FWS Alsace Flashcards
What was Alsace’s status from 870 until the end of the Thirty Years War?
Part of Germany
When was Alsace reclaimed by Germany?
After the Franco-Prussian War
When was Alsace returned to France?
At the end of WWI
What cultural identities have merged in Alsace?
French and German culture
What is a significant influence of German wine culture in Alsace?
Wines are varietally labelled
What are the characteristics of Alsace’s white wines compared to German wines?
Traditionally devoid of residual sugar
What climate challenges does Alsace face?
Frost, hail, drought, and thunderstorms
What geological feature is Alsace located in?
Rhine Graben
What type of soils are found in the Vosges foothills?
Rich, deep, and fertile soils
What are the major soil types in Alsace?
*Granite
*Schist
*Volcanic
*Sandstone
*Limestone
*Calcareous sandstone
*Marly sandstone
*Marly limestone
*Marly clay
*Calcareous-marl-sandstone
*Alluvium
*Loess/loam
*Colluvium
Which grape varieties are considered noble in Alsace?
*Riesling
*Muscat a Petits Grains Blancs / Muscat Ottonel
*Gewurztraminer
*Pinot Gris
When does the grape harvest in Alsace typically begin and end?
Begins in September and ends in November
What has caused harvest dates in Alsace to move forward?
Climate change
What is the requirement for varietal labeling in Alsace?
100% of the varietal must be present if listed
What is Edelzwicker?
A blend of any approved white grapes, vinified together or separately
What is Gentil?
A blend of at least 50% noble grape varieties, vinified separately
What is the maximum residual sugar level for Riesling in Alsace?
9g/l
What does Vendanges Tardives mean?
Late harvest, picked by hand, overripe, sometimes with noble rot
What is Sélection de Grains Nobles?
Late harvest with noble rot, handpicked
How many AOCs does Alsace have?
53 AOCs
What types of wines can be produced under Alsace AOC?
*Dry white
*Rosé
*Red
*Sweet white
What is a Lieu-Dit in Alsace?
A sub-category with a significant terroir, higher standards than communes
What percentage of Alsace’s production is Grand Cru?
6%
What is unique about Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace?
Each vineyard has its own AOC and does not have to label the grape varietal
What type of wines does Crémant d’Alsace AOC produce?
*Sparkling white
*Sparkling rosé
Which grape variety is forbidden in Crémant d’Alsace AOC?
Gewurztraminer
Fill in the blank: Alsace has a botrytized wine tradition, like _______.
Germany
Alsace map
