Alsace - France - CMS Intro Somm Flashcards
What is Alsace known for?
Alsace is known for being one of the most distinctive wine regions in France.
What has shaped the culture and wine style of Alsace?
Geographical isolation and a history of alternating French and German rule.
Alsace is a highly desirable (and hotly disputed) region
What are the roots of Alsace wines connected to?
Alsace wines are strongly connected to both German and French roots.
What is notable about the prominent grapes in Alsace?
Some of the prominent grapes are Germanic in origin.
What winemaking techniques are often employed in Alsace?
French winemaking techniques are often employed.
Fill in the blank: The wines of Alsace reflect a blend of _____ and _____ influences.
German and French
Where is Alsace located?
In the northeastern corner of France along the border with Germany
What geographical features border Alsace, France?
- Vosges Mountains to the west
- Rhine River to the east
What geographical features protect Alsace, France from harsh weather?
The Vosges Mountains
They create a rain shadow
Why does Alsace, France have harsh weather?
Rain comes from northern France and the Atlantic
What two départmental boundaries divide the region of Alsace, France?
- Bas-Rhin to the north
- Haut-Rhin to the south
What are the geographic characteristics of Bas-Rhin, Alsace?
- Lower elevation
- Less protection from the Vosges Mountains
In the north of Alsace
What are the geographic characteristics of Haut-Rhin, Alsace?
- Higher elevation
- The location of the best vineyards
In the south of Alsace
What type of climate does Alsace, France have, and why?
Cool continental because of the northerly latitude
What contributes to the dry, sunny summers in Alsace, France?
The rain shadow from the Vosges
What is notable about Alsace’s climate compared to other regions in France?
Alsace is one of the driest regions in France
Where are the vineyards in Alsace, France primarily planted?
On the rolling foothills of the Vosges Mountains
What type of terrain features does Alsace have along the Rhine River?
Flat plains
What are over 90% of Alsace wines made from?
White grape varieties
What are the soils of Alsace, France?
Various soil types, including:
* Marl
* Limestone
* Gneiss
* Schist
* Sandstone
* Granite
* Clay
* Volcanic soils
Tremendous diversity across the region
What is the primary factor contributing to soil diversity in the Alsace region?
Ancient geologic activity
What are the white grape varieties of Alsace, France?
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Blanc
- Sylvaner
What is the red grape variety in Alsace, France?
Pinot Noir
What climatic condition influences the growing season in Alsace, France?
Long, cool, dry growing season
This is due to the rain shadow cast by the Vosges Mountains.
Where are the better vineyards typically planted in Alsace, France?
On the lower slopes facing east/southeast
This positioning helps maximize sunlight exposure.
Fill in the blank: Alsace’s soil types include _______.
[marl, limestone, gneiss, schist, sandstone, granite, clay, volcanic soils]
What is the effect of the rain show from the Vosges Mountains in Alsace?
- Drier climate
- Sunnier climate (not necessarily warmer)
- Long growing season
- Riper grapes
- Higher alcohol potential
- Fuller-bodied wines
What type of casks are often used for fermentation and aging in Alsace, France?
Neutral casks
Little to no use of new oak
How are most wines labeled according to regional wine law in Alsace, France?
By reference to the single grape variety utilized
What are the appellations of Alsace, France?
- Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP
- Alsace Grand Cru AOP
- Crémant d’Alsace AOP
What is the name of the AOP that covers the entire Alsace region?
Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP
This AOP applies to all wines produced in the Alsace region.
What style of bottle must all Alsace AOP wines be bottled in?
Traditional tall, slender Flûte d’Alsace-style bottle
When labeled by variety, how much of that grape must be used in Alsace, France?
100%
How many Grands Crus vineyards are there in Alsace?
51 Grands Crus vineyards
How many grape varieties are allowed to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru AOP vineyards?
4
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Gris
What are the four grape varieties allowed to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru AOP vineyards?
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
- Pinot Gris
The grape varieties in Alsace Grand Cru AOP vineyards are matched with what?
The specific soil type and terroir of the specific vineyard site
What are Crémant d’Alsace AOP wines?
Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wines that are usually made from a blend of grapes
What are Vendange Tardive (VT) wines in Alsace, France? What are their characteristics?
- Late-harvest (may also be affected by botrytis)
- Rich, full-bodied, but not always sweet
What are Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines in Alsace, France?
These wines are always affected by botrytis, made in very small quantities, only in vintages when growing conditions are conducive to their production
