Ch. 17 Flashcards
Alsace
Describe wine production in Alsace.
Focused on aromatic white grape varieties made in dry,
off-dry, and sweet styles. Some reds are made.
What is the climate in Alsace?
Cool to moderate continental climate.
What has the greatest influence in Alsace vineyards?
The Vosges Mountains
How do the Vosges Mountains influence grape growing?
They shelter the vineyards from prevailing westerly, rain-bearing winds. The lack of clouds result in sunny summers and dry autumns. These conditions allow grapes to reach high levels of sugar ripeness. However, drought can be a problem in the driest years.
Where are the best vineyards located?
On the steepest slopes with east and south-east aspects.
What are grapes in lesser vineyards on plains used for?
Most often for Cremant D’Alsace, a local AC sparkling wine.
How do growing practice differ in the slopes and the plains?
On slopes the vines are trained low to benefit from the radiated heat and rows are oriented to maximize exposure to the sun.
In the plains, the vines are trained high to minimize risk of spring frosts.
What is the key logistical harvest time challenge for the grower/
Many growers have a number of small plots planted with different varieties that ripen at different times.
Harvest can begin in mid-September and may continue until the end of November or early December for VT and SGN wines.
What are the most important grape varieties referred to as “Noble” varieties in Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
What is the only black grape variety permitted in Alsace?
Pinot Noir
What are blended wines labelled in Alsace?
Edelzwicker
Gentil
Or may have producer’s brand name on label.
Describe a VT wine from Alsace.
VT or Vendange Tardive means “Late Harvest” and are only made from one of the four “noble” varieties, must have a specific minimum sugar ripeness - depending on grape variety. The best VT wines undergo passillerage and may have some influence of noble rot. Sweetness range from medium dry to medium sweet.
Describe a SGN wine from Alsace.
SGN or Selection de Grains are only made from one of the four “noble” varieties and must have a minimum sugar ripeness depending on grape variety. Minimum sugar ripeness is set higher than VT an usually are achieved with noble rot.
What is the most planted of the noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling
In addition to the ‘noble’ varieties what other grape varieties are planted in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
Sylvaner
Auxerrois
Pinot Noir
