Crémant d'Alsace Flashcards
What percentage of production does Crémant comprise of Alsace wine output?
25%
How many producers in Alsace make Crémant?
About 500, usually in small scale alongside their still wines
How much vineyard area in Alsace is declared for Crémant production? Has this number increased or decreased over the last ten years?
3,500 hectares, a 15% increase over ten years earlier
What is the most important variety for Crémant d’Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
What is the typical character of Pinot Blanc based Crémant d’Alsace?
Brut
Medium (+) to high acid
Light body
Medium intensity ripe apple and pear
Autolytic notes are a winemaker’s decision
What is the climate in Alsace?
Cool semi-continental, usually with a hot and dry growing season
Where are the vineyards for Crémant d’Alsace located? How different are their location from still wine vineyard locations?
Vineyards for both still and sparkling wines are located on the Eastern sides of the Vosges mountains at an elevation of 200-400m ASL.
What is the effect of the Vosges on Alsace?
It protects the area against westerly winds and storms. The area is sunny and fairly dry as a result.
What climatic risks does Alsace pose to grapevines? Why?
Water shortage, due to the blocking effect of the Vosges mountains and laws against irrigation
Spring frosts due to earlier, warmer summers causing an earlier bud break
True or False
Alsace has a low diurnal swing
False. Hot days and cool night help to ripen grapes with high acidity, ideal for sparkling wine production
What are the four noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Where is Pinot Blanc destined for Crémant d’Alsace typically planted?
Usually at lower elevations where the soil is very fertile or in the cooler vineyard areas at higher altitudes. Both are unsuitable for quality still wine production.
Which valley is notable for its planting of Pinot Blanc in Alsace? What makes it suitable for Pinot Blanc destined to Crémant?
Munster Valley. Cool airflow through the valley helps retain acidity in the grapes.
What varieties are used in the production of Crémant d’Alsace?
Pinot Blanc Auxerrois Chardonnay Riesling Pinot Gris Pinot Noir
What makes the permitted varieties of Crémant d’Alsace suitable for sparkling wine production? Why are two of the SGN varieties not permitted? What are they?
The permitted varieties are relatively low in aromatics. Gewurztraminer and Muscat are too aromatic, and thus not permitted. Even though Riesling is used it is little used for sparkling wine on the region
True or False
Crémant d’Alsace is the only appellation in Alsace that is allowed to use Chardonnay.
True
What percentage of plantings in Alsace is Chardonnay?
1%
What varieties are used in the production of Crémant d’Alsace Rosé?
Only Pinot Noir
What is the character and quality of Crémant d’Alsace Rosé?
Medium to medium (+) intensity red fruit
Very good quality
What percentage of vineyard area in Alsace is Pinot Blanc? What other variety is included in this number? Why?
20%
Auxerrois is counted with Pinot Blanc as records do not distinguish between the two, but most are actually Pinot Blanc
What are the budding and ripening times of Pinot Blanc?
Early budding, early ripening
What is Pinot Blanc prone to?
Spring frosts and fungal disease
How does the ripening time of Pinot Blanc benefit producers making wine from a range of varieties in Alsace?
It ripens early, allowing producers to extend their harvest
What does Pinot Blanc contribute to Crémant d’Alsace?
Floral notes
Green apple aromas
High acid
What is the maximum yield allowed for Crémant d’Alsace? How does this compare to Champagne?
80 hl/ha. It is higher than Champagne’s 65-75 hl/ha
Do growers in Alsace have to declare they are making Crémant from particular vineyards?
Yes, in July
When is harvest for Crémant d’Alsace? How is it carried out? Why?
Late August to early September. Harvest is by hand because whole bunch pressing is required.
Why is hand harvest required for the production of Crémant d’Alsace?
Whole bunch pressing is mandatory
What is the potential alcohol of the grapes at harvest destined for Crémant d’Alsace? What winemaking choice does this necessitate?
Potential alcohol is low (usually around 8.5%), often leading to chaptalization
True or False
Crémant d’Alsace wines are often single vintage wines
True. There are typically no reserve wines used
How long does Crémant d’Alsace spend on the lees during second fermentation? What effect does that have on wine aromas?
12 months, relatively shorter than other regions. It leads to more primary fruit flavors.
Some of the top cooperatives and better producers will use longer lees maturation time.
What is the typical sweetness of Crémant d’Alsace? What is the typical dosage level?
Brut. 8-10 g/l
How is Crémant d’Alsace Rosé produced?
By a short maceration (typically 12-24 hours)
What is Crémant d’Alsace Emotion?
A premium category of sparkling wine launched in 2012. It must include 75% Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir (separately or together) and a minimum 24 months on the lees
What are the requirements for Crémant d’Alsace Emotion?
Traditional method
75% Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir either as a varietal wine or as a blend
24 months on the lees
How has Crémant d’Alsace Emotion performed among consumers?
It is not popular.
How is the production of Crémant d’Alsace divided between houses, cooperatives, and independent growers?
Cooperatives: 43%
Houses: 37%
Growers: 20%
Has the production of Crémant d’Alsace increased or decreased since 2000?
Increased. It has more han doubled between 2000 and 2014
What percentage of Crémant d’Alsace is sold in France? Is this number increasing or decreasing?
80%, though exports are rising as global demand increases
