Alsace Flashcards
1
Q
How has Germany affected wine-making in Alsace?
A
- Germany & France frequently fought for Alsace and it changed hands
- German influence meant single variety, aromatic grapes (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat) alongside less aromatic like Pinot Gris
- in 20thC up to WW2 flatter land made cheaper wines
- Alsace French again in 1945, adopted AOC system
- Neglected hillsides replanted since 1960s (though less still wines, more Crémant d’Alsace grown now)
2
Q
One card on Alsace
A
- Located N-E France, but warm, sunny, unusually dry due to Vosges mountains to west
- 90% white, overwhelmingly single varieties & unoaked
- Due to German influence (Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat alongside less aromatic like Pinot Gris)
- in 20thC up to WW2 German - flatter land, cheap wines
- French again in 1945, adopted AOC system
- Neglected high quality hillsides replanted since 1960s
- Last decade less still wines, more Crémant d’Alsace
3
Q
Climate and risks to grape growing in Alsace
A
- Northerly latitude = long growing season - high sunshine hours important for ripening/ drying
- Inland location = continental climate, cold winters, warm, sunny summers.
- Wet westerly winds but Vosges mountain protect
- Only 600mm rain pa (half west side of Vosges) - summer drought can be issue, irrigation not permitted by AOC
- Rain year round - risks at flowering & fruit set (wettest in August, driest Sept & Oct during harvest)
- Föhn wind - warm, dries, raises temp & reduces fungal
- Marked diurnal difference esp higher slopes retains acidity
4
Q
Maximum yields in Alsace
A
- Alsace AOC whites 80hL/ha (can mean weak flavour)
- Alsace AOC + commune (13, eg Bergheim) 72 hL/ha
- Alsace AOC + lieu-dit (locality) 68 hL/ha
- Alsace Pinot Noir AOC 60hL/ha
- Alsace Grand Cru (only noble, white grapes) 55hL/ha
- Some Alsace GC 50hL/ha (eg Rangen de Thann) - others may also do this in the future
5
Q
Sugar levels for Alsace AOC and Grand Crus Vendange Tardives & Selection de Grains Nobles
A
- Muscat or Riesling Vendange Tardive 235g/L
- Muscat or Riesling SGN 276g/L
- Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer Vendange Tardive 257 g/L
- Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer SGN 306 g/L
6
Q
Is chaptalisation allowed in Alsace AOC?
A
yes (even Grand Cru)
7
Q
viticulture of Pinot Gris in Alsace
A
- early budding (spring frosts) early ripening (avoids autumn rains), but climate change harvest date vital - earlier picking/ better canopy management, as can accumulate sugar, drop acidity v quickly
- moderate yields, botrytis bunch rot, downy mildew
- accumulates high sugar so medium to high alcohol
- best examples have rich oily texture and capacity to age, develop honeyed, smoky notes
- market trend towards drier (12.5-13.5%) rather than off dry 13.5% good to outstanding, mid to premium
8
Q
flavour profile of Pinot Gris in Alsace
A
- medium intensity peach, apple
- full bodied
- medium acidity
- (best) oily texture
- can develop honey and smoke with age
- dry 12.5-13.5% is trend (though some off-dry at 13.5%)
9
Q
what are the noble grapes of Alsace permitted for Grand Cru wines and regulated styles like Vendange tardive and SGN?
A
- all white
- Riesling
- Muscat
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
10
Q
why is Gewurztraminer in Alsace fermented at a higher temperature than the other noble grapes?
A
- Gewurztraminer has pronounced aromas, not affected by slightly higher fermentation temperatures, and has higher sugar levels.
- A slightly higher (mid-range) fermentation temperature is desirable to ensure that the yeast can ferment effectively to high alcohol levels.
- Low fermentation temperatures are avoided as its characteristic banana aroma is not desired in Gewurztraminer.
11
Q
Explain how the Vosges mountain help protect the vineyards of Alsace
A
- The Vosges mountains are situated to the west of the vineyards, creating a rain shadow and protection from the dominant westerly winds and clouds
- Twice as much rain falls to the west of the mountains and the vineyards are drier, warmer and more protected than land outside the shadow of the Vosges mountains
- The Alsace vineyards have higher temperatures and more sunshine hours making this a unique climate at this latitude.
12
Q
Describe why Alsace’s landscape is often described as a ‘mosaic of terroirs’
A
- Dominated by the Vosges mts and plain of river Rhine.
- Diff microclimates and soils even within single vineyards, esp in foothills (200-450m) Best face south, s-e or s-w for max sunlight interception.
- steep slopes have poor, thin topsoils (on volcanic, granite, sandstone, schist) which promotes slower growth, better drainage for the roots and ultimately a more balanced vine producing high quality grapes.
- gentle slopes on plains near river Rhine have more fertile river bed soils of clay, marl, limestone and sandstone which results in high vigour vines that produce higher yields of lesser quality fruit.
13
Q
what vine training is permitted in Alsace (and what isn’t)?
A
- single and double Guyot are permitted
- NOT cordon training
14
Q
top 6 grapes in Alsace (which is pretty much all of them) in order of percentage of plantings
A
- Riesling (22%)
- Pinot Blanc/ Auxerrois (21%)
- Gewurztraminer (19%)
- Pinot Gris (15%)
- Pinot Noir (yay, a red, 10%)
- Sylvaner (5%)
15
Q
why is spacing between the vine rows in Alsace wider?
A
- because the fruit zone is trained higher (1-1.2m above ground) to reduce risk from frost and humidity esp on valley plain, and canopies are higher (up to 1.9m) to maximise exposure to the sun
- so spacing must be wider to avoid shading
- planting densities are about 4,500 vines ph (denser on slopes than plains)
