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