France - Alsace Flashcards
What does ‘Moelleux’ means?
Term used in labels for wines with minimum 12g/l residual sugar. For Riesling is minimum 9g/l
How can we describe Sylvaner wines?
Dry, Light, Fruity.
Softer than other varietals.
What should we expect from Pinot Gris wines?
Citrus, Spicy bouquet.
Medium to full body.
Dry or Off-Dry
Which was the first Grand Cru AOP of Alsace and in which year?
Schlossberg
1975
How can we describe Pinot Noir d’Alsace wines?
High in Fruit.
Low Tannins.
Lighter style than Burgundy.
Maceration on skins 3/4 days with stalks to add tannins.
Bottled in Burgundian’s bottles
What does VT and SGN means?
Vendage Tardive (VT)
Selecion de Grain Noble (SGN)
Which is the best soil for Riesling?
Granite
What can we expect from Riesling wines?
Dry, steely character, fruity nose. High minerality and oily texture.
Fuller bodied than German Riesling.
How many Grand Crus are in Alsace?
51
What should we expect from Gewurztraminer wines?
Low acid, high Alcohol.
Rose petal and fruit-bowl aromas. Grapefruit and spicy characteristics.
Dry to Medium.
How is Alsace’s Pinot Gris known as?
Tokay d’Alsace
or
Tokay Pinot Gris
How many communs are in the AOC Vin d’Alsace Communale?
13
What does AOC Vin d’Alsace Communale means?
The bottle must state the grape variety.
Step up from AOC Vin d’Alsace.
What is the minimum %abv for AOC Grand Cru?
11%abv for
Riesling & Muscat
12.5%abv for
Gewurztraminer & Pinot Gris
Which are the allowed grapes for AOC Grand Cru?
Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris
Which are the AOC Grand Cru Exceptions?
Zotzenberg (Sylvaner
Altemberg de Bergheim (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
Koefferkopf (blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat)
Which is the main influence on Alsace’s climate?
Main factor is the Vosges Mountains. They create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace the driest wine region in France.
How can we describe Alsace’s Climate?
Continental with cold winters and hot, dry and sunny summers
Which are the 4 noble grapes?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Which grapes can we find in Alsace?
(other than the 4 noble grapes)
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir
Chasselas
Sylvaner
Auxerroise
How is Pinot Blanc usually called in Alsace?
Klevner
Describe Muscat d’Alsace wines
Dry
Musky flavour
Low Acid
What are the styles and what are the differences between VT and SGN wines?
-VT only mad in good years, grape left to overripe and get noble rot. Can only be done with the 4 noble grapes. No chaptalization permitted.
-SGN only made in exceptional years, one stage further than VT, grapes picked in ‘Tries’ like in Sauternes. Only 4 noble grapes, no chaptalization permitted. Grapes achieve more sugar content than VT.
Which are the typical soil characteristic of Alsace?
Gres de Vosges
Local pink sandstone
Which type of soil can we find in Alsace?
Schist, Granite, Limestone, Clay, Chalk, Volcanic, Gres de Vosges
What is a ‘Lieu-dit’?
Individual vineyard or plot of land which have a specific terroir identity. Can be added to AOC Communale and AOC Grand Cru appellations.
Which are the 2 best vineyard towns?
Riquewihr
Ribeauville
Which are the 2 main sub-districts of Alsace?
Bas-Rhin
Haut-Rhin (more quality wines)
Which is the main city acting as business centre?
Colmar
What should we expect from Pinot Blanc wines?
Dry
Well balanced
Often blended with Auxerrois
Is Chaptalization permitted fro AOC Grand Cru?
Yes, up to 1,5%
Excluding VT and SGN
Which grapes are permitted for Cremant AOC?
Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay.
Rose can only be made from 100% Pinot Noir
