VT wine come in?

Answer 31

they can vary from dry to medium sweet.

Question 32

what style is SGN wines come in?

Answer 32

they are always sweet but the extent of the influence of noble rot can vary.

Question 33

Describe an Alsace Riesling?

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Describe a Gewurztraminer from Alsace

Answer 34

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.

Question 35

Describe a Pinot Gris from Alsace

Answer 35

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.

Question 36

Describe a Muscat from Alsace

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

Describe Pinot Blanc in Alsace

Answer 37

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.

Question 38

Describe Auxerrois in ALsace

Answer 38

similar to Pinot Blanc but is slightly spicier and more full bodied.

Question 39

what is the only black varietal allowed in Alsace?

Answer 39

pinot noir - however much lighter than Burgandy and at best it is light fruity or rose.