Fws-Alsace Flashcards
When was the peak of Alsacian prosperity?
mid 16th Century, while part of Germany; 300 years of strife began 1618
When was the last time Alsace changed from German to French control?
at the end of World War II
Who ripped out the hybrid vines in Alsace?
the Hitler Youth brigades, 75% destroyed
When were hybrid vines planted in Alsace?
during German control after 1871 after phylloxera
How many hours of sunshine occur yearly in Alsace?
1800
Described the Alsacian climate.
continental, cool nights, low rainfall
Where is Alsace located?
extreme northeast corner of France
Name the 7 primary grapes of Alsace
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc (Muscat Ottonel) [mnemonic: Rocket propelled grenades protect people somewhat madly.]
Name the 4 “noble” grape varieties of Alsace.
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat [mnemonic: RPG-M] n.b. this is the same as permitted grapes for late harvest wines
Definition of Gentil blend.
Contain at least 50% of noble grapes.
Definition of Edelzwicker blend
Any white grapes, no vintage.
Alternate names for Pinot Blanc.
Klevner, Pinot Vrai [mnemonic; third e in Klevener is truly (Vrai) blank.]
Name 4 secondary grapes of Alsace.
Chardonnay, Chasselas, Klevener (de Heiligenstein or Savagnin Rose), Auxerrois Blanc
What percent of Alsace wines are varietal?
80%
What percent of Alsace wines are white?
90%
Varietal wines in Alsace contain what amount of the named grape?
100%
Name the primary grape in Cremant d’Alsace
Pinot Blanc
Allowed secondary grapes in Cremant d’Alsace
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Auxerrois. [mnemonic: RP-PP–, minus GSM, plus AC]
The primary grape in Cremant d’Alsace Rose
Pinot Noir (sole grape)
Name two types of late harvest wines from Alsace?
Vendanges Tardives, Selecton de Grains Noble (SGN)
Which late harvest wine is always affected by noble rot?
SGN, Vendanges Tardives may or may not be affected. [mnemonic: N=Noble=sgN]
What grapes are permitted for late harvest wines?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat (all noble grapes)
How many AOC’s are in Alsace?
53, Alsace AOC (1 including communal and lieu-dit subcategories), Alsace Grand Cru AOC (51) and Cremant d’Alsace AOC (1)