WSET D3 - Alsace Flashcards
What has caused a warm, sunny and usually dry climate in Alsace?
Protection of Vosges mountains to west.
What is most of the wines from Alsace like?
90% white , overwhelmingly from single grape varieties and unoaked.
What is the climate in Alsace?
Northerly latitude results in long growing season, continental climate with cold winters warm, sunny summers. Westerly winds carry rain clouds but much rain falls on western side of Vosges mountains.
Is drought an issue in Alsace?
Yes , moderate rainfall means summer drought can be an issue, currently irrigation not permitted for AOC wines.
What is the wind that gives a drying influence to Alsace?
Föhn wind. A warm wind both raises temperature and reduces incidence of fungal diseases. Marked diurnal range especially on higher sites, retain acidity.
what is the elevation for best vineyards?
200-250m, up to 450m.
Tend to be face south , south-east or south west, for maximum sunlight interception.
What are the 4 noble grape varieties?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer and Muscat.
Describe Riesling.
1.Cold-hardy (regions with cold winters).
2.Buds late, providing some protection against spring frost. Needs a good site (sun exposure and good drainage) and long growing season to ripen fully. if achieved can produce good quality at relatively high yields (70hl/ha)
3.Good disease resistance.
4.M to pronounced intensity, unoaked and high acidity.
5.In Alsace typically dry, M to full body, M alcohol, high acidity with citrus (lemon, grapefruit) and stone fruit (peach) flavour with pronounced stony/steely character.
Describe Gewürztraminer.
1.Early budding (spring frost)
2.Early ripening (avoiding autumn rains)
3.Accumulates sugar rapidly, In Alsace picked late to achieve fully ripe skins to maximise aromas and avoid unripe tannins,
4.Vigorous (need careful pruning and canopy management) but only moderate productive, due to coulure.
5.Susceptible to Chlorisis and desiccation of stems, powdery mildew, grapevine moth and grey rot. (virus-free clones produced by Alsace research station)
6.M lemon in colour with pronounced aromas of lychee, peach/apricot, rose and spice. M to high alcohol, M to full body and low acidity. In Alsace: range of styles from dry to sweet.
Describe Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois.
Still wines typically low intensity apple and peach, M acidity and alcohol. Acceptable to good, a few very good, inexpensive to mid-priced,
Auxerrois can be labeled Pinot Blanc, early ripening, low aromatic producing wines with low acidity. Most used in Crément d’Alsace.
Describe Pinot Gris.
1.Early budding (spring frost)
2.Early ripening (avoiding autumn rains)
3.Moderate yields.
4.Susceptible to botrytis bunch rot and downy mildew.
5.Can accumulate high sugar leading to M to high alcohol. In Alsace, M intensity peach, apple and are full bodied with M acidity. Best examples have a rich oily texture and capacity to age, develop honeyed and smoky notes.
6.Range of styles, dry to sweet. Very rapid increase in sugar and a drop in acidity, thus picking date decision has to be made, earlier picking enabled by climate change and better canopy management.
7.New trend for drier styles resulting in more dry wines with 12.5-13.5% abv rather than off-dry 13.5% abv wines.
8.Good to outstanding, mid priced - premium.
Describe Pinot Noir.
Only black variety allowed for AOC wines. Significant producers include Domaine Muré and Domaine Albert Mann.
Describe Sylvaner.
Declining in Alsace (PB and PG easier to grow), thus majority comes from older vines (40yrs+) and very little Sylvaner located on valley floor. As a result, gaining reputation as source of good value of good quality.
Describe Muscat.
Both Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains and Muscat Ottonel (ripens easier, attractive to autumn rains) are grown, if in tiny amounts.
What are the trains system used here ?
Single or double Guyot (AOC regulations)
Fruit Zone typically trained higher 1-1.2m above ground to reduce risk from frost (especially valley plain) and humidity.
Canopies also high, up to 1.9m, maximise exposure to sun. (spacing between rows has to be wider to avoid shading).
