Alsace / Jura

Question 1

In what year did Alsace achieve its AOC status?

Answer 1

1962

Question 2

What was the last major region in France to achieve AOC status?

Answer 2

Alsace

Question 3

What is the name of the mountains that create a rain shadow effect in Alsace?

Answer 3

The Vosges

Question 4

Alsace is separated in this two departments:

Answer 4

Haut-Rhin and Bas-Rhin

Question 5

How can Alsatian grapes ripen regularly if planted so up north?

Answer 5

Lots of sunlight hours during summer

Question 6

What percentage of AOP wine made in Alsace is white?

Answer 6

90%

Question 7

What percentage does Alsace represent for total AOP still white wine production in France?

Answer 7

20%

Question 8

What are the four “noble” grapes of Alsace?

Answer 8

Riesling, Gewurtzraminer, Pinot Gris, Muscat

Question 9

What percentage of a varietal does Alsatian wines need to be made of to be labeled as such?

Answer 9

100%

Question 10

Besides the four noble grapes, what other grapes can be used in Alsace to make wine labeled with the varietal?

Answer 10

Pinot Blanc, Chasselas, Sylvaner and Pinot Noir

Question 11

Which two grapes are often blended in Alsace?

Answer 11

Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois

Question 12

If an Alsatian wine is made out of 100% Auxerrois, it has to be labeled as…

Answer 12

Pinot Blanc

Question 13

What is the most planted grape in Alsace and the last noble grape to ripen?

Answer 13

Riesling

Question 14

What are a few general differences between Alsatian and German Riesling?

Answer 14

Alsatian Riesling tends to be drier and higher in alcohol

Question 15

How was Pinot Gris formerly called in Alsace?

Answer 15

Tokay d’Alsace

Question 16

When was the Alsace Grand Cru AOP created?

Answer 16

1975

Question 17

How many grand cru vineyards are there in Alsace?

Answer 17

51

Question 18

How many vineyards in Alsace were granted with grand cru level both in 1975 and 2007?

Answer 18

Just one vineyard each time

Question 19

What is the name of the first vineyard in Alsace to be recognized with grand cru level?

Answer 19

Schlossberg

Question 20

What does “SGN” stand for and what can someone expect of a bottle with “SGN” on the label?

Answer 20

Sélections de Grains Nobles

It refers to Alsatian wine made out of grapes affected by botrytis. We would expect the wine to be sweet.

Question 21

What does “VT” stand for?

Answer 21

Vendanges Tardives

It means late harvest in French. It is generally used in Alsace

Question 22

In France, what is the name of the process of leaving the grapes on the vine until they start to dehydrate?

Answer 22

Passerillage

Question 23

What is the only appellation in Alsace that allows Chardonnay?

Answer 23

Cremant d’Alsace AOP

Question 24

Rosé Cremant d’Alsace can only be made from which grape?

Answer 24

Pinot Noir

Question 25

Name two of the main Alsatian producers

Answer 25

Hugel and Trimbach

Question 26

What is the only exception of an Alsatian Grand Cru vineyard that makes wine from a varietal that is not one of the four noble grapes?

Answer 26

Zotzenberg making Grand Cru level wine from 100% Sylvaner

Question 27

What is the largest grand cru AOP in Alsace?

Answer 27

Schlossberg

Question 28

What direction do the best vineyards in Alsace typically face?

Answer 28

East

Question 29

What is the most basic AOP in Jura?

Answer 29

Côtes du Jura AOP

Question 30

What are the three main red grapes of the Jura?

Answer 30

Poulsard, Trousseau and Pinot Noir

Question 31

What are the two main white grapes of the Jura?

Answer 31

Chardonnay and Savagnin

Question 32

What is the Jura’s main village for wine production?

Answer 32

Arbois AOP

Question 33

What are the main grapes of Crémant du Jura AOP?

Answer 33

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Trousseau
(These must represent a minimum of 70% on these sparkling wines)

Question 34

What does Edelzwicker mean in Alsace?

Answer 34

It’s a blend of any AOP allowed varieties (does not need to be vintage dated)