France - Alsace / Jura Flashcards
What is the climate of Alsace?
a warm, sunny and dry climate
What mountain range influences Alsace?
The Vosges mountains
How much rain does Alsace receive a year?
only around 600mm
What wind influence Aslace?
The Fohn wind, a warm wind that both raises the temperature and reduces the incidence of fungal diseases
What are the altitude of Alsace vineyards?
200-250 and up to 450m
What are the top varieties planting of Alsace?
- Riesling
- Pinot Blanc
- Gewurztraminer
- Pinot Gris
- Pinot Noir
- Sylvaner
Does Riesling bud and ripen early or later?
- Buds late, providing protection against spring frost
- a long growing season to ripen fully
What diseases Riesling is resistant to?
- downy mildew
- fairly resistant to powdery mildew and botrytis rot
What are the difference of Alsatian Riesling from German?
Dry, either no residual sugar or a low amount
Does Gewurztraminer bud and ripen early or later?
buds early and ripening early
What diseases is Gewurztraminer vulnerable to?
- powdery mildew
- grape vine moth
- grey rot
- use of Virus-free clones to reduce problems
Which of grape varieties ferment at a mid-range temperature instead of a cool temperature?
Gewurztraminer, has pronounced aromas, not affected by slightly higher fermentation temperatures, and has higher sugar levels. A slightly higher fermentation temperature is desirable to ensure that the yeast can ferment effectively to high alcohol levels. Low fermentation temperatures are avoided as its characteristic banana aroma is not desired in Gewurztraminer
Briefly explain how the Vosges mountain help protect the vineyards of Alsace?
The Vosges mountains are situated to the west of the vineyards and this creates a rain shadow and protection from the dominant westerly winds and the clouds. Most rain falls to the west of the mountains and the vineyards are drier, warmer and more protected than land outside the shadow of the Vosges mountains. The Alsace vineyards have higher temperatures and more sunshine hours making this a unique climate at this latitude.
Describe why Alsace’s landscape is often described as a “mosaic of terroirs”
The soils are varied with the higher, steeper slopes having thin top soil which promotes slower growth, better drainage for the roots and ultimately a more balanced vine producing high quality grapes. On the plains nearer the river Rhine, the soils are more fertile which results in high vigour vines that produce higher yields of lesser quality fruit.
What form(s) of vine training are permitted in Alsace?
- Single Guyot
- Double Guyot
- 1-1.2m above the ground to reduce the risk of frost
Which pests and diseases are most prevalent in Alsace?
- Esca
- Powdery mildew
- Grape vine moth
- Downy mildew
Which winemaking techniques are usually avoided in Alsace winemaking?
- Lees stirring
- Malolactic conversion
- Fermentation in new oak
True or false?
Chaptalization for Alsace AOC is allowed within EU rules
True
What are the minimum sugar levels of Vendange Tardive?
- Muscat or Riesling: 235 g/l
- Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer: 257 g/l
What is the minimum sugar levels of Selection de Grains Nobles?
- Muscat or Riesling: 276 g/l
- Pinot Gris or Gewurztramier: 306 g/l
Does Pinot Gris bud and ripen early or later?
it buds early and ripens early
What kind of pests and diseases is Pinot Gris prone to?
botrytis bunch rot, downy mildew
Which Muscat are planting in Alsace?
- Mmuscat Blac a Petit Grans
- Muscat Ottonel