L3- Alsace Chapter 17 Flashcards
What makes the Alsace region unique in terms of labeling?
It is one of the only French appellations where the varietal (grape) appears on the label.
Describe the climate and geography of Alsace.
Alsace has a cool continental climate and is located to the east of the Vosges mountains which shields the region from rain bearing winds and cloud.
This means that the summer are sunny and autumns are dry. This climate allows grapes to achieve peak ripeness.
In Alsace, where are the best vineyards located compared to lesser vineyards?
Best vineyards - located on steepest south facing and southeast facing slopes
Lesser vineyards are located on the plain between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine river. These grapes will typically be used for Cremant -the AOC sparkling.
What is the terroir like in Alsace and how does this impact winemaking there?
The terroir in Alsace is varied because it is geographically diverse and there is a great variety of soils in foothills of the Vosges.
This contributes to the broad variety of styles made and differences in the wine based on the soil.
How does the vineyard’s location impact the way the vines are trained?
- On the slopes vines are trained low to benefit from the radiated heat from the slope. They are also arranged to maximize the vine’s exposure to the sun. Harvesting on the slope is done by hand.
-On the plain the vines are trained high to prevent frost
Overall there is more organic and biodynamic farming in Alsace than in other parts of France because there is less risk of disease because of the sunny and dry conditions
How does the harvest work for many producers?
Because many growers have small plots with different varietals planted, they will often have the logistical challenge of having to farm different varietals at different time.
Harvest begins end of August for sparking but can go all the way through November/beginning of December for VT and SGN wines which need more time to ripen fully
What are the different Alsatian appellations and classifications?
There are 2 principle levels for all still wines
(1) Alsace
(2) Alsace Grand Cru
Then there are 2 additional classifications which have to do with grape sweetness:
-Vendages Tardives (VT)
-Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
What are the 4 noble grape varieties of Alsace?
- Riesling
- Muscat
- Gewurztramminer
- Pinot Gris
Describe the wines of the Alsace appellation in terms of varietal names and production.
- The Alsace appellation accounts for the vast majority of the region’s production
-Most wines in this appellation will come from one single varietal. If a single varietal is used it’s name appears on the bottle and 100% of the grapes in the wine must come from that varietal.
-Most varietals are one of the 4 noble grape varietals (riesling, muscat, gewurztramminer, pinot gris)
-A small number of blends come from this region, in which case the names of the grapes do not appear on the bottle. These are usually either labeled Edelzwicker or Gentil or they carry the producer’s name. These wines tend to be inexpensive & made from juice not selected for varietal wines.
Describe the wines of the Alsace Grand Cru appellation.
What type of controversy surrounds the region?
-There are 50 vineyards with Alsace Grand Cru status
-These wines must be made produced from one of the noble grape variety (riesling, muscat, gewurztramminer, pinot gris)
-The label must state the vineyard, vintage and where appropriate grape variety
-Many grand cru vineyards are considered to be too large and include land not worthy of the appellation.
-So some winemakers choose to forgo the grand cru label
-Rarely grand cru wines can be made from blends
What are Vendages Tardives (VT) wines?
These are “late harvest” wines, which can be made from one of the 4 noble grape varieties with a specific minimum sugar ripeness.
In the best years, the grapes will undergo passerillage and potentiall the influence of noble rot.
Flavors can range from tropical fruit, dried fruit, and honey or ginger .
Can be either Alsace AOC or Alsace Grand Cru
What are Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) wines?
These wines are rarer, and not produced every year. They must have a higher sweetness level than VT, usually achieved through noble rot
-requires a certain sugar ripeness and must be made from one of the 4 noble grape varieties.
What type of winemaking practices are typical in Alsace?
Because most of the varietals made in Alsace are aromatic, winemakers tend to use practices that will preserve the fresh fruit flavors and aromas.
Traditional producers ferment their wines in large oak barrels (often more than 100 years old) which are lined with a thick layer of tartrate deposit, which prevents the oak from having an influence on the wine.
In modern cellars, stainless steel vats are more commonly used and makes it easier to facilitate the control of temperatures during fermentation.
Malolactic conversion is usually avoided to not mask the pure fruit flavors.
Also the wine is bottled in the spring when it is fresh and young. Most of the time these are ready for early drinking, but some very good examples can be aged
What styles are the VT and SGN wines made in? How is the sweetness regulated?
VT wines can be made in a range of styles from dry, to medium sweet.
SGN wines are only sweet
As of 2021, all producers must state on their bottles whether the wine is sec (dry), demi-sec, moelleux (sweet), or doux (also sweet). Prior to that time there was no labeling of this sort.
Describe Alsatian Rieslings.
-The most planted varietal in Alsace.
The best examples are:
- Medium to full bodied
-Dry
-Medium alcohol
-High acidity
- Aromas of citrus/stone fruit with a pronounced steely/stony character
(some wines are now made with residual sugar. They do not show as many floral notes as German rieslings)
