France - Alsace

Question 1

Describe where Alsace is

Answer 1

NE corner of France between the Vosges Mts (west) and the Rhine river (east)

Question 2

What significant effect do the Vosges Mts have on Alsace?

Answer 2

Create a rain shadow effect

Question 3

What are the two regions of the Alsace?

Answer 3

North - Bas-Rhin

South - Haut Rhin

Question 4

Which region of Alsace has the higher elevation and the best vineyards

Answer 4

The Haut-Rhin

Question 5

What is the climate of the Alsace?

Answer 5

Continental

Question 6

What are the grapes of the Alsace?

Answer 6

Whites -
Riesling Gewurtztraminer Muscat Pinot Gris Pinot Blanc
Red -
Pinot Noir

Question 7

What does the long cool growing season of the Alsace result in?

Answer 7

Riper grapes, higher alcohol, fuller bodied

Question 8

Does vinification in the Alsace include the use of oak?

Answer 8

Little to no use of oak

Question 9

How many AOP’s are there in the Alsace?

Answer 9

One - covers the entire region

Question 10

If a label for the Alsace states a grape variety what does this mean?

Answer 10

All wine labeled by variety must be made entirely from the grape indicated

Question 11

What are the Grand Cru grapes of Alsace?

Answer 11

Riesling Gewurtz. Muscat Pinot Gris

Question 12

What does Vendage Tardive mean?

Answer 12

Late harvested wine. Affected by botrytis. Rich, Full. Not always sweet

Question 13

What is SGN?

Answer 13

Selection de Grains Noble. late harvested wine. Botrytis. Small quantities made. only good vintages.

Question 14

What are the only grapes used for VT and SGN wines?

Answer 14

Riesling. Muscat. Gewurtz. Pinot Gris