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WSET LVL 4: Sparkling > Cremant d'Alsace > Flashcards

Cremant d'Alsace Flashcards

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1
Q

How large is the production of Cremant in Alsace?

A
  • 25% of total production
  • 500 producers
  • 3,600 acres (+15% in ten years)
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2
Q

What is the most important grape for Cremant in Alsace?

A

Pinot Blanc

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3
Q

How high in altitude are vineyards in Alsace?

A

200-400m

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4
Q

What kind of climate does Alsace have?

A

Warm, sunny, continental

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5
Q

What are climatic threats to the growing season in Alsace?

A
  • Water shortages (irrigation not permitted)
  • Spring frost (especially with warmer years leading to earlier budbreak)
  • Rain at harvest
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6
Q

What vineyard sites are usually reserved for cremant?

A
  • Lower altitude, more fertile soils
  • Cooler sites in higher valleys (eg. Munster Valley)
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7
Q

What grape varieties are used for cremant in Alsace?

A

Pinot Blanc
Auxerrois
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris

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8
Q

Roughly what percentage of vineyard area in Alsace is planted for cremant?

A

20% is planted for Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois

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9
Q

Pros/cons of using Pinot Blanc in cremant?

A

Pro:
- Early ripening retains high acidity and tempers rate of fruit receival at winery
- Aromas of apple and pear blend well with autolytic character
- High acidity

Con:
- Early budding, risk of frost
- Prone to fungal diseases

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10
Q

What grapes are not allowed in Cremant d’Alsace?

A
  • Gewurztraminer
  • Muscat
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11
Q

Why are Riesling and Pinot Gris rarely used in Cremant?

A

They’re more valuable as still wines

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12
Q

Besides cremant, what else is Chardonnay used for in Alsace?

A

Nothing. It is only permitted for Cremant.

Chardonnay is 1% of total vineyard plantings

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13
Q

What percent of rose Cremant d’Alsace is blended?

A

0%. Only Pinot Noir is allowed. Must be through maceration (usually 12-24 hours).

Medium intensity. Can be very good quality.

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14
Q

What are the maximum yields for cremant?

A

80 hL/ha

Vineyards intended for making cremant must be declared in July

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15
Q

When does harvest for cremant occur in Alsace?

A

Very late August to very early September

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16
Q

What amount of cremant is produced as a NV blend?

A

Very little. Usually all single vintage, with little reserve wine kept.

17
Q

How long is a typical Cremant d’Alsace spending on the lees?

A

~12 months (9 minimum)

18
Q

Is chaptalization allowed in Cremant d’Alsace?

A

Yes, it is a common practice

19
Q

What’s the typical dosage for Cremant d’Alsace?

A

8-10g/L

20
Q

How is the production of Cremant d’Alsace broken down between RM, NM, and CM?

A

CM ~43%
NM ~37%
RM ~20%

21
Q

Who is the largest producer of Cremant d’Alsace?

A

Maison Bestheim - CM

  • 1,400 hectares (for still and sparkling
  • Owns half the vineyards, sources the other from 450 growers
22
Q

What is Cave de Turckheim?

A
  • Co-op founded in 1955
  • 240 growers
  • Wide range of crus/styles
  • Focused on quality (low yields, minimum 24 months lees aging)
23
Q

Who is Jean-Claude Buecher?

A
  • Small domaine
  • Only makes Cremant
  • 3 Grand Cru (Hengst, Pfersigberg, Steingrubler)
  • Two years minimum lees aging (some cuvees up to 8)
24
Q

Who is Valentin Zusslin?

A
  • 13th gen domaine (1691)
  • Biodynamic since 1997
  • Farms 3 sites, all in the south: Pfignstberg (GC), Bollenberg, Clos Liebenberg (monopole)
  • Extra lees aging (12-24 months, but up to 20 years)
  • Large format oak
  • Native yeast
25
Q

Who is Muré?

A
  • 11/12th Gen estate (1650)
  • Established in Rouffach
  • Headed by René Muré (with his son and daughter)
  • Biodynamic
  • Clos St. Landelin (monopole GC)
26
Q

What’s the annual production of Cremant d’Alsace (in bottles)?

A

40m bottles (+100% between 2000 and 2014)

27
Q

What percentage of Cremant d’Alsace is consumed domestically?

A

72%, but demand is growing in export markets

28
Q

What is “Cremant d’Alsace Emotion”?

A

Prestige category launched in 2012

  • 75% minimum Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir separately or together
  • 24 month minimum lees aging

Has not proved to be popular

WSET LVL 4: Sparkling (22 decks)

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