17 Alsace Flashcards
(26 cards)
What kind of climate have Alsace?
continental
cool to moderate
Which mountains shelter Alsace from westerly winds?
Vosges
What impact except stopping the winds Vosges mountains have on the Alsace climate
lack of clouds
sunny summers and dry autumns
Where are the best vineyards located in Alsace
on the steepest slopes with east and south-east aspects
Which area have cooler climate in Alsace and why
northermost part
Vosges cant protect
What contributes to the styles of Alsacian Wines?
Great variety of soils
Why is organic viticulture common in Alsace?
because of dry climate low disease pressure
Name two principal appellations in Alsace
Alsace
Alsace Grand Cru
Which two classification exist in Alsace?
Vendanges Tardives
Selection de grains nobles.
What does Vendanges Tardives mean in Alsace?
means ‘Late harvest’, some influence of noble rot is possible.
What does Selection de grains nobles mean in Alsace?
Botritysed grapes were used to make sweet wine
What problems cause simplicity of classification in Alsace?
in order to distinguish between the qualities of wine, producers use additional terms, such as Reserve personnele
Which varieties are considered noble in Alsace?
Riesling
Muscat
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
How majority of wines are labeled in Alsace and why?
varietally labeled and they are made from single variety
Which varieties can be used for VT and SGN and Grand Cru wines in Alsace
‘Noble’
How are inexpensive whines labelled in Alsace?
Edelzwicker
Gentil
if not than Producers brand name
What is the winemaking focused on in Alsace?
fresh, aromatic wines without oak and MLF
What is the style of Vendanges Tardives?
From dry to sweet
What problem do Alsacian wines face due to very simple classification system?
There is not indicated level of sweetness in Gran Cru and Vendanges Tardives wines. id ranges from dry to sweet
Which white noble variety is most planted in Alsace?
Riesling
What is different between Alsatian and German Riesling wines?
In Alsace wines don’s show as much floral character
What is the style of Riesling in Alsace?
Body - Medium to High
Alcohol - Medium
Acidity - High
Aromas - citrus and stone fruit
What is the style of Gewurztraminer in Alsace?
Body - Full
Alcohol - High (14% is common)
Acidity - Low to Medium
Aromas - pungent aromatic spicy nose, reminiscent of lychee, roses sweet baking spices
What is the style of Pinot Gris in Alsace?
Body - Full
Alcohol - High
Acidity - Medium(more than Gewurztraminer)
Aromas - low, on the palate in pronounced dried fruits and honey
