Alsace, France

Question 1

What are two important geological feature in Alsace and how does it effect the weather

Answer 1

Vosges Mountains in the east and Rhine river in the west causing a rain shadow effect. This leads to sunny and dry summers

Question 2

What are the two sections of Alsace and how do they differ

Answer 2

Bas- rhin in the north, lower elevation, less protection from the mountains
Haut- rhin in the south higher elevation, and location of the best vineyards

Question 3

What are the grape verities of Alsace

Answer 3

White-
Riesling
Gewurtztraminer
Muscat
Pinot gris
Pinot blanc
Sylvaner

Red-
Pinot noir

Question 4

How does the rain shadow effect viticulture

Answer 4

Drier climate
Sunnier climate ( not necessarily warmer)
Long growing season
Riper grapes 
Higher alcohol potential
Fuller - bodied wines

Question 5

Important vinification factors for aging

Answer 5

Neutral casks, little to no use of new oak

Question 6

What grapes are allowed in Alsace grand cru vineyards

Answer 6

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot gris

Question 7

What are the late harvest wines of Alsace and how do they differ

Answer 7

VT and SGN wines can only be made with riesling, geeurztraminer, muscat, or Pinot gris

Vendange tardive (vt)- late-harvest (may be affected by botrytis) rich, full bodied but not always sweet

Slesctiin de grains nobles (SGN)- always botrytis affected, small quantities, on vintages when growing conditions are conducive

Question 8

What type of wine is Fremont d’ alsace

Answer 8

Sparkling wine