Vineyard Management

Question 1

What is the most common form of training in Alsace (as required by AOC regulations)?

Answer 1

single or double Guyot

Question 2

The fruit zone is typically trained higher than in other regions at _-__m above the ground to reduce the risk from ____ especially on the valley plain, and ____

Answer 2

1–1.2 m

frost and humidity

Question 3

the spacing between vines is typically wider than other regions in France.

Why would this be?

Answer 3

The vineyards are spaced further apart to avoiding shading by the other rows, of which the rows are trained higher to maximise sun exposure.

Question 4

What is the typical planting density in Alsace?

Answer 4

4,400–4,800 vines per hectare, with less

dense planting on the valley floor and denser planting on slopes.

Question 5

On the steepest slopes, terracing can be necessary, as in some grand cru sites.

Why would this be necessary?

Answer 5

Terraces, as with many other grape growing regions in the world are used on steep sloes of which suffer from soil erosion, hard working environment and consistent sun exposure

Question 6

What are the main pests and diseases present in Alsace?

What helps Alsace most against fungal diseases?

Answer 6

The main pests and diseases are
powdery and downy mildew, the grape vine moth and, latterly, esca.

The warm, sunny climate with low rainfall reduces the incidence of the fungal diseases

Question 7

with many small producers, the time and labour to maintain healthy vineyards is afforded.

at 5% above the national average for organic growing. what is Alsace’s % of organic growing?

Answer 7

15%

Question 8

Alsace has a long harvest period, typically early _____ to ________ due to the range of styles being made and the diversity of sites _____, _____

Styles range from _____ through to ______ _____ wines

Answer 8

September to late October

(altitude, aspect).

sparkling through to late-picked and botrytis-affected