Deck 04 - Alsace Flashcards
How many AOP’s are there in Alsace?
There are 53 AOP’s of Alsace which include:
- 1 encompassing regional designation called Alsace AOP
- 1 regional sparkling designation called Crémant d’Alsace AOP
- 51 unique Grand Crus
Does Alsace AOP produce white wines or red wines?
Nearly all white wines
What’s so unique about the labeling of Alsace AOP wines compared to the rest of France?
Unlike the rest of France, most Alsace AOP wines list the grape variety on the label, which means the wine will contain 100% of the listed variety.
What if a grape variety isn’t mentioned on the label of an Alsace AOP wine?
If a variety isn’t listed, the wine is likely a blend and labeled as “Edelzwicker” or “Gentil” or a made-up/fantasy name by the brand.
What are the requirements for the bottling of Alsace AOP wines?
Wines are required to be bottled in the region’s official “vin du rhin” bottle shape–also called a flute.
Can the labels of Alsace AOP wines contain geographical locations?
Yes, since 2011.
Some Alsace AOP labels include a geographical commune name of which there are 13. These wines have more stringent qualifications than standard Alsace AOP.
Others are called lieu-dits, they have more strict qualifications than communal wines.
What communes can be mentioned on the labels of Alsace AOP wines?
Bergheim
Blienschwiller
Côtes de Barr
Côte de Rouffach
Coteaux du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Klevener de Heiligenstein
Ottrott, Rodern
Saint-Hippolyte
Scherwiller
Vallée Noble
Val Saint-Grégoire
Wolxheim
What is a Lieu-dit?
It indicates the wine is from a smaller plot or vineyard within the appellation.
Lieu-dits also have more strict qualifications than communal wines including specifications like the varieties allowed, vine density, harvest requirements, and yields.
When was the Alsace AOP recognized?
1962
What’s the representation of the Alsace AOP in the Alsace region?
Over 70% of the production including 90% of white wines.
The Alsace AOP was only recognized in 1962 instead of 1935 like most regions? Why was this?
Because negotiations with a certifying body, the INAO (Institut National des Appellations d‘Origine), were suspended due to the annexation of Alsace by Germany during the Second World War.
What are Crémant d’Alsace AOP?
Sparkling wines made using the traditional method.
What is the representation of Crémant d’Alsace AOP in the Alsace region?
Representing 22% of the region’s wines
Which styles of Crémant d’Alsace AOP are there?
There are 2 styles, a rosé and blanc.
What grapes are used for the rosé style of the Crémant d’Alsace AOP?
It is made with 100% Pinot Noir.
What grapes are used for the blanc style of the Crémant d’Alsace AOP?
It is made primarily with Pinot Blanc blended with the other allowed grapes of:
Riesling
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir
Auxerrois
Chardonnay
When was the AOC Crémant d’Alsace created?
by a decree on August 24, 1976
How many producers of AOC Crémant d’Alsace are there?
Today there are over 500 producers who belong to the Syndicate of Crémant d’Alsace Producers (Syndicat des Producteurs de Crémant d’Alsace).
What is the representation of the Alsace grand crus?
Only 4% of the region’s production.
What are the noble grapes allowed in all 51 grand crus?
Riesling
Muscat
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
What causes the subtle flavor differences between the Alsace Grand Cru sites?
Because the regional terroir of Alsace is so varied (including granitic, sandy, clay-limestone, and schist)
When did the notion of an Alsace Grand Cru first commence?
The notion of Grand Cru appeared in Alsace as of the 9th century.
The best terroirs were founded from the know-how and experience of wine-growers who overtime exposed the most remarkable soils on oftentimes impressive slopes all boasting a unique micro-climate.
When were the first Alsace Grand cru’s classified?
From 1975 to 2007, 51 localities were therefore steadily defined with parcel surfaces areas varying between 3 to 80 hectares.
Who classified the Alsace Grand Cru’s?
These exceptional localities, inspired by the historic core of production, were rigorously classified into parcel areas by the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality), during several committee meetings.
Where do we find the rules of Alsace Grand Cru production?
The 2011 specifications book describes the set constraints in terms of vine training, vinification, yields, grape harvest …
What is the basic yield for any grape variety from a Alsace Grand Cru?
It was set at 55hl/ha.
What are the exceptions to the four noble grapes from the Alsace Grand Crus?
the blending of varietals is therefore authorised in Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf
the Sylvaner is allowed in Zotzenberg
What needs to be mentioned on the label of an Alsace Grand Cru?
The label must mention one of the 51 appellations including:
- the name of the lieu-dit
- the vintage year
- usually it indicates the grape variety unless it’s for blended wines.
- Vendanges Tardives & Sélection de Grains Nobles: either one of these two prestigious classifications may also be indicated on Alsace Grands Crus appellation labels.
What is a Vendage Tardives?
It is a late harvest style of Alsatian dessert wine allowed in Alsace AOP and the 51 Grand Cru AOP’s.
Wines are made from Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris or Riesling grapes.
Wines are made in part with noble rot grapes.
When was the Vendanges Tardives and SÉLECTION DE GRAINS NOBLES classification introduced?
1984
How does noble rot develop in Alsace?
The Alsace wine-growing region boasts a semi-continental climate with very little rain and remarkable sunshine during the autumn which is notably favourable for extended ripening of grapes as well as the development of noble rot.
It’s also ideal for later harvesting of grape varieties such as Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris or Gewurztraminer d’Alsace, often several weeks after the normal harvest time when the berries are ultimately at their best.
What requirements are there for selections des grains nobles?
The Sélections de Grains Nobles must have a particularly high sugar content when harvested and can only be sold after ageing for 18 months.
This high content creates a more discreet varietal, with enhanced intensity, complexity and remarkable length.
What is Pinot d’Alsace?
A bright copper-colored white wine made with a blend of the Pinot (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir) varieties in a white wine style.
Where do you find Grand Cru: Altenberg de Bergheim?
On the edge of the medieval city of Bergheim, at an altitude of 220 to 320m, this vineyard runs along the southern side of the rather steep Grasberg hillock.
What’s the soil of Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim?
Located in the heart of the Ribeauvillé fault area which superimposes limestone and marl from the middle and lower Jurassic period.
It is composed of very rocky, shallow and fossil-rich marl-limestone soil.
How’s the climate and water supply of the Alsace grand cru Altenberg de Bergheim?
It has a full south exposure, slightly removed from the Vosges front with a slope running down to a small stream, all favouring a warm and temperate climate with very regular temperatures and water supply.
What grapes are prominent in the Alsace grand cru Altenberg de Bergheim?
Due to its harmony and typicity, this vineyard prefers Gewurztraminer and Riesling grape varieties.
What can you say about the consomation of Altenberg de Bergheim?
These delicious wines can be enjoyed after four or five years and can then age wonderfully.
During early vintage: the tender wine character reveals its natural concentration. Bitter and blood orange enchant wine tasters!
During late vintage: a “crunchy” sensation can be tasted during these vintage years, associated with a more substantial expression with young wines.
Where is Altenberg de Wolxheim located?
At the foot of the Horn, Altenberg is right in the middle of the Wolxheim wine-growing area.
It is remarkably exposed, benefiting from an ideally, very dry microclimate at an altitude of 200 to 250m.
What’s the soil of Altenberg de Wolxheim?
In the Wolxheim fault area, this terroir with early to middle Jurassic period rock formations is composed of stony-rich marl-limestone.
Which grapes are grown in Altenberg de Wolxheim?
Altenberg specifically favours Riesling grapes which cover about 18 ha. Gewurztraminer is also present with 8 ha.
Which famous person was a big fan of Altenberg de Wolxheim?
Emperor Napoleon I
How do you consomate Altenberg de Wolxheim?
Even if after 3 years the Altenberg de Wolxheim is already fully enjoyable and delicious, waiting 5 years will allow this Cru to unfold all its complexity and allure.
During early vintage: the smoother attack on the palate introduces lighter and more full-bodied wine. The whole remains succulent for a singularly elegant expression.
During late vintage: the notion of succulence is at the cusp of precision to sublimate the magical aromas of white flowers.
Where is Alsace Grand Cru Brand located?
The town of Turckheim in the Haut-Rhin, next to Colmar.
What’s the soil type of Alsace Grand Cru Brand?
Granite
What’s the exposure of Alsace Grand Cru Brand?
South, South-East
What’s the altitude of Alsace Grand Cru Brand?
Up to 380 meters
What grape varieties are used in Alsace Grand Cru Brand?
Riesling 41%
Gewurztraminer 31%
Pinot Gris 25%
Muscat 3%
Where did Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal get its name?
From the monastic brothers who gave their name to this terroir, the brudern.
What’s the soil type of Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal?
Marl-limestone
The water supply is low but the subjacent limestone rock can supply water to the vines, these soils heat-up well despite a clay content of 30%.
This is why vines blossom early in the season, thus extending their plant life.
What’s the exposure of Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal?
South-East
What’s the location of Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal?
The village of Molsheim, not far from Straatsburg
What kind of wines does Alsace grand cru produce?
Bruderthal produces marine-spirited wines marked by heavy saline nuances.
What kind of grapes do you find in Alsace grand cru Bruderthal?
Riesling 38%
Gewurztraminer 31%
Pinot Gris 29%
Muscat 2%
Does the Alsace Grand Cru Bruderthal reach the required yield?
On the whole, the factors of the soil result in small productions which are perfect for making great wines yet authorised yield of Grand Cru Appellation is rarely reached here.
Is the production of Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Noble possible in Alsace grand cru Bruderthal?
Yes, it represents 5 to 10% of the harvest.
Where is Alsace Grand Cru Eichberg located?
Bordering the edges of the municipality of Eguisheim, the locality of Eichberg Grand Cru faces the south-east at an altitude between 220 and 340m.
What’s the climate of Alsace grand cru Eichberg? And why?
This wine-growing area, is sheltered by the foothills of the Vosges and boasts a particularly dry and warm microclimate, as the amount of rain registered is currently the lowest in the region of Colmar.
