Alsace: Vinification Techniques

Question 1

What does the term Vendanges Tardives imply on the label?

Answer 1

May show botrytis character but emphasis on varietal purity. Quality VT wines usually originate from vines in a state of passerillage. Wines in practice are generally dry but may be sweet.

Question 2

What does the term Selection de Grains Nobles imply on the label?

Answer 2

Emphasis here is on botrytis. SGN in practice are always sweet but do not have to be sweet.

Question 3

What are the specific unenriched minimum sugar levels that VT wines must be harvested at?

Answer 3

Vendanges Tardives requires a minimum of 244 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling, and 270 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

Question 4

What are the specific unenriched minimum sugar levels that SGN wines must be harvested at?

Answer 4

Sélection de Grains Nobles requires 276 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling, and 306 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. At 306 grams per liter, these wines are among the highest minimum must weights in France.

Question 5

T or F Chapitalization is allowed for VT and SGN

Answer 5

False

Question 6

T or F VT Wines are always affected by Botrytis

Answer 6

False

Question 7

T or F SGN Wines are always affected by Botrytis

Answer 7

True: SGN wines are affected by botrytis, and are harvested in tries

Question 8

What is the bottle type that Alsatian wines must be bottled in?

Answer 8

Bottle Shape: Alsace AOP wines must be bottled in the traditional “Vin du Rhin” / “Flûte d’Alsace” bottle.