Alsace

Question 1

When did the romans take possession of the Alsace region? When did they begin planting vines?

Answer 1

58BC take control of the area, start planting vines in the 2nd century

Question 2

What was King Charlemagne’s nickname?

Answer 2

Pater vinaerum - The father of the vines

Question 3

How did King Charlemagne influence the wine trade in Alsace?

Answer 3

Throughout 8th, 9th centuries, he entrusts the vines to abbeys, churches and nobility

Question 4

In which century did Alsatian wines see a large increase in popularity? How much land was under vine?

Answer 4

15th, 16th centuries, wines grow an appreciation in Nordic countries. The area under vine was double what it is today

Question 5

When were Riesling, Muscat and Traminer declared noble grapes of Alsace?

Answer 5

Riesling 1477
Muscat 1523
Traminer 1551

Question 6

When did Alsace become part of the German empire? What was the effect on its wine industry?

Answer 6

1870. Vines were ripped up for more productive plants

Question 7

Why are the soil structures of Alsace so complex? How many soil types?

Answer 7

Due to the Rhine valley - 13 soil types

Question 8

How was the Rhine valley formed?

Answer 8

After initially being under sea level, the Rhineland mountain was formed, which then collapsed 50 million years ago, with the Rhine river carving its way through the sedimentary rock over time

Question 9

What are the 2 geological factors that protect the Alsace?

Answer 9

Vosges mountains to the west, Black forrest to the east

Question 10

What are the main soil types of Alsace? What are their effects on wine styles?

Answer 10

Marly sandstone: lively, fruity

Granite and gneiss: Pure, fresh

Schist: Pure wine with ageing potential. Suitable for Riesling

Clay marls: Body, opulent aromas, complexity

Question 11

What are the main cities of Alsace?

Answer 11

Strasbourg - capital city, administrative

Colmar - wine capital

Question 12

When was the Alsace AOC declared?

Answer 12

1962

Question 13

What are the 2 bottle types permitted under AOC Alsace wines?

Answer 13

Vin du rhin
Flute Alsacienne

Question 14

What are the 5 permitted Grand Cru grapes?

Answer 14

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Pinot Noir (as of 2022)

Question 15

How does Alsace Grand Cru differ from other regions?

Answer 15

Grand Cru is it’s own seperate AOP

Question 16

Why is Schlossberg the most well-known grand cru?

Answer 16

First and largest grand cru vineyard

Question 17

How many AOPs are there in Alsace?

Answer 17

53

Question 18

What are the different levels of the regional level AOP Alsace?

Answer 18

AOP ALSACE
+ the name of the village or locality
+ the special mentions
70.4% of production

Question 19

What is the breakdown of AOPs in Alsace?

Answer 19

53 AOPs
- AOP Alsace (Regional)
- AOP Crémant d’Alsace
- 51 AOP Alsace Grand Crus

Question 20

What are the 2 grand crus approved for GC pinot noir as of 2022?

Answer 20

• Hengst
• Kirchberg de Barr

Question 21

What are the 12 permitted grapes under AOP Alsace?

Answer 21

Riesling
Muscat a petits grains
Muscat Ottonel
Pinot Gris
Gewurztraminer
Pinot blanc
Pinot noir
Sylvaner
Auxerrois
Chasselas
Chardonnay
Klevener de Heiligenstein

Question 22

Describe the conditions of AOP Alsace

Answer 22

• All grapes grown in the area are permitted except for Chard
• Wines must be 100% single varietal, with 2 exceptions
• Still white, red, rosé

Question 23

What are the 2 AOP Alsace communes that are permitted to blend?

Answer 23

AOP Alsace Edelzwicker
AOP Alsace Gentil

Question 24

Describe the conditions of A

Question 24

Describe the conditions of AOP Cremant d'Alsace

Answer 24

- White and rosé sparkling wines - Trad method - Hand harvesting mandatory - Min 9 months bottle ageing on lees - Pinot blanc, riesling, pinot gris, chardonnary, auxerrois, pinot noir

Question 25

What percentage of Alsatian wines are GC?

Answer 25

6.3%

Question 26

What are the criteria for AOP Alsace Grand Cru?

Answer 26

- 51 approved vineyards - Noble grapes + 1 Sylvaner GC, Pinot Noir as of 2022 in 2 vineyards - Hand harvest - Extensive labelling criteria - Qualitative tasting done by INAO

Question 27

What are the 2 special mentions in AOP Alsace wines?

Answer 27

- Vendages tardives - Selection de grains nobles (botrytis)

Question 28

What are the conditions for the AOP Alsace special mentions?

Answer 28

- Must be tasted by INAO tasting panel before being accepted to use special mention - Minimum RS and alc. levels are required, depending on the climate of the vintage - Must be tested and subject to an analytical examination 18 months after harvest - Sweetness indication mandatory as of 2022

Question 29

What is the name of the popular spirit made in Alsace?

Answer 29

AOP Marc d'Alsace de Gewurztraminer

Question 30

What is AOP Marc d'Alsace de Gewurztraminer

Answer 30

Distilled skins of Gewurz grapes

Question 31

How large is AOP Alsace?

Answer 31

15,500 Ha, spanning 120km x 10km

Question 32

What is the main grape used for AOP Cremant d'Alsace?

Answer 32

Pinot blanc

Question 33

Name some notable producers from Alsace

Answer 33

- Domaine Weinbach - Maison Trimbach - Jean Baptiste Adam - Higel et fils - Muré