Cremant d'Alsace Flashcards
How much of the total production of wine does Cremant account for in Alsace?
about 25%
About how many producers make Cremant in Alsace?
500
How has the area of vineyard declared each year for Cremant grown in Alsace?
by about 15% over the last 10 years to 3600 hectares - shows increase in demand
What is the most important varietal for sparkling wine in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
SAT for Pinot Blanc Cremant
med intensity apple and pear fruit with brioche and biscuit like autolytic notes
medium + to high acidity
light to med body
most are brut style
Where are vineyards mostly found for sparkling wines in Alsace?
eastern flanks of the Vosges foothills
what are the elevations of most Alsace vineyards
200-400 m
What protects vineyards in ALsace from prevailing westerly winds
Vosges
What is the climate in Alsace?
sunny and continental; dry and hot during growing season and rain at harvest can be a problem
Why is shortage of water a problem in Alsace?
irrigation is not permitted
How does the climate in Alsace help with grape ripening?
ripening progresses with hot days and cool nights giving flavor ripeness while retaining the high acidity which is ideal for traditional method
How has spring frosts become more of an issue recently for Alsace region?
warmer and earlier bud break in turn makes vines more vulnerable to spring frost and leads to reduction in yields
What are the best vineyard sites reserved for in Alsace?
noble varieties such as Riesling to be made into still wines
What kind of sites are PInot Blanc grown in Alsace?
range of sites - usually lower level elevations (high fertility and therefore not suited to top quality grapes for still wines) and some cooler sites in the higher valleys
What are the varieties used for Cremant d’Alsace?
PInot Blanc, Auxerrious, Chardonnay, Riesling, PInot Gris and Pinot Noir - all suited for traditional method
How much of the total vineyard area in Alsace does Pinot Blanc carry?
20%
What are two things Pinot Blanc are prone to?
spring frosts (early budding)
fungal disease
Why is harvesting for Pinot Blanc much earlier than other varieties?
it is early ripening and the early picking that is necessary for sparkling wines