Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Level 3 > C17 - Alsace > Flashcards

C17 - Alsace Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
WSET ® Level 1 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Spirits flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 1 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 3 Wine flashcards WSET ® Level 2 Spirits flashcards WSET® Level 4 Wine flashcards
1
Q

What is the climate of Alsace?

A

Cool to moderate continental

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is a potential climatic threat to the region of Alsace?

A

Prevailing westerly rain-bearing winds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How is Alsace protected from the westerly winds?

A

By the Vosges Mountains

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the rainfall like in Alsace? Explain this

A

Summers and autumns are warm and dry
There is very little cloud cover
The region is protected by the Vosges Mountains

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the result on wines of the dry climate in Alsace?

A

Grapes can achieve high levels of sugar ripeness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is a relatively unique climatic phenomenon in Alsace?

A

Occasional drought

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where are the best vineyards of Alsace located?

A

On the steepest slopes with east and south east aspects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the northerly part of the Alsace vineyard area

A

It has the coolest climate and the least protection from the Vosges

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Where are the lesser vineyards of Alsace?

A

On the plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the main use of grapes from the lesser vineyards of Alsace?

A

In Crémant d’Alsace

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the soil like in the vineyards of the foothills of Alsace?

A

Very varied

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Why is there so much soil variation in parts of Alsace?

A

It has experienced a dramatic geological history

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the key factor in why there is so much variety in style in Alsace?

A

The geological variation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Grape growing practices in Alsace, vary depending on…

A

Whether the vineyards are on slopes or on the plain

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Describe Alsatian vineyard practices on slopes

A

They are trained low to benefit from radiated heat
Rows are oriented to maximize the vines’ exposure to the sun
Harvesting is done by hand

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Describe Alsatian vineyard practices on the plains

A

Vines are trained high to minimize the risk of Spring frosts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What kind of viticulture is commonly practiced in Alsace?

A

Organic and Biodynamic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Why are Organic and Biodynamic viticulture popular in Alsace?

A

Low disease pressure in the sunny, dry conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the key logistical challenge faced by growers in Alsace?

A

Because they have a number of small plots of vines, each planted with different varieties, they will ripen at different times, therefore the vintage may be spread over a long period

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Between which months does the Alsatian harvest usually last?

A

September - November/December

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What are the most important/noble varieties of Alsace?

A

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Which varieties may be used for VT, grand cru and SGN wines in Alsace?

A

The noble varieties only

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

The vast majority of Alsace wines are made from…

A

Single varieties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What are Alsatian blended varieties usually made from?

A

Juice that was not selected for varietal wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What does it mean when an Alsatian wine is labelled Edelzwicker or Gentil?
How else may this be labelled?

A

A blended wine
A producer’s brand name

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Are all Alsatian blends of a basic quality?

A

No, some are very high quality, even being made from grand cru vineyards, but these are very rare

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Why is winemaking in Alsace so focused on retaining aroma/varietal character?

A

Most of the varieties are aromatic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

How do traditional Alsatian winemakers typically ferment their wines?

A

In large old oak barrels, typically more than 100 years old

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is notable about the old oak barrels sometimes used in Alsace?

A

The inside is lines with a thick layer of Tartrates

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

What is the effect of the tartrate deposits lining the inside of Alsatian barrels?

A

It prevents the wood from having any influence on the wine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What kind of vessel is used for modern fermentation in Alsace?
What is the benefit of this?

A

Stainless steel
They facilitate the control of temperature at fermentation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

Which winemaking practice is generally avoided in Alsace? Why?

A

MLF
It would mask the pure fruit flavors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

When does bottling usually take place in Alsace? Why?

A

In the spring following the vintage
The wine is still young and fresh

34
Q

Can Alsace wines be bottle-aged?

A

Many of them can, yes

35
Q

What are the predominant sugar levels in Alsace wines?

A

Most are dry (with the exception of VT and SGN wines), but recently more and more - particularly grand cru wines - are being made with noticeable levels of sweetness

36
Q

What is the problem with the increasing levels of sweetness in Alsace?

A

There is no official system for indicating sweetness levels

37
Q

Describe the sweetness levels of VT wines in Alsace

A

They can range from dry to medium-sweet

38
Q

Describe sugar levels in SGN wines

A

They are always sweet, though the influence of noble rot can vary from wine to wine

39
Q

What is the most widely planted of the noble varieties in Alsace?

A

Riesling

40
Q

Describe the flavour profile of the best Rieslings in Alsace

A 
Medium to full-bodied
Dry
Medium alcohol
High acidity
Citrus and stone fruit
Pronounced steely/stony character
41
Q

Contrary to its traditional style, many Alsace Rieslings are now being made with…

A

Some residual sugar

42
Q

How do Alsace Rieslings typically differ from their German counterparts?

A

They don’t typically shoe as much floral character

43
Q

What aromas are typical from an Alsace Gewurztraminer?

A

Lychees
Roses
Sweet baking spices

44
Q

Describe the appearance of the Gewurztraminer grape and its effect on the wine

A

The skin has a light pink tinge, giving a golden color to some of the wines

45
Q

Give the profile of Gewurztraminer wines

A

Full-bodied Oily texture
High alcohol (14% is not uncommon)
Low to medium acidity

46
Q

What is the profile of Alsace Pinot Gris?

A

Full-bodied and rich
High alcohol
More acidity than Gewurztraminer Similar color to Gewurztraminer but less aromatic
Pronounced flavor of fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character

47
Q

Which Muscat grape provides the best quality of the three in Alsace?

A

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

48
Q

What is the flavour profile of MBAPG in Alsace?

A

Light to medium body
Low to medium acidity
Intensely aromatic
Orange blossom, Rose and Grape flavors

49
Q

What is the viticultural hazard associated with growing MBAPG in Alsace?

A

It is prone to poor fruit set and rot

50
Q

What is used as a more reliable alternative to MBAPG in Alsace? How does it compare with the former?

A

Muscat
Less aromatic

51
Q

Give the most widely planted non-noble variety in Alsace

A

Pinot Blanc

52
Q

On what kind of land is Pinot Blanc planted in Alsace?

A

In the more fertile soils of the plains

53
Q

What is Pinot Blanc most commonly used for in Alsace?

A

Sparkling wine

54
Q

Roughly describe still wines of Pinot Blanc in Alsace

A

Light, simple, refreshing and non-aromatic

55
Q

Which Alsace grape is similar to Pinot Blanc but slightly spicier and more full-bodied?

A

Auxerrois

56
Q

What is sometimes blended with Pinot Blanc in Alsace?

A

Auxerrois

57
Q

Which Alsace grape variety used to be widely planted, but is making way for noble varieties?

A

Sylvaner

58
Q

Roughly describe Sylvaner wines from Alsace

A

Delicately perfumed
Some richness (but less than Gewurztraminer)
Best drunk young

59
Q

What is the only black variety permitted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir

60
Q

Describe Alsace Pinot Noir

A

They lack the weight and concentration of Burgundy Pinot Noir
At their best, a light, fruity red/rosé

61
Q

How do winemakers in Alsace sometimes force more concentrated flavors in Pinot Noir-based wines?

A

With new oak flavors

62
Q

How many appellations are there in Alsace?

A

2

63
Q

What are the principal appellations of Alsace?

A

Alsace
Alsace Grand Cru

64
Q

What are the two other classifications in Alsace?

A

Vendanges Tardives
Sélection de Grains Nobles

65
Q

What dictates the classifications VT and SGN?

A

Sugar ripeness

66
Q

Which Alsace appellation can apply to use VT/SGN?

A

Both

67
Q

How do producers in Alsace differentiate between the qualities of their wines?

A

With terms like Réserve personelle and Cuvée spéciale (these terms have no legal status)

68
Q

Which appellation accounts for the majority of Alsace’s production?

A

Alsace

69
Q

What is the status of single variety wines within the Alsace appellation?

A

Most Alsace wines are single variety

70
Q

What is key about the single variety wines of Alsace?

A

They are varietally labelled

71
Q

What must apply if a wine is varietally labelled?

A

100% of grapes must be from that variety

72
Q

Can villages be named on Alsace appellation wines?

A

Yes, some villages can for certain styles of wine, but this is rare

73
Q

How many vineyards in Alsace have their own Grand Cru appellation?

A

Over fifty

74
Q

What are the main rules applying to Alsace grand cru wines?

A

They must be produced from a single noble variety (with some exceptions)The label must state vineyard, vintage and grape variety (where appropriate)

75
Q

What is the controversy surrounding the grand cru appellation in Alsace?

A

Many producers believe the appellations to be too large and encompass land not worthy of the title

76
Q

What is the meaning of Vendanges Tardives?

A

Late harvest

77
Q

How may a wine qualify for Vendanges Tardives?

A

It must be made from a noble variety
It must have a specific minimum sugar ripeness depending on variety

78
Q

How are the best VT wines of Alsace vinified?

A

They will have undergone passerillage
There may be some influence of noble rot

79
Q

What are the principal rules applying to a wine being SGN?

A

Must be from a noble variety
Must have a minimum sugar ripeness depending on variety (higher than those of VT wines)

80
Q

How are the higher necessary sugar ripeness levels required in SGN wines achieved?

A

Usually by noble rot

81
Q

How often are SGN wines produced in Alsace?
How much of it?

A

Not every year
In small quantities

WSET Level 3 (27 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions