Chapters 17-21 Alsace, Loire Valley, Northern Rhône, Southern Rhône, Southern France Flashcards
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool to moderate continental climate
What impacts the climate of Alsace?
The Vosges Mountains protect the region from westerly rain bearing winds, resulting in sunny summers and dry autumns.
What is the type of soil in Alsace?
Very varied
What 4 grape varieties are grown in Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinto Gris
Muscat
In Alsace, what are termed the noble varieties?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinto Gris
Muscat
True or False?
The majority of Alsatian wines are made from blends
False
The vast majority of Alsatian wines are made from a single grape variety
In Alsace, blended wines made from juice that was not selected for varietal wines are called what?
Edelzwicker
or
Gentil
When does bottling occur most commonly in Alsace?
In the spring following the vintage
In Alsace, what are the 2 principal appellations?
Alsace
Alsace Grand Cru
In Alsace, what 2 classifications are used to indicate the sugar ripeness of grapes?
Vendages Tardives (VT) Sélection de grains nobles (SGN)
In Alsace, when a grape variety appears on the label, what percentage of the grapes used must be from the named variety?
100%
In Alsace, what are the 4 rules for a Grand Cru appellation?
Wine must be produced from a single noble grape variety
Label must state the name of the vineyard, vintage and grape variety
What does Vendages Tardives mean?
Late Harvest
In Alsace, which classification is used for grapes with higher sugar ripeness: VT or SGN?
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
In Alsace, what grape variety is the most widely planted?
Riesling
In Alsace, what are the characteristics os a good quality riesling?
Medium to full bodied Dry with medium alcohol High acid Citrus and stone fruit aromas Pronounced stone or steely character
Do German or Alsatian rieslings show more floral character in general?
German
Which Alsace grape variety?
Pungent aromatic spicy nose reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spices. Some wines have a golden colour Full bodied, rich oily texture Low to medium acidity High alcohol
Gewurztraminer
In Alsace, what are the aroma characteristics of Gewurztraminer?
Pungent aromatic spicy nose reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spices
Which Alsace grape variety?
Medium to full bodied Dry with medium alcohol High acid Citrus and stone fruit aromas Pronounced stone or steely character
Riesling
Which Alsace grape variety?
Rich, full bodied, oil texture High in alcohol Fresh and dried fruit flavours Ripe, tropical fruit flavours Honeyed or ginger character
Pinot Gris
In Alsace, what are the characteristics of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Intensely aromatic
Flavours of orange blossom, rose and grape
Light to medium body
low to medium acidity
What are the 2 Muscat varieties grown in Alsace?
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
Muscat Ottonel
Which of the 2 Muscat varieties grown in Alsace is more widely planted and why?
Muscat Ottonel can be relied on to crop more regularly
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is prone to poor fruit set and rot.
Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?
The steepest slopes with the east and south-east aspects
In Alsace, where are the grapes grown for the production of Crémant d’Alsace?
The plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine.
What are the flavour and aroma characteristics of an Alsatian Pinot Gris?
Dry or off dry Oily texture Ripe, tropical fruit flavours Hint of ginger or honey Golden in appearance
What is the only black grape permitted in Alsace?
Pinot Noir
What are the 4 sub regions of the Loire Valley
East to West
Central Vineyards
Touraine
Anjou-Saumur
Nantais
What 3 white grape varieties are grown in the Loire Valley?
Sauvignon Blanc
Chenin Blanc
Melon Blanc
What are the 2 most prestigious appellations in the Central Vineyards of the Loire Valley
Sancerre
Pouilly-Fumé
White Touraine is made from what grape variety?
Sauvignon Blanc