Cremant d'Alsace Flashcards
How large is the production of Cremant in Alsace?
- 25% of total production
- 500 producers
- 3,600 acres (+15% in ten years)
What is the most important grape for Cremant in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
How high in altitude are vineyards in Alsace?
200-400m
What kind of climate does Alsace have?
Warm, sunny, continental
What are climatic threats to the growing season in Alsace?
- Water shortages (irrigation not permitted)
- Spring frost (especially with warmer years leading to earlier budbreak)
- Rain at harvest
What vineyard sites are usually reserved for cremant?
- Lower altitude, more fertile soils
- Cooler sites in higher valleys (eg. Munster Valley)
What grape varieties are used for cremant in Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
Auxerrois
Chardonnay
Riesling
Pinot Noir
Pinot Gris
Roughly what percentage of vineyard area in Alsace is planted for cremant?
20% is planted for Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois
Pros/cons of using Pinot Blanc in cremant?
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
What grapes are not allowed in Cremant d’Alsace?
- Gewurztraminer
- Muscat
Why are Riesling and Pinot Gris rarely used in Cremant?
They’re more valuable as still wines
Besides cremant, what else is Chardonnay used for in Alsace?
Nothing. It is only permitted for Cremant.
Chardonnay is 1% of total vineyard plantings
What percent of rose Cremant d’Alsace is blended?
0%. Only Pinot Noir is allowed. Must be through maceration (usually 12-24 hours).
Medium intensity. Can be very good quality.
What are the maximum yields for cremant?
80 hL/ha
Vineyards intended for making cremant must be declared in July
When does harvest for cremant occur in Alsace?
Very late August to very early September
What amount of cremant is produced as a NV blend?
Very little. Usually all single vintage, with little reserve wine kept.
How long is a typical Cremant d’Alsace spending on the lees?
~12 months (9 minimum)
Is chaptalization allowed in Cremant d’Alsace?
Yes, it is a common practice
What’s the typical dosage for Cremant d’Alsace?
8-10g/L
How is the production of Cremant d’Alsace broken down between RM, NM, and CM?
CM ~43%
NM ~37%
RM ~20%
Who is the largest producer of Cremant d’Alsace?
Maison Bestheim - CM
- 1,400 hectares (for still and sparkling
- Owns half the vineyards, sources the other from 450 growers
What is Cave de Turckheim?
- Co-op founded in 1955
- 240 growers
- Wide range of crus/styles
- Focused on quality (low yields, minimum 24 months lees aging)
Who is Jean-Claude Buecher?
- Small domaine
- Only makes Cremant
- 3 Grand Cru (Hengst, Pfersigberg, Steingrubler)
- Two years minimum lees aging (some cuvees up to 8)
Who is Valentin Zusslin?
- 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
Who is Muré?
- 11/12th Gen estate (1650)
- Established in Rouffach
- Headed by René Muré (with his son and daughter)
- Biodynamic
- Clos St. Landelin (monopole GC)
What’s the annual production of Cremant d’Alsace (in bottles)?
40m bottles (+100% between 2000 and 2014)
What percentage of Cremant d’Alsace is consumed domestically?
72%, but demand is growing in export markets
What is “Cremant d’Alsace Emotion”?
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
