C17 - Alsace (reviewed) Flashcards
What is the climate of Alsace?
Climate: Cool to moderate continental
Rainfall
- Summers and autumns are warm and dry
- There is very little cloud cover
- Prevailing westerly rain-bearing winds but protected from the westerly winds by the Vosges Mountains
- So Grapes can achieve high levels of sugar ripeness
- Also allows for Organic and Biodynamic agriculture as dieses pressure is low (sunny + dry conditions)
Harzards:
- Occasional drought
Soils:
- Alsace has a very large soit variation due to dramatic geological history, which leads to many variety in style in Alsace
Where are the best vineyards of Alsace located?
On the steepest slopes with east and south east aspects
Describe the northerly part of the Alsace vineyard area
It has the coolest climate and the least protection from the Vosges
Where are the lesser vineyards of Alsace?
- On the plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine
- Used mainly for Crémant d’Alsace
- Soils are very varied
Grape growing practices in Alsace, vary depending on…
Whether the vineyards are on slopes or on the plain
- Slopes: They are trained low to benefit from radiated heat Rows are oriented to maximise the vines’ exposure to the sun Harvesting is done by hand
- Plains: Vines are trained high to minimise the risk of Spring frosts
What kind of viticulture is commonly practiced in Alsace?
Organic and Biodynamic
What is the key logistical challenge faced by growers in Alsace?
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
Between which months does the Alsatian harvest usually last?
September - November/December
What are the noble grape varieties of Alsace?
- Riesling
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
Which varieties may be used for VT, grand cru and SGN wines in Alsace?
The noble varieties only
Dsicuss single grape varieties vs blended wines for Alsace
-
Single varieties
- Most of the varieties are aromatic so the focus on retaining aroma/varietal character
-
Blended wines
- Usually made from juice that was not selected for varietal wines
- Some are very high quality, even being made from grand cru vineyards, but these are very rare
- Labelled Edelzwicker or Gentil or with producer’s brand name
How do Alsatian winemakers typically ferment their wines?
Traditionally
- In large old oak barrels, typically more than 100 years old
- The inside is lines with a thick layer of Tartrates which prevents the wood from having any influence on the wine
Modern
- Stainless steel, as they facilitate the control of temperature at fermentation
Technics
- Without MLF as it would mask the pure fruit flavours
When does bottling usually take place in Alsace? Why?
In the spring following the vintage when the wine is still young and fresh
Can Alsace wines be bottle-aged?
Many of them can, yes
What are the predominant sugar levels in Alsace wines?
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
Increasing levels of sweetness in Alsace is an issue as there is no official system for indicating sweetness levels
Describe the sweetness levels of VT/SGN wines in Alsace
VT:
- Can range from dry to medium-sweet
- Best wines will use passerillage
- Noble rot not required but possible
SGN:
- They are always sweet, usually achieved with Noble rot
- Influence of noble rot can vary from wine to wine
What is the most widely planted of the noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling
Describe the flavour profile of the best Rieslings in Alsace
Traditional style
- High acidity
- Dry
- Medium alcohol
- Medium to full-bodied
- Citrus and stone fruit
- Pronounced steely/stony character
Contrary to its traditional style, many Alsace Rieslings are now being made with some residual sugar
They don’t typically show as much floral character as their German counterparts
What aromas are typical from an Alsace Gewurztraminer?
- Low to medium acidity
- High alcohol (14% is not uncommon)
- Full-bodied
- Oily texture
- Aromas: Lychees, Roses, Sweet baking spices
The skin has a light pink tinge, giving a golden colour to some of the wines
What is the profile of Alsace Pinot Gris?
- Similar colour to Gewurztraminer
- Less aromatic than Gewurztraminer
- More acidity than Gewurztraminer
- High alcohol
- Full-bodied and rich
- Pronounced flavour of fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character
Which Muscat grape provides the best quality wines in Alsace? Describe its flavor profile.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
- Low to medium acidity
- Light to medium body
- Intensely aromatic Orange blossom, Rose and Grape flavours
MBPG is prone to poor fruit set and rot so the less aromatic Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted as it can be relied on to crop more regularly
Give the most widely planted non-noble variety in Alsace
Pinot Blanc
Describe Pinot Blanc in Alsace?
- It is the most widely planted non-noble variety in Alsace
- It is planted on the more fertile soils of the plains
- Commonly used for Sparkling wine
- Still PB are light, simple, refreshing and non-aromatic
- Sometimes blended with Auxerrois, which is similar but slightly spicier and more full-bodied
What is grape variety is most commonly used for Sparkling wine in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
Which Alsace grape variety used to be widely planted, but is making way for noble varieties? Describe
Sylvaner
- Delicately perfumed
- Some richness (but less than Gewurztraminer)
- Best drunk young
What are the main black variety permitted in Alsace? Describe
Pinot Noir is the only permitted red verity
- They lack the weight and concentration of Burgundy Pinot Noir
- At their best, a light, fruity red/rosé
- Winemakers sometimes force more concentrated flavours with new oak
What are the principal appellations and classifications of Alsace?
Appelations:
- Alsace - accounts for the majority of Alsace’s production
- Alsace Grand Cru - >50 vineyards have their own Grand Cru appelation
Classifications
- Vendanges Tardives
- Sélection de Grains Nobles
What dictates the classifications VT and SGN?
Sugar ripeness
Which Alsace appellation can apply to use VT/SGN?
Both
How do producers in Alsace differentiate between the qualities of their wines?
With terms like Réserve personelle and Cuvée spéciale (these terms have no legal status)
What must apply if a wine is varietally labelled?
100% of grapes must be from that variety
Can villages be named on Alsace appellation wines?
Yes, some villages can for certain styles of wine, but this is rare
What are the main rules applying to Alsace Grand Cru wines?
- They must be produced from a single noble variety (with some exceptions)
- The label must state vineyard, vintage and grape variety (where appropriate)
What is the controversy surrounding the grand cru appellation in Alsace?
Many producers believe the appellations to be too large and encompass land not worthy of the title
How may a wine qualify for Vendanges Tardives? How are they vinified?
Qulification:
- It must be made from a noble variety
- It must have a specific minimum sugar ripeness depending on variety
Vinification
- They will have undergone passerillage
- There may be some influence of noble rot
What are the principal rules applying to a wine being SGN?
- Must be from a noble variety
- Must have a minimum sugar ripeness depending on variety (higher than those of VT wines)
How often are SGN wines produced in Alsace? How much of it?
- Not every year
- In small quantities
