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WSET level 3 2020 > Alsace > Flashcards

Alsace Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the climate in Alsace?

A

Cool to Moderate, Continental

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2
Q

What is the name of the mountain range that protects vineyards from the rain-bearing westerly winds?
What are these ranges called in Germany?

A

Vosges

Haardt

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3
Q

What is increased due to the blocking effect of the Vosges Mountains? What effect does this blocking have on Autumn conditions?

A

Sunlight

Dry as a result

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4
Q

What is a climatic issue in the warmer years in Alsace?

A

Drought

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5
Q

Where are the best vineyards located?

A

Steep, east or south-east facing slopes

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6
Q

Why is there a great variety of soils in Alsace?

Is this reflected in the wines, here more than other regions of the world?

A

Dramatic geological history

Yes

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7
Q

Expand VT and SGN

Which wines must have a higher minimum sugar ripeness ?

A

Vendanges Tardives
Selecition de Grains Nobles
SGN (usually sugar is achieved through botrytis)

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8
Q

What are the two principal categories of appellations for still wines in Alsace?

A

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

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9
Q

What two processes might the grapes for the best Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines have undergone?

A 
Passerillage 
Botrytis (maybe)
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10
Q

Alsace can be broken into the plains of the Rhine and the foothills of the Vosges, where would vines be trained low and oriented to maximise sunlight?

A

Slopes

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11
Q

Why would vines be trained high on plains?

A

To minimise the risk of spring frosts

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12
Q

What makes Organic and Biodynamic viticulture possible in Alsace?

A

Sunny, dry conditions

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13
Q

Why would a grower’s vintage be spread out over a significant period of time?

A

Many small plots with different varieties that ripen at different times (particularly with VT and SGN)

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14
Q

What are the four ‘noble’ varieties in Alsace?

A

Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat

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15
Q

What 3 styles of wine are limited to the use of the four noble varities?

A

Vendanges Tardives
Selection de Grains Nobles
Grand Cru

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16
Q

What juice is mainly used in blends? These blends will be labelled either Edelzwicker or Gentil

A

Juice not selected for varietal wines

17
Q

Can blends be included in Grand Cru?

A

Yes but very rare

18
Q

Traditional makers ferment their wines in large very old oak barrels, what further prevents the wood from having any impact on the wine? What is more common now?

A

A thick tartrate layer

Temperature controlled stainless

19
Q

When are most wines released?

A

The next spring

20
Q

Can many Alsace wines age in bottle?

A

Yes

21
Q

What issue has arisen with the popularity of noticeably sweeter wines being produced, particularly at the Grand Cru level and in VT wines?

A

There is no official labelling scheme

22
Q

Vendanges Tardives wines cover a range of which sweetness levels?

A

Dry to Medium sweet

23
Q

How do Alsace Rieslings compare to German Rieslings? Less…?

A

Less Floral

24
Q

What grape is the most widely planted in Alsace?

A

Riesling

25
Q

List characteristics of the best Rieslings (body, sweetness, alcohol, acid, 2 clusters, 2 distinct notes)

A 
Medium - Full
Dry
Medium alcohol
High acid
Citrus and Stone fruit
Stony or Steely
26
Q

What grape is known for it’s pungent, aromatic spicy nose of roses, lychee and sweet baking spices?

A

Gewurtztraminer

27
Q

List structural characteristics of Alsace Gewurtztraminers (body, texture, acid, alcohol)

A

Full-bodied
Oily
Low - medium acid
High alcohol

28
Q

Best Pinot Gris from Alsace is rich and full-bodied with pronounced flavour intensity. What are some typical flavours? Acid levels?

A

Fresh and dried fruit
Honey
Medium to High acid

29
Q

Out of Muscat Blanc a Petite Grains and Muscat Ottonel, which is more intensely aromatic? Name three aromas.
Which is more widely planted?

A

Muscat B a PG
Grape, Orange blossom, rose
Ottenel is more widely planted as it crops more reliably

30
Q

Where does Pinot Blanc tend to be grown?

A

The plains

31
Q

Auxerrois can be compared to which other grape but is a bit spicier and full bodied?

A

Pinot Blanc

32
Q

What is the only black grape allowed to be planted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir

WSET level 3 2020 (41 decks)

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