France: Alsace

Question 1

Alsace AOC is divided into which two departments ?

Answer 1

• Haut-Rhin

- Bas-Rhin

Question 2

What mountains separate Alsace from the rest of France?

Answer 2

• Vosges Mountains

Question 3

What are the local local pink sandstones in Alsace called?

Answer 3

• grés de Vosges

Question 4

Four noble grapes of Alsace

Answer 4

• Riesling
• Pinot Gris
• Muscat (Muscat Blanc a petit grains, Muscat Rose a Petit Grains or Muscat Ottonel)
• Gewurztraminer

Allowed:

• Pinot Blanc
• Chasselas
• Sylvaner
• Pinot Noir

Question 5

Do all varietal labels in Alsace need to be 100% that grape?

Answer 5

Yes, with the exception of Pinot Blanc (can be blended with Auxerrois)

Question 6

Define Edelzwicker

Answer 6

• a White wine from Alsace that can be any number of grapes and doesn’t need a vintage date

Question 7

Define “Gentil “

Answer 7

• Superior designation , requiring 50% noble grapes

Question 8

What’s a famous Grand Cru AOP for Sylvaner?

Answer 8

Zotzenberg AOP

Question 9

What are the late harvest designates for Alsace?

Answer 9

• Vendanges Tardives

- Selections de Grains Nobles

Question 10

What is the only grape permitted for Alsace AOP?

Answer 10

• Pinot noir

Question 11

List 5 Grand Cru Alsace vineyards dedicated to Riesling

Answer 11

• Altenberg de Wolxheim
• Frankstein
• Geisberg
• Muenchberg
• Schoenenberg

Question 12

Three Alsace bottlings

Answer 12

• Trimbach Clos Ste Hune 2004 ($575)
• Albert Boxler, Brand, Grand Cru 2012 ($225)
• Domaine Weinbach, Schlossberg, Cuvee St Catherine , Grand Cru 2015 ($ 175)

Question 13

List 5 Alsacian Grand Cru vineyards dedicated to Gewurztraminer

Answer 13

• Eichberg
• Froehn
• Goldbert
• Kessler
• Marckrain

Question 14

Is chaptilization allowed for Alsace AOC

Answer 14

Yes

Question 15

What percentage of wine production does Cremant d’Alsace represent ?

Answer 15

• 22%
  (Alsace: 74%)
  (Alsace Grand Cru: 4%)