Alsace (France) Flashcards
Where is Alsace located?
Northeastern corner of France along border with Germany.
What/where are the two climate moderators in Alsace?
The Vosges to the west.
Rhine River to the east.
Between which two countries has Alsace been ruled?
Germany and France
How has Germany’s former rule influenced wine making in Alsace?
Grapes are of Germanic influence.
How has France’s rule over Alsace influenced wine making?
French wine making techniques.
How does the rain shadow from Vosges affect climate?
It protects the region from Atlantic weather.
Creates a drier, sunnier climate with longer growing season.
How does the rain shadow from the Vosges affect viniculture?
Longer growing season.
Riper grapes.
High alcohol potential.
Fuller bodied wines.
What are the four primary white grapes of Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurtztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
What is the primary red grape of Alsace?
Pinot Noir.
What are some other less important varieties grown in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc and Silvaner.
What two departmental boundaries is Alsace split into?
Haut-Rhin (South, higher elevation, best vineyards)
Bas-Rhin ( North, lower elevation, less protection from Vosges)
What is Alsace’s climate?
Cool, continental. Northerly latitude.
Dry, sunny summers.
One of driest regions in France.
Where are the vineyards of Alsace planted?
On rolling foothills of the Vosges (lower slopes) and on flat plains along the Rhine River.
What is the soil like in Alsace?
Very diverse.
Ancient.
Includes marl, limestone, gneiss, schist, sandstone, clay, granite, and volcanic soils.
Where are the best vineyards in Alsace planted?
On southeast/east facing slopes.
Whines from Alsace labeled by variety must have what percentage of that grape?
100%
What are the Alsace AOP’s?
Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP (entire region)
Alsace Grand Cru AOP (51 vineyards)
* can only use Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer
Cremant d’Alsace AOP
(traditional method sparkling blends)
What is ‘Vendange Tardive (VT)’?
Late harvested wine, may be affected by botrytis.
Rich, full bodied, but not always sweet.
Are VT and SGN wines blends or single variety wines?
Single varietals.
When did Germany’s rule over Alsace end?
The nazi’s defeat at the end of World War II.
What is the capital of Alsace? Where is it located?
Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)
Alsace became the last to attain AOC status
in France in 1962 - True or False?
True.
What are Alsace AOC blends labeled as?
‘Edelzwicker’ or ‘Gentil’
Describe Alsatian Riesling
Classically fermented dry.
More powerful than German rieslings.
Bright, fresh acidity, minerality, and youthful austerity.
Describe Alsatian Muscat.
Genetically similar to Italy’s Pinot Grigio.
Once known as Tokay d’Alsace.
Honey, dried apricots, ginger, and mushrooms.
Fuller bodied than Riesling/Muscat.
Residual sugar.
Describe Alsatian Gewurtztraminer.
Full bodied, fat, spicy.
Lychee, fruit cocktail, rose.
Golden and viscous.
What style of bottles are used for Alsatian wines?
Flute.
