FWS Alsace

Question 1

When was Alsace reclaimed by Germany?

Answer 1

After the Franco-Prussian War

Question 2

When was Alsace returned to France?

Answer 2

At the end of WWI

Question 3

What cultural identities have merged in Alsace?

Answer 3

French and German culture

Question 4

What is a significant influence of German wine culture in Alsace?

Answer 4

Wines are varietally labelled
Flute bottles
Riesling is a key grape
Bortrytised wine is important

Question 5

What are the characteristics of Alsace’s white wines compared to German wines?

Answer 5

Traditionally devoid of residual sugar

Question 6

What climate challenges does Alsace face?

Answer 6

Frost, hail, drought, and thunderstorms

Question 7

What geological feature is Alsace located in?

Answer 7

Rhine Graben - a rift valley

Uplifts: Vosges mountains on one side, Black Forest on other

Question 8

What type of soils are found in the Vosges foothills?

Answer 8

Rich, deep, and fertile soils: limestone, sandstone, marl

Question 9

What are the major soil types in Alsace?

Answer 9

Slopes: Granite, Schist, Volcanic
Foothills: Limestone, sandstone, Marl
Plain: Alluvium, Loess, Colluvium

13 soil types

Question 10

Which grape varieties were considered noble in Alsace?

Answer 10

*Riesling
*Muscat a Petits Grains Blancs / Muscat Ottonel
*Gewurztraminer
*Pinot Gris

this term is being retired

Question 11

When does the grape harvest in Alsace typically begin and end?

Answer 11

Begins in September and ends in November

Crémant grapes are harvested early, VT and SGN are harvested late

Question 12

What has caused harvest dates in Alsace to move forward?

Answer 12

Climate change

Question 13

What is the requirement for varietal labeling in Alsace?

Answer 13

100% of the varietal must be present if listed

Although Pinot Blanc can contain up to 100% Auxerrois

Question 14

What is Edelzwicker?

Answer 14

A blend of any approved white grapes, vinified together or separately

Question 15

What is Gentil?

Answer 15

Blend of minimum 50% noble grape varieties
Vinified separately
Vintage dated
Tasting panel approved

Question 16

What is the maximum residual sugar level for Riesling in Alsace?

Answer 16

9g/l
Must be dry, unless Grand Cru, VT OR SGN

Question 17

What does Vendanges Tardives mean?

Answer 17

Late harvest, picked by hand, overripe, sometimes with noble rot

Question 18

What is Sélection de Grains Nobles?

Answer 18

Late harvest usually with noble rot, handpicked

Question 19

How many AOCs does Alsace have?

Answer 19

53 AOCs

51 Grand Crus, Alsace AOC & Crémant d’Alsace

Question 20

What types of wines can be produced under Alsace AOC?

Answer 20

*Dry white
*Rosé
*Red
*Sweet white

Question 21

What is a Lieu-Dit in Alsace?

Answer 21

A plot or vineyard with a significant terroir, higher standards than communes

Question 22

What percentage of Alsace’s production is Grand Cru?

Answer 22

6%

Question 23

What is unique about Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace?

Answer 23

Each vineyard has its own AOC and does not have to label the grape varietal

Question 24

What type of wines does Crémant d’Alsace AOC produce?

Answer 24

*Sparkling white
*Sparkling rosé

can include Chardonnay

Question 25

Which grape variety is forbidden in Crémant d’Alsace AOC?

Answer 25

Gewurztraminer

Question 26

Fill in the blank: Alsace has a botrytized wine tradition, like _______.

Answer 26

Germany

Question 27

Answer 27

Alsace map

Question 28

What is the climatic influence of the Vosges Mountains?

Answer 28

They protect vineyards from any Atlantic influence Give a rainshadow

Question 29

Where are grapes grown and which is their preferred aspect?

Answer 29

On south or southeast slopes

Question 30

What is the other name for Pinot Blanc in Alsace?

Answer 30

Klevner

Question 31

Which grapes are linked to Savagnin Blanc and how?

Answer 31

Klevener de Heiligenstein = non-aromatic clone Gewurtztraminer = aromatic clone

Question 32

What is a 'Pinot d'Alsace'?

Answer 32

up to 100% of any Pinot variety, or Auxerrois | Can be a blend

Question 33

What percentage of production is varietal in Alsace?

Answer 33

80%

Question 34

Which 2 grapes are most often used for VT and SGN and why?

Answer 34

Gewurtraminer and Pinot Gris Their ripening curve Their ability to develop noble rot

Question 35

Where did the first French vigneron to convert to biodynamics come from?

Answer 35

Alsace | Now 16% organic / biodynamic

Question 36

In Alsace, what % of production is through co-operatives?

Answer 36

40%

Question 37

Why do Alsace's vignerons produce dozens of different wines each vintage?

Answer 37

* different lieu-dit * 7 principal grapes * special 'cuvées * VT and SGN * residual sugar | This creates a product blur for consumers