Cremant d'Alsace

Question 1

What percentage of Alsace wine production does cremant account for?

Answer 1

25%

Question 2

What is the most important grape variety for cremant d Alsace?

Answer 2

Pinot Blanc

Question 3

What is the predominant climate for Alsace?

Answer 3

Sunny and semi continental

Protected from westerly winds by the Vosges Mountains

Dry hot growing season

Question 4

Is irrigation permitted in Alsace?

Answer 4

No. Can be a problem in hot dry summers

Question 5

Describe growing sites for Cremant d’alsace

Answer 5

Places unsuitable for top quality still grapes - lower elevations

Cooler areas where grapes for still wine would struggle to ripen

Question 6

Name all the varieties permitted in cremant d Alsace

Answer 6

Pinot Gris 
Pinot Blanc 
Auxerrois 
Chardonnay
Riesling 
Pinot Noir

Question 7

What is Cremant d’alsace rosé made from?

Answer 7

Pinot Noir only

Question 8

What percentage of the Alsace vineyard does Pinot Blanc account for?

Answer 8

20% (includes Auxerrois they are basically the same)

Question 9

Describe the main qualities of Pinot Blanc

Answer 9

Early budding

Early ripening

Prone to fungal diseases

Floral & fruity notes and high acidity

Question 10

What is the maximum yield for Cremant grapes in Alsace?

Answer 10

80 HL/HA

Can be higher than for still as concentration of flavour is not required

Question 11

What steps can winemakers rake to deal with low potential

Alcohol?

Answer 11

Chaptalisation

Question 12

What is the minimum time on lees for Cremant d’Alsace Emotion?

Answer 12

24 months

Question 13

Who is the largest single producer of cremant d’Alsace?

Answer 13

Maison Bestheim - pioneer of cremant d’Alsace

Question 14

What grape variety requirements are there for Cremant d’alsace emotion?

Answer 14

Minimum 75% Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (any combination)

Question 15

What percentage of Cremant d’Alsace is sold in the domestic (French) market?

Answer 15

80%