France - Cremant d'Alsace

Question 1

Grapes

Answer 1

• White: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, CH, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Auxerrois
• Black: Pinot Noir

Question 2

Location

Answer 2

• Alsace
• vineyards are stretching out due to rise in production
• This has called for the Alsace Grand Cru to be identified and restricted for still wines clearly demarcating those premium grapes from Cremant

Question 3

Production

Answer 3

• accounts for one quarter of the regions ouptut, about 45 million bottles
• dominant French sparkling w/ more than half the output of all Cremant wines

Question 4

Trade Structures

Answer 4

• Co-ops are the big voulme players here

- Wolfburger responsible for 6-7 million bottles

Question 5

Vinification

Answer 5

• traditional method
• min. 9 months on lees
• vast majority are multiblends
• if single varietal, must appear on the label (e.g. Pinot Noir for Blanc de Noir)
• Pinot Blanc most widely used as a base variety
• Pinot Gris and Reisling added for richness and elegance
• Grapes must come from Alsace region

Question 6

Styles

Answer 6

• Brut (very dty)
• Sec (dry)
• Demi-sec (medium-dry)