Alsace - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool to moderate continental, with protection from the Vosges Mountains creating sunny summers and dry autumns.
What role do the Vosges Mountains play in Alsace?
They shield the region from rain-bearing westerly winds, resulting in low rainfall and ideal ripening conditions.
What are the two main appellations in Alsace?
Alsace AOC and Alsace Grand Cru AOC.
What are the four noble grape varieties in Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat.
What is the labeling requirement for varietal wines in Alsace?
100% of the wine must come from the named grape variety.
What distinguishes Alsace Grand Cru wines?
They must come from designated grand cru vineyards and use one of the four noble varieties.
What are Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines?
Late harvest wines made from noble varieties, often with passerillage or noble rot influence.
What are Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines?
Sweet wines made from noble varieties with higher sugar levels, usually influenced by noble rot.
How does geology influence Alsace wines?
The region’s diverse soils contribute to varied wine styles and terroir expression.
Where are the best vineyards in Alsace located?
On steep, east or southeast-facing slopes in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains.
How are vines trained on Alsace slopes?
Low training to capture radiated heat and maximize sun exposure.
What is the main sparkling wine from Alsace?
Crémant d’Alsace, made using the traditional method.
What are the primary flavors of Alsace Riesling?
Citrus, stone fruit, and a pronounced stony or steely character.
How does Alsace Gewurztraminer differ from other wines?
It has a pungent aroma of lychee, rose, and sweet spices, with a full-bodied, oily texture.
What are the typical characteristics of Alsace Pinot Gris?
Rich and full-bodied with flavors of dried fruit, honey, and high alcohol.
What are the main aromas of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Alsace?
Orange blossom, rose, and grape.
Why is Muscat Ottonel widely planted in Alsace?
It is more reliable and less prone to poor fruit set or rot than Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains.
What is the role of Pinot Blanc in Alsace?
It produces light, simple, refreshing still wines and is commonly used in Crémant d’Alsace.
What distinguishes Pinot Noir in Alsace?
It is the only black grape permitted, producing light, fruity reds and rosés.
What is the main style of Sylvaner in Alsace?
Delicately perfumed with moderate richness, best consumed young.
What is the average harvest duration in Alsace?
From mid-September to late November, with later harvests for VT and SGN wines.
How is MLF (malolactic fermentation) used in Alsace?
Typically avoided for aromatic varieties to preserve pure fruit flavors.
What is Edelzwicker?
A traditional blend in Alsace, often inexpensive and made from multiple grape varieties.
What are the characteristics of Alsace Grand Cru vineyards?
Exceptional terroirs with strict regulations on grape varieties and production methods.
How does Riesling from Alsace differ from German Riesling?
Alsace Riesling is typically drier with higher alcohol and less floral character.
What causes sweetness variation in Alsace wines?
Producers’ styles and lack of official labeling for sweetness levels.
Why is organic and biodynamic viticulture common in Alsace?
Low disease pressure due to sunny and dry conditions.
What is the texture and flavor profile of Gewurztraminer?
Full-bodied, low acidity, with oily texture and flavors of lychee, rose, and spice.
What is the significance of old oak barrels in Alsace?
They prevent wood flavors from influencing wine due to thick tartrate deposits.
How does altitude affect Alsace vineyards?
Higher altitudes provide cooler conditions, aiding aromatic complexity.
What are the characteristics of Alsace SGN wines?
Intensely sweet with noble rot influence, showcasing honey and dried fruit.
What is the importance of steep slopes in Alsace vineyards?
They provide excellent drainage and sunlight exposure, essential for ripening aromatic grape varieties.
What are the characteristics of Alsace Pinot Noir?
Light-bodied with red fruit flavors, though some producers create more concentrated styles with oak aging.
What distinguishes Vendanges Tardives (VT) wines from Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?
VT wines are late harvest, while SGN wines have higher sugar levels, often due to noble rot.
Why are stainless steel tanks widely used in Alsace winemaking?
They preserve the pure fruit and aromatic character of the wines.
What are the aging potentials of Alsace Riesling?
Top Rieslings can age for decades, developing complex secondary and tertiary characteristics.
How do Alsace Grand Cru rules differ from Alsace AOC?
Grand Cru rules specify vineyard sites, noble varieties, and stricter production standards.
What challenges do Alsace producers face with sweetness levels?
The lack of clear labeling for sweetness makes it hard for consumers to identify wine style.
What is the typical alcohol content of Alsace Gewurztraminer?
Often high, reaching 14% ABV in some wines.
What is the difference between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is more aromatic but less reliable; Muscat Ottonel is easier to grow.
How do Alsace producers retain aromatic purity in their wines?
By avoiding malolactic fermentation and using temperature-controlled stainless steel.
What is the texture of Alsace Pinot Gris compared to Gewurztraminer?
Pinot Gris is rich and oily but has more acidity, while Gewurztraminer is fuller-bodied with lower acidity.
How do Alsace producers ensure clarity in their wines?
Wines are filtered and bottled young to preserve freshness and purity.
What role do tartrate deposits play in traditional Alsace barrels?
They prevent the wood from influencing the wine, maintaining varietal purity.
How many vineyards in Alsace have Grand Cru status?
Over 50 vineyards have Grand Cru status in Alsace.
What is “Gentil” in Alsace wine labeling?
A term for blends that must include at least 50% noble grape varieties, with the rest from approved varieties.
Why are vineyards at lower altitudes in Alsace trained high?
To minimize the risk of spring frosts.
What is unique about the labeling of Alsace wines?
Most wines are varietally labeled, an unusual practice in French wine regions.
Why is drought occasionally a concern in Alsace?
The rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains leads to very low annual rainfall.
What are the characteristics of Alsace wines from the plain near the Rhine?
Typically lighter and less complex, often used for Crémant d’Alsace or simpler still wines.
