Alsatian Wines

Question 1

What are the 4 noble grape varieties in Alsace?

Answer 1

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat

Question 2

What are the best Vineyards in Alsace?

Answer 2

Best vineyards are on steep slopes with East, South-East aspects

Question 3

How are vines trained on the slopes in Alsace?

Answer 3

Slopes- vines are trained low to benefit from radiated heat and the rows are oriented to maximise the vine’s exposure to the sun.

Question 4

How are vines trained in the plains of Alsace?

Answer 4

Plains - vines are trained high to minimise risk of spring frosts

Question 5

When does harvest take place in Alsace?

Answer 5

September up to November or December for VT/SGN wines.

Question 6

Are most wines blends or single variety?

Answer 6

single variety

Question 7

What are blended wines called in Alsace?

Answer 7

Edelzwicker or Gentil

Question 8

What is the main winemaking style in Alsace?

Answer 8

Most grapes are aromatic and winemaking is focused on retaining the aromas and flavours of the grapes.

Question 9

What is the sweetness level of Alsatian wines?

Answer 9

The best wines are often dry but more wines, particularly grand cru ones, have been made with noticeable sweetness.

Question 10

What are the two appellations in Alsace?

Answer 10

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

Question 11

What does Vendanges Tardives (VT) mean?

Answer 11

‘Late Harvest’. These wines can only be made from one of the four noble varieties and must have a specific minimum sugar ripeness, variety dependent. The best wines go through ‘passerillage’ and there may be some influence of noble rot.

Question 12

What does Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) mean?

Answer 12

These wines can only be made from one of the four noble varieties and must have a specific minimum sugar ripeness, variety dependent. Minimum sugar ripeness levels are set higher than VT and are achieved with noble rot. Not produced every year and only in small quantities.

Question 13

Which variety is the most widely planted in Alsace?

Answer 13

Riesling

Question 14

Name the characteristics of the best Alsatian Rieslings

Answer 14

• medium to full bodied,
• dry with medium alcohol,
• high acidity
• citrus and stone fruit aromas often with pronounced stony/steely character.
• Not as floral as those from Germany

Question 15

Name the characteristics of an Alsatian Gewurztraminer

Answer 15

• Known for its pungent aromatic spicy nose, reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spice
• The grape skin is light pink, which gives a golden colour to the wines.
• Full bodied with a rich oily texture
• Low to medium acidity
• High alcohol (14% or above is not uncommon)

Question 16

Name the characteristics of the best Alsatian Pinot Gris

Answer 16

• similar colour to Gewurztraminer but higher acidity and less aromatic.
• rich, full-bodied and high in alcohol.
• Palate: richly textured and pronounced flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character.

Question 17

Which two varieties of Muscat are grown in Alsace?

Which is best?

Answer 17

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel.

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is considered best.

Question 18

What are the characteristics of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

Answer 18

-Intensely aromatic with flavours of orange blossom, rose and grape.
-Light to medium body
-Low to medium acidity
-Prone to poor fruit set and rot
Muscat Ottonel - is often more widely planted because it can be relied upon better.

Question 19

Which grape variety is also planted on the plains and used in sparkling wine production?

Answer 19

Pinot Blanc

Question 20

What are the style characteristics of a still Pinot Blanc from Alsace?

Answer 20

Light, refreshing and non-aromatic

Question 21

What is the only black grape permitted in Alsace?

Answer 21

Pinot Noir - lack the weight and concentration of Burgundy. Often best as light, fruity red or rose wines.