02 Alsace - Grape Varieties Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the seven main grape varieties in Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat(s), Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir
These varieties are emphasized as the region’s focus and vinous message to the world.
What are the ancillary grape varieties in Alsace?
Auxerrois, Chardonnay, Chasselas, Savagnin Rose
Ancillary grapes are downplayed in importance, even if plentiful.
Which grape variety is considered the pinnacle of prestige in Alsace?
Riesling
Riesling is traditionally fermented to dryness unless vinified as Vendanges Tardives (VT) or Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN).
What is Pinot Blanc also known as?
Pinot Vrai or Klevner
It is mostly used in crémant production.
What is the significance of Auxerrois in Alsace?
Occupies more than twice as much vineyard land as Pinot Blanc, counted as Pinot Blanc in official figures
It is a neutral, low-acid grape providing a blank canvas for crémant production.
What is the typical vinification style for Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc in Alsace?
Typically vinified dry
This style emphasizes its overt, musky grapiness and citrus flavor profile.
How does Muscat Ottonel differ from Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc?
Less aromatic than Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
Both are vinified dry for similar reasons.
What role does Chardonnay play in Alsace?
Authorized for crémant production at the AOC level
Some Chardonnay may also be included in creative blends sold as Vin de France.
Fill in the blank: Sylvaner is a ______ grape with a modest flavor profile.
modest
It can achieve greatness in superior sites, such as the Grand Cru vineyard of Zotrenberg.
What is Gewurztraminer?
An aromatic grape spotlighted in Alsace, often used to craft VT and SGN wines
Gewurztraminer’s ripening curve aligns well with autumn mists.
How is Gewurztraminer related to Savagnin Rose?
It is the aromatic version of pink-skinned Savagnin Rose
Gewurztraminer is distinct from Klevener de Heiligenstein, the non-aromatic version.
What unique characteristics does Pinot Gris have in Alsace?
It achieves extraordinary texture, complexity, and depth
Like Gewurztraminer, it is often used for crafting SGN wines.
What is Klevener de Heiligenstein?
The non-aromatic version of pink-skinned Savagnin Rose, authorized only around Heiligenstein
Its wines are mineral and hint of ripe grain.
What is the difference between Klevner and Klevener?
Klevner refers to Pinot Blanc, while Klevener refers to Savagnin Rose
They are distinct grape varieties.
What is the relationship between Savagnin Rose and Savagnin Blanc?
Savagnin Rose is a pink-skinned mutation of Savagnin Blanc
It comes in aromatic (Gewurztraminer) and non-aromatic (Klevener) versions.
Which four grapes are historically considered ‘noble’?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat
Only these can be crafted into specific high-quality wine categories.
What wine categories can noble grapes be crafted into?
Vendanges Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles, and Grands Crus
There is one Grand Cru exception, Zotzenberg.
How did Pinot Noir’s characteristics change in Alsace?
It previously lacked concentration and color, but now shows saturated color and depth
The current warming trend and reduced yields have contributed to this change.
What factors contributed to the previously low concentration of Pinot Noir in Alsace?
High yields and unfavorable climate conditions
These factors led to an almost-red red wine.
What are the implications of the current warming trend on Pinot Noir production?
Producers are crafting wines with greater color, depth, and concentration
Plantings of Pinot Noir are on the rise.
What is the production data of the grape varieties as of 2019?
