Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

WSET Three > Alsace > Flashcards

Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What kind of climate does Alsace have?

A

Cool to moderate continetal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What do the Vosges Mountains do?

A

Shelter the vineyards from the prevailing rainbearing westerly wind and the lack of clouds which results in sunny summers and dry autumns.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace?

A

Steepest slopes with east/south-east facing aspects.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Where do the lesser vineyards exist in Alsace and what are their grapes typically used for?

A

On the plain between the Vosgnes Foothills and the Rhine. Grapes are often used for Cremant d’alsace.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

How are vines trained on the slopes of Alsace?

A

Trained low to benefit from the radiated heat and orientated to maximise vines exposure to the sun. Hand harvesting.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How are vines trained on the plains of Alsace
?

A

Trained high to reduce affect on spring frosts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Why do harvestors face key logistical challenge at harvest?

A

Because they have small plots of land with lots of different varieties which means that there is a lot of different ripening types. Usually starts in August for Sparkling and may last until beginning of December for VT and SGN wines

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does VT mean on an alsace bottle?

A

Vendange Tardives - late harvest. Can only be made from 1/4 noble varieties and must have a minimum sugar weight depending on the varietal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the four noble grapes in Alsace?

A

Gewurtztraminor, pinot gris, melon blanc and riesling.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

If a grape variety is listed on an Alsace label what percent must be in that bottle?

A

100%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

In Alsace there are ___ vineyards that have their own _____ appellation.

A

50, GRand Cru

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the two principal levels of Alsatian classifications?

A
  1. Alsace
  2. Alsace GRand Cru
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Why don’t some Grand Cru vineyard producers put grand cru on their label in Alsace?

A

Because they believe that some vineyards labelled Grand Cru, emcompass too much area and the land isnt worth it.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What does SGN mean on an Alsatian bottle of wine?

A

Selection de grains noble - Can only be made fro 1/4 noble rot varieties and have a minimum sugar level. Sugar level is higher than VT wines and usually achieved with noble rot. Wines are not produced every year and only ever in small quanities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are blended wines called in Alsace?

A

Edelzwicker or Gentil or just the producers name.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Blends are common Alsace? T or F?

A

False - typically inexpensive.

17
Q

How do traditional producers ferment their wines?

A

In large oak barrels that are more than 100 years old. On the inside there is a thick tartrate deposit which prevents the wood from giving any aromas.

18
Q

What level in sweetness can VT wines and SGT wines range from?

A

VT - Dry to medium sweet.
SGN - sweet

19
Q

What do modern day producers use to ferment their wines in Alsace?

A

Stainless steel vats which allows to control temperature and preserve aromatics.

20
Q

What changed to labeling in 2021 in Alsace?

A

Producers have to label the level of sweetness on their wines. Terms of: sec, demi-sec, moelleux and doux.

21
Q

What is the most planted variety in Alsace?

A

Riesling

22
Q

What do the best rieslings that come out of Alsace look like?

A

Medium to full bodied, dry with medium alcohol, high acidity and display citrus and stone fruit aromas with pronounced stony/steely character.

23
Q

What are the typical aromatics of Gewurztraminer?

A

Lychess, Roses and sweet baking spices.

24
Q

What is a typical Gewurztraminer from Alsace like?

A

Full bodied with a rich oiley texture, low to medium acidity, and high alcohol (above 14% not uncommon).

25
Q

What colour skin does Gewurztraminer have and what affect does this have on the wine?

A

Light pink tinged skin providing golden colour to some wines.

26
Q

What are the best pinot gris like from Alsace?

A

Rich, full-bodied and high alcohol. Contain more acid than Gewurztraminer. Can be richly textural and have pronouned aromas of fresh and dried fruits with a honey like character.

27
Q

The best Muscat variety in Alsace is?

A

Muscat Blanc a petits grains - intensely aromatic with orange blossom, rose and grape. Wine tends to be light to medium body with low to medium acidity.

28
Q

What is pinot blanc used for in Alsace?

A

Sparkling wine or white wine that is crisp, refreshing and non aromatic.

29
Q

What soil is Pinot Blanc planted on?

A

Fertile soil on the plains.

30
Q

How does Auxerrios differ to Pinot Blanc?

A

Similar but slightly spicier and more full-bodied.

31
Q

What is the only black variety permitted in Alsace?

A

Pinot Noir - typically lack body and fruit concentration, used for Rose.

WSET Three (23 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions