Chapter 17 - Alsace

Question 1

Climate and grape growing

Answer 1

• Labels according to variety (unusual in France)
• Cool to moderate continental climate. Sunny summers, dry autumn. Protection from Vosges
• Grapes have high level of sugar ripeness, but drought can be an issue
• Crémant d’Alsace from between Vosges foothills and Alsace
• Different varieties planted on same vineyards, hence harvest is spread out

Question 2

Alsace appellations

Answer 2

• Alsace: single grape, 100% from named valley
• Alsace Grand Cru: Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris. Vineyard boundaries are a problem, many Grand Cru land parcels are too big
• Vendages Tardives: late harvest, specific minimum sugar ripeness required. Paeerillage, some influence of noble rot
• Selection de Grains Boles (SGN): higher minimum sugar levels due to noble rot, small quantities, not product every year

Question 3

Winemaking and wine styles in Alsace

Answer 3

• Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat called the “noble” varieties
• Usually single variety wines. Blended wines are usually cheap. (“Edelzwicker/Gentil”)
• Aromatic wines, often fermented in large old oak barrels
• Dry wines, but more grand cru level wines with some sweetness. However, there is no formal classification of sweetness in Alsace

Question 4

Most important grape varieties in Alsace

Answer 4

• Riesling: most widely-planted, medium- to full-bodied, medium alcohol, Dry, high acidity, citrus and stone fruit, pronounced stony/steely character, less floral character than in Germany
• Gewurztraminer: pungent aromatic spicy note of lychees, roses, sweet baking spices, golden colour. Full-bodied, rich/oily texture, low to medium acidity, high alcohol wines
• Pinot Gris: rich, full-bodied, high alcohol, more acidity than Gewurztraminer, pronounced flavour intensity, fresh/dried fruit, honeyed character
• Muscat: Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, intensely aromatic with flavour of orange blossom, rose and grape. Light to medium body, low to medium acidity. Prone to poor fruit set and rot, less aromatic Muscat Ottonel more widely planted
• Pinot Blanc: more widely planted. light, simple, refreshing, non-aromatic
• Pinot Noir also planted, but lighter than in Burgundy. Sylvaner made way for more noble varieties