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WSET 3 (2nd Edition) > Chap 17: Alsace > Flashcards

Chap 17: Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate of Alsace? (cool, mod, warm AND continental, maritime, medit.)

A

Cool to moderate continental climate

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2
Q

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

A

Prevailing westerly rain-bearing winds

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3
Q

How is Alsace protected from the westerly winds?

A

By the Vosges Mountains

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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

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5
Q

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

A

Grapes can achieve high levels of sugar ripeness, but in the driest of years drought can be an issue.

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6
Q

Where are the best vineyards of Alsace located?

A

On the steepest slopes with east and south east aspects

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7
Q

Describe the northerly part of the Alsace vineyard area

A

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

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8
Q

Where are the lesser vineyards of Alsace?

A

On the plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine

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9
Q

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

A

In Crémant d’Alsace

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10
Q

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

A

Very varied, It has experienced a dramatic geological history

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11
Q

Grape growing practices in Alsace, vary depending on…

A

Whether the vineyards are on slopes or on the plain

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12
Q

Describe Alsatian vineyard practices on slopes

A

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

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13
Q

Describe Alsatian vineyard practices on the plains

A

Vines are trained high to minimise the risk of Spring frosts

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14
Q

What kind of viticulture is commonly practiced in Alsace?

A

Organic and Biodynamic

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15
Q

Why are Organic and Biodynamic viticulture popular in Alsace?

A

Low disease pressure in the sunny, dry conditions

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16
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

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17
Q

Between which months does the Alsatian harvest usually last?

A

Near the end of August for sparkling wine - end of November/beginning of December for VT and SGN wines

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18
Q

What are the most important/noble varieties of Alsace?

A

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat

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19
Q

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

A

The noble varieties only

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20
Q

The vast majority of Alsace wines are made as single varital wines OR blends?

A

Single varieties

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21
Q

What are Alsatian blended varieties usually made from?

A

Juice that was not selected for varietal wines

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22
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

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23
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

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24
Q

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

A

Most of the varieties are aromatic

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25
Q

How do traditional Alsatian winemakers typically ferment their wines?

A

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

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26
Q

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

A

The inside is lines with a thick layer of Tartrate deposit

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27
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

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28
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

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29
Q

Which winemaking practice is generally avoided in Alsace? Why?

A

MLF - It would mask the pure fruit flavours, although some producers allow it to occur

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30
Q

When does bottling usually take place in Alsace? Why?

A

In the spring following the vintage

The wine is still young and fresh

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31
Q

Can Alsace wines be bottle-aged?

A

Many of them can, yes

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32
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

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33
Q

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

A

There is no official system for indicating sweetness levels

34
Q

Describe the sweetness levels of VT wines in Alsace

A

They can range from dry to medium-sweet

35
Q

Describe sugar levels in SGN wines

A

They are always sweet

36
Q

What law regarding labeling was passed in 2021? What are the requirements AND the specific labelling terms?

A

Producers must indicate the level of sweetnes of their wine on the back label. Sweetness terms are standardised and defined by EU regulations, in ascending levels of sweetness the terms in french are: Sec, Demi-Sec, Doux

37
Q

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

A

Riesling

38
Q

Describe the profile of the best Rieslings in Alsace:
* Body
* Sweetness
* Alcohol
* Acidity
* Aromas

A
  • Medium to full-bodied
  • Dry
  • Medium alcohol
  • High acidity
  • Citrus and stone fruit aromas often with pronounced steely/stony character. Typically does not show as much floral character as those from Germany.
39
Q

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

A

Some residual sugar

40
Q

How do Alsace Rieslings typically differ from their German counterparts?

A

They don’t typically show as much floral character

41
Q

What aromas are typical from an Alsace Gewurztraminer?

A

Spicy nose: Lychees, Roses and Sweet baking spices

42
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 colour to some of the wines

43
Q

Give the profile of Gewurztraminer wines:
* Body
* Texture
* Alcohol
* Acidity

A

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

44
Q

What is the profile of Alsace Pinot Gris?
* Body
* Alcohol
* Acidity
* Color
* Texture
* Aromas/Flavors

A
  • Full-bodied
  • High alcohol
  • More acidity than Gewurztraminer
  • Similar colour to Gewurztraminer
  • On palate they can be richly textured
  • Less aromatic then Gewurztraminer
  • Pronounced flavour of fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character
45
Q

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

A

Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains

46
Q

What is the profile of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Alsace?
* Body
* Acidity
* Aromas
* Flavors

A
  • Light to medium body
  • Low to medium acidity
  • Intensely aromatic
  • Flavors of Orange blossom, Rose and Grape
47
Q

What is the viticultural hazard associated with growing Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Alsace?

A

It is prone to poor fruit set and rot

48
Q

What is used as a more reliable alternative to Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains in Alsace? How does it compare with the former?

A

Muscat Ottonel is less aromatic, but more widely planted because it can be relied on to crop more regularly.

49
Q

Give the most widely planted non-noble variety in Alsace

A

Pinot Blanc

50
Q

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

A

In the more fertile soils of the plains

51
Q

What is Pinot Blanc most commonly used for in Alsace?

A

Sparkling wine

52
Q

Roughly describe still wines of Pinot Blanc in Alsace

A

Light, simple, refreshing and non-aromatic

53
Q

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

A

Auxerrois

54
Q

What is sometimes blended with Pinot Blanc in Alsace?

A

Auxerrois

55
Q

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

A

Sylvaner

56
Q

Roughly describe Sylvaner wines from Alsace

A

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

57
Q

What is the only black variety permitted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir

58
Q

Describe Alsace Pinot Noir

A

They lack the body and concentration and often at their best, as a light, fruity red or rosé

59
Q

What has led to a rise in quality of Pinot Noir in Alsace?

A

Warmer conditions and local demand

60
Q

How do winemakers in Alsace sometimes make more concentrated flavours in Pinot Noir-based wines?

A

With new oak flavours

61
Q

How many appellations are there in Alsace?

A

2

62
Q

What are the principal appellations of Alsace?

A

Alsace

Alsace Grand Cru

63
Q

What are the two other classifications in Alsace?

A

Vendanges Tardives

Sélection de Grains Nobles

64
Q

What dictates the classifications VT and SGN?

A

Sugar ripeness

65
Q

Which Alsace appellation can apply to use VT/SGN?

A

Both

66
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)

67
Q

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

A

Alsace

68
Q

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

A

Most Alsace wines are single variety

69
Q

What is key about the single variety wines of Alsace?

A

They are varietally labelled

70
Q

What must apply if a wine is varietally labelled?

A

100% of grapes must be from that variety

71
Q

Can villages be named on Alsace appellation wines?

A

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

72
Q

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

A

Over fifty

73
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)

74
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

75
Q

What is the meaning of Vendanges Tardives?

A

Late harvest

76
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

77
Q

How are the best VT wines of Alsace vinified?

A

They will have undergone passerillage

There may be some influence of noble rot

78
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)

79
Q

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

A

Usually by noble rot

80
Q

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

A

Not every year

In small quantities

WSET 3 (2nd Edition) (11 decks)

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