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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > Alsace - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

Alsace - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool to moderate continental, with protection from the Vosges Mountains creating sunny summers and dry autumns.

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2
Q

What role do the Vosges Mountains play in Alsace?

A

They shield the region from rain-bearing westerly winds, resulting in low rainfall and ideal ripening conditions.

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3
Q

What are the two main appellations in Alsace?

A

Alsace AOC and Alsace Grand Cru AOC.

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4
Q

What are the four noble grape varieties in Alsace?

A

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.

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5
Q

What is the labeling requirement for varietal wines in Alsace?

A

100% of the wine must come from the named grape variety.

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6
Q

What distinguishes Alsace Grand Cru wines?

A

They must come from designated grand cru vineyards and use one of the four noble varieties.

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7
Q

What are Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines?

A

Late harvest wines made from noble varieties, often with passerillage or noble rot influence.

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8
Q

What are Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines?

A

Sweet wines made from noble varieties with higher sugar levels, usually influenced by noble rot.

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9
Q

How does geology influence Alsace wines?

A

The region’s diverse soils contribute to varied wine styles and terroir expression.

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10
Q

Where are the best vineyards in Alsace located?

A

On steep, east or southeast-facing slopes in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains.

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11
Q

How are vines trained on Alsace slopes?

A

Low training to capture radiated heat and maximize sun exposure.

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12
Q

What is the main sparkling wine from Alsace?

A

Crémant d’Alsace, made using the traditional method.

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13
Q

What are the primary flavors of Alsace Riesling?

A

Citrus, stone fruit, and a pronounced stony or steely character.

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14
Q

How does Alsace Gewurztraminer differ from other wines?

A

It has a pungent aroma of lychee, rose, and sweet spices, with a full-bodied, oily texture.

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15
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Alsace Pinot Gris?

A

Rich and full-bodied with flavors of dried fruit, honey, and high alcohol.

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16
Q

What are the main aromas of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Alsace?

A

Orange blossom, rose, and grape.

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17
Q

Why is Muscat Ottonel widely planted in Alsace?

A

It is more reliable and less prone to poor fruit set or rot than Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.

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18
Q

What is the role of Pinot Blanc in Alsace?

A

It produces light, simple, refreshing still wines and is commonly used in Crémant d’Alsace.

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19
Q

What distinguishes Pinot Noir in Alsace?

A

It is the only black grape permitted, producing light, fruity reds and rosés.

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20
Q

What is the main style of Sylvaner in Alsace?

A

Delicately perfumed with moderate richness, best consumed young.

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21
Q

What is the average harvest duration in Alsace?

A

From mid-September to late November, with later harvests for VT and SGN wines.

22
Q

How is MLF (malolactic fermentation) used in Alsace?

A

Typically avoided for aromatic varieties to preserve pure fruit flavors.

23
Q

What is Edelzwicker?

A

A traditional blend in Alsace, often inexpensive and made from multiple grape varieties.

24
Q

What are the characteristics of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards?

A

Exceptional terroirs with strict regulations on grape varieties and production methods.

25
Q

How does Riesling from Alsace differ from German Riesling?

A

Alsace Riesling is typically drier with higher alcohol and less floral character.

26
Q

What causes sweetness variation in Alsace wines?

A

Producers’ styles and lack of official labeling for sweetness levels.

27
Q

Why is organic and biodynamic viticulture common in Alsace?

A

Low disease pressure due to sunny and dry conditions.

28
Q

What is the texture and flavor profile of Gewurztraminer?

A

Full-bodied, low acidity, with oily texture and flavors of lychee, rose, and spice.

29
Q

What is the significance of old oak barrels in Alsace?

A

They prevent wood flavors from influencing wine due to thick tartrate deposits.

30
Q

How does altitude affect Alsace vineyards?

A

Higher altitudes provide cooler conditions, aiding aromatic complexity.

31
Q

What are the characteristics of Alsace SGN wines?

A

Intensely sweet with noble rot influence, showcasing honey and dried fruit.

32
Q

What is the importance of steep slopes in Alsace vineyards?

A

They provide excellent drainage and sunlight exposure, essential for ripening aromatic grape varieties.

33
Q

What are the characteristics of Alsace Pinot Noir?

A

Light-bodied with red fruit flavors, though some producers create more concentrated styles with oak aging.

34
Q

What distinguishes Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines from Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?

A

VT wines are late harvest, while SGN wines have higher sugar levels, often due to noble rot.

35
Q

Why are stainless steel tanks widely used in Alsace winemaking?

A

They preserve the pure fruit and aromatic character of the wines.

36
Q

What are the aging potentials of Alsace Riesling?

A

Top Rieslings can age for decades, developing complex secondary and tertiary characteristics.

37
Q

How do Alsace Grand Cru rules differ from Alsace AOC?

A

Grand Cru rules specify vineyard sites, noble varieties, and stricter production standards.

38
Q

What challenges do Alsace producers face with sweetness levels?

A

The lack of clear labeling for sweetness makes it hard for consumers to identify wine style.

39
Q

What is the typical alcohol content of Alsace Gewurztraminer?

A

Often high, reaching 14% ABV in some wines.

40
Q

What is the difference between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel?

A

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is more aromatic but less reliable; Muscat Ottonel is easier to grow.

41
Q

How do Alsace producers retain aromatic purity in their wines?

A

By avoiding malolactic fermentation and using temperature-controlled stainless steel.

42
Q

What is the texture of Alsace Pinot Gris compared to Gewurztraminer?

A

Pinot Gris is rich and oily but has more acidity, while Gewurztraminer is fuller-bodied with lower acidity.

43
Q

How do Alsace producers ensure clarity in their wines?

A

Wines are filtered and bottled young to preserve freshness and purity.

44
Q

What role do tartrate deposits play in traditional Alsace barrels?

A

They prevent the wood from influencing the wine, maintaining varietal purity.

45
Q

How many vineyards in Alsace have Grand Cru status?

A

Over 50 vineyards have Grand Cru status in Alsace.

46
Q

What is “Gentil” in Alsace wine labeling?

A

A term for blends that must include at least 50% noble grape varieties, with the rest from approved varieties.

47
Q

Why are vineyards at lower altitudes in Alsace trained high?

A

To minimize the risk of spring frosts.

48
Q

What is unique about the labeling of Alsace wines?

A

Most wines are varietally labeled, an unusual practice in French wine regions.

49
Q

Why is drought occasionally a concern in Alsace?

A

The rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains leads to very low annual rainfall.

50
Q

What are the characteristics of Alsace wines from the plain near the Rhine?

A

Typically lighter and less complex, often used for Crémant d’Alsace or simpler still wines.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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