French Wines: Alsace Flashcards
What are the classifications of Alsace wines?
Appellation Alsace Controlee, Appellation Cremant d’Alsace, and Alsace Grand Cru
What are Appellation Cremant d’Alsace wines?
sparkling wines made with local grape varities
What are Alsace Grand Cru wines?
top producers, yields restricted to 4 tons/acre; only riesling, pinot gris, muscat, and gewurtztraminer qualify for Grand Cru
What are the major grape varities in Alsace?
white - riesling, pinot blanc, gewurtztraminer; red - pinot noir
What are the minimum labeling requirements in Alsace?
type of wine, vintage year, alcohol content, volume, name of producer
If a varietal is listed on an Alsace label, what is the minimum required concentration of that varietal?
100%
What is Edelzwicker?
controlled term; blend of Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, and Riesling
What is Gentil?
Controlled term; blend of Riesling (>50%), Muscat, Pinot Gris, and/or Gewurtztraminer
What label terms are not regulated in Alsace?
Reserve, Personnelle, Cuvee, Special
How does Alsace ‘s labeling system differ from other wine regions of France?
only region with varietal labeling; only one varietal label may be used on a wine, cannot use several labels
What is Vendange Tardive?
late-harvest grapes; sweeter wines
What is Selection des Grains Nobles?
rare and expensive dessert wine
What winemaking practices are unique to Alsace?
Organic production is emphasized; ONLY Pinot Noir is put through malolactic fermentation
How does Alsace’s climate influence its wine styles?
mountains block cold winds (rain shadow, dry climate) - creates long cool growing season that produces sweeter and more aromatic wines
