17. Alsace

Question 1

Which part of Alsace has least proteciton from the Vosges mountains?

Answer 1

North Alsace

Question 2

Geology of Alsace?

Answer 2

Great variety of soils due to its dramatic geological history

Question 3

How are Alsace vines trained on the slopes?

Answer 3

Low-trained

Question 4

How are Alsace vines trained on the plains?

Answer 4

High-trained

Question 5

Why is organic and biodynamic viticulture practiced more in Alsace than the rest of France?

Answer 5

There is a lower risk of disease because of the sunny, dry conditions

Question 6

Two principal appellation levels for Alsace

Answer 6

Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru

Question 7

What is the major controversy with Alsace Grand Cru appellation?

Answer 7

Vineyard boundaries

Question 8

Why do some Alsatian producers not label their wines as Grand Cru even if they could?

Answer 8

Their vineyards are considered to be too large and not worthy of Grand Cru status

Question 9

What is the late harvest status in Alsace?/

Answer 9

Vendanges Tardives

Question 10

What are the four noble varieties in Alsace?

Answer 10

Riesling, Muscat, Gewurtztraminer and Pinot Gris

Question 11

What is the fourth noble variety in Alsace alongside Riesling, Gewurtz and Pinot Gris?

Answer 11

Muscat

Question 12

The best Vendanges Tardives wines from Alsace may have undergone what process?

Answer 12

Passerillage

Question 13

Passerillage is a common process for what labelled wines in Alsace?

Answer 13

Vendanges Tardives

Question 14

What is SGN in Alsace?

Answer 14

Selection de Grains Nobles

Question 15

What are sugar levels like for SGN?

Answer 15

Minimum sugar ripeness levels are higher than VT wines

Question 16

Characteristic for Alsatian sparkline wine growing seasons?

Answer 16

Harvest begins earlieer (August)

Question 17

What grapes feature in VT, SGN and grand cru wines in Alsace?

Answer 17

Only the 4 noble varieties

Question 18

What prevents oak barrels from having any influence on wine in Alsace?

Answer 18

The thick tartrate deposit

Question 19

In Alsace, when does bottling usually take place?

Answer 19

Spring following harvest

Question 20

How does Alsace Rieslings compare to German ones?

Answer 20

They are less floral

Question 21

Alsace Riesling body

Answer 21

Medium to full bodied

Question 22

Alsace Riesling alcohol

Answer 22

Medium

Question 23

Alsace Riesling character

Answer 23

Stony and steely character

Question 24

Alsace Gewurtz nose

Answer 24

Spicy, lychee, roses

Question 25

Alsace Gewurtz body

Answer 25

Full bodied

Question 26

Alsace Gewurtz texture

Answer 26

Oily

Question 27

Alsace Gewurtz acidity

Answer 27

Low to medium

Question 28

Alsace Gewurtz alcohol

Answer 28

High

Question 29

Alsace PG acidity

Answer 29

Medium to high

Question 30

Alsace PG body

Answer 30

Full bodied

Question 31

Alsace PG alcohol

Answer 31

High

Question 32

How does PG compare to Gewurtz in Alsace?

Answer 32

More acidic and less aromatic

Question 33

Alsace PG character

Answer 33

Honeyed

Question 34

Two types of Muscat in Alsace

Answer 34

Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains Muscat Ottonel

Question 35

Which Muscat is more widely planted in Alsace?

Answer 35

Ottonel

Question 36

Why is Ottonel a more widely planted Muscat than Blanc a Petits Grains?

Answer 36

Petits Grains iss more prone to poor fruit set and rot

Question 37

Which Muscat is more aromatic in Alsace?

Answer 37

Blanc a Petits Grains

Question 38

What is the other main white grape in Alsace other than the 4 noble varieties?

Answer 38

Pinot Blanc

Question 39

Pinot Blanc is typically found where in Alsace?

Answer 39

More fertile plains rather than slopes

Question 40

Pinot Blanc profile

Answer 40

Light, non-aromatic

Question 41

What is the only black grape permitted in Alsace?

Answer 41

Pinot Noir

Question 42

What are other minor white grape varieties in Alsace?

Answer 42

Auxerrois and Sylvaner