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Alsace Flashcards

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1
Q

What was the primary reason Alsace has so many soil types?

A

The western side of graben (Alsace) was not one clean break but rathern multiple fractures or fault bundles that subsequently developed cross faults. This faulting exposed many different soil types from different geological epochs.

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2
Q

What is Selection de Grains Nobles?

A

Late harvest wines. Noble Rot is a requirement.

Grapes are hand picked, berry by berry through multiple passes in the vineyard.

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3
Q

True or False:

Vendanges Tardives, Selection de Grains Nobles and Grand Crus bottlings in Alsace are only from the four noble grapes.

A

True

With one single Grand Crus exception of Zotzenberg.

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4
Q

What is the primary reason Alsace wines are mostly (75%) consumed domestically and especially locally?

A

The success of region’s pioneering efforts at oenotourism.

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5
Q

What are seven main or focal grape varieties in Alsace?

A
  1. Riesling
  2. Pinot Gris
  3. Gewurztraminer
  4. Muscat(s)
  5. Sylvaner
  6. Pinot Blanc
  7. Pinot Noir
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6
Q

True or False:

Many of the largest producers in Alsace are family owned and operated.

A

True

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7
Q

Are Klevner and Klevener are the same grape variety?

A

No - Klevner (Pinot Blanc) and Klevener (Savagnin Rose) are two distinct grape varieties.

Savagnin Rose is a pink-skinned mutation of Savagnin Blanc of Jura fame and comes in aromatic (Gewurztraminer) and non-aromatic (Klevener) versions.

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8
Q

True or False;

Vendages Tardives and Selectdion de Grains Nobles are independent AOCs in Alsace.

A

False

They are wine styles within the Alsace AOC and Alsace Grand Cru AOCs.

They can be only crafted from the four “noble” grapes.

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9
Q

True or False:

Co-operatives account for approximately 10% of Alsace’s total wine offering.

A

False

40%

30% of producers account for 80% of produciton.

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10
Q

What is the outlook for the sale of Alsace’s sparkling production?

A

Increasing. Alsace produced less than a million bottle of Cremant in 1977, but today produces 33 million bottles.

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11
Q

What is Edelzwicker?

A

“Noble Blend”
A blend of the approved white grapes of Alsace vinified together or separately.

Vintage is optional.

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12
Q

True or False

Lieu-Dit production standards are higher than those of the communal designations.

A

True

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13
Q

What are grapes used for Pinot d’Alsace?

A

A blend of Alsace AOC wines based on Pinot Blanc and may include Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Auxerrrois.

Even Chardonnay may be included.

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14
Q

True or False

Grand Cru designation is awarded to vineyards in Alsace rather than to producers as in Bourgogne.

A

True

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15
Q

What are the majority of Grand Crus soils?

A

sedimentary soils

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16
Q

What other grape variety may contain if the Alsace label says Pinot Blanc/Klevner?

A

100% Auxerrois or a blend of Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois along with 100% Pinot Blanc. Ver

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17
Q

As of 2008, the maximum of Residual Sugar level for Riesling has been set in Alsace.

A

It has been set as the maximum R.S. level of 0.9% (9g/l).

This does not apply to Grand Crus nor Lieu-Dit or dessert wines (VT or SGN),

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18
Q

What grape variety makes up Blanc de Noirs and Rose of Cremant d’Alsace?

A

100% Pinot Noir

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19
Q

What is traditional wine storage vessels in Alsace?

A

Large wooden Foundres.

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20
Q

Is Malolactic conversion is encouraged for Vendanges Tardives wine and why?

A

No MLF since the wine needs acid to balance out its high sugar level.

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21
Q

What is the link between Savagnin Blanc and Klevener de Heiligenstein / Gewurztraminer?

A

Mutations of Savagnin Blanc.

Klevener de Heiligenstein or Savagnin Rose is non aromatic mutation of Savagnin Blanc while Gewurztraminer is aromatic version of Savagnin Blanc.

Savagnin Blanc is the grape of Jura’s Vin de Jaune.

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22
Q

What are two grapes most often used for VT and SGN and the reason?

A
  1. Gewurztraminer
  2. Pinot Gris
  • Its ripening occurs coincides with autumn mists (ideal for noble rot)
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23
Q

What four grape varieties are considered to be “ancillary” grapes of Alsace?

A
  1. Auxerrois
  2. Chardonnay
  3. Chasselas
  4. Savagnin Rose
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24
Q

Who was the person and where was the location to create the very first vigneron to convert to biodynamics in France.

A

Eugene Meyer.

Alsace together with Loire, Languedoc-Roussillon and Rhone are the forefront of the green practices in France.

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25
True or False: 50% of Alsace's total production is exported.
False: Only 25%
26
What can Alsace Grand Cru AOC wines can only be?
Dry White or Sweet White.
27
How are most Cremants made in Alsace?
Made as blends.
28
What grape variety, plays a primary role in Alsace's very popular Cremant?
Auxerrois
29
If Alsace label shows Pinot d'Alsace, what four grape varieties the wines may contain?
1. 100% Auxerrois 2. 100% Pinot Blanc 3. 100% Pinot Gris 4. 100% Pinot Noir (vinified as white wine) 5. Or blend of any or all
30
What is "Gentil" wine?
A blend comprising **50%+ of the "noble" grape varieties**; each variety must be vinified separately. **Requires tasting panel approval.** **Vintage must appear.**
31
Name four features of Alasace wines that show German influence.
1. Varietally labeled 2. Slender flute bottles 3. Riesling 4. Dessert wine
32
How many AOCs in Alsace?
53 AOCs Regional AOC (with Lieu-Dit and Communal Designations within it) Cremant d'Alsace AOC 51 Grand Crus
33
True or False: Alsace's wine production is almost 90% white.
True
34
Has Alsace been gone to Germany or France after the Franco Prussian War? Which country France or Germany, Alsace returned to after World War I?
* Germany * France
35
True or False The wines of Alsace have historically been fermented to dryness.
True
36
What percentage do Blends comprise of Alsace's total producdtion?
20% (Gentil and Edelzwicker have set requirements) 80% of production is put into varietal bottlings both dry and sweet.
37
What is the main difference between Alsace white wines and German wines?
Traditionally devoid of residual sugar
38
Name four "noble" grapes of Alsace.
1. Riesling 2. Gewurztraminer 3. Pinot Gris 4. Muscat
39
What are two synonyms of Pinot Blanc in Alsace? What wine style is it mostly used for?
1. Pinot Vrai 2. Klevner * Mostly used in Cremant produciton
40
True or False Vendanges Tardives wines should not be affected by Noble Rot.
False They may be affected by Noble Rot but Noble Rot is not mandatory requirement.
41
What did producers in Alsace successfully lobby to identify and delimit its terroirs?
For Communal and Lieu-Dit designation within the regional Alsace AOC.
42
True or False: Alsace was a part of western principality of Germany when it reached the peak of prosperity and renown in the middle of Renaissance (16th Century).
True: However the Thirty Years War ravaged the population and was handed over to France after the war.
43
Which grape variety occupies more than twice as much vineyard land as Pinot Blanc and is counted as Pinot Blanc in official figures?
Auxerrois
44
What is the soil type common to the majority of Alsace's Grands Crus?
On Sedimentary soils with a particularly large number planted on combinations of marl and limestone or combinations of marl, limestone and sandstone.
45
What is the primary geological reason Alsace wines manage to achieve ripeness and flavour development?
Vosges Mountains protect Atlantic influences to block rain laden clouds pushed by the west winds, Alsace is lying effectively in the rain shadow of the Vosges.
46
What is Vendanges Tardives?
Late harvest wines that contain considerable residual sugar. Grapes are picked by hand late season when the berries are overripe.
47
Sylvaner is permitted for one Grand Cru only. Name the Grand Cru.
Zotzenberg (it can also be crafted from Gewurztraminer, Rielsing or Pinot Gris)
48
Name the two uplifts of the Rhine Graben
1. Vosges Mountain Range 2. Black Forest
49
What is the climate of Alsace?
Continental with significant seasonal and diurnal temperature swings.
50
Turkeheim, Beblenheim and Ribeauville are well celebrated. What are they?
Co-operatives. Ribeauville established in 1895 would have the oldest co-operatives in France if not. for the fact that Alsace was a part of Germany at the time.
51
Along with Riesling, what three other grape varieties that Alsace is unique among the two wine producing nations?
1. Gewurztraminer 2. Muscat 3. Pinot Gris
52
What is the main difference of Belemnite and Micraster chalks as they are found in Champagne area?
Belemnite soil types are found upper to mid slopes white Micraster soils are found in flatter plains where the sun exposure is not optimal.
53
What topography does Alsace area lie?
Rhine Graben - a section of the rift system that zigsags across Europe from the Mediterranea to the North Sea.
54
Which grape variety is forbidden in Cremant d'Alsace?
Gewurztraminer
55
The rich deep and fertile soils at the base of the foothills largely grow grapes that are destined for what production?
Cremant Production
56
What grape variety is the non aromatic pink skinned grape of Gewurztraminer?
Savagnin Rose (Klevener of Heiligenstein)
57
What grape variety is given a spotlight only in Alsace wine region in France and is often used to craft VT and SGN?
Gewurztraminer
58
What white grape variety is only authorized for Cremant and no other AOC level wines in Alsace and can only be sold as Vin de France otherwise?
Chardonnay
59
Which grape variety has regulations stipulating a residual sugar maximum?
As of 2008 Riesling was given a maximum R.S. sugar level of 0.9%( 9g/l), but this ruling does not apply to Grand Cru wines or wines labeled with a lieu-dit (or VT pr SGN).
60
What have the two types of Muscat grape family cultivated as of the 15th Century and 19th Century respectively in Alsace?
1. Musact a Petit Grains Blanc 2. Muscat Ottonel
61
True or False: Yields in Alsace continue to remain some of the lowest in France.
False Yields are some of the highest.
62
True or False: The principal training method in Alsace is Guyot, single or double.
True
63
True or False; Less than one percent of Alsace's vineyards are farmed according to organic or biodynamic pracrices.
False 16% There are over 300 orgianic vignerons.
64
Name sparkling wines produced outside Champagne (4).
1. Cremant - all have the same atomosphers of pressure as champgne 2. Mousseux: Value category, less demanding production standards than Cremant. No aging requirement. 3. Petillant: Fizzy. Less atm of pressure: 1-2.5 atm 4. Petillant Natural (Pet-Nat/Methode Ancestral): Sparkling wines produced according to the ancestral method
65
True or False Edelzwicker and Gentil are independent AOCs in Alsace,
False Both are categories within the Alsace AOC
66
Out of 51 Alsace Grand Crus, all craft single varietal wines except the two. Name the two.
1. Altenberg de Bergheim 2. Kaefferkopf
67
What can Wines labled with Lieu-Dit can be white, red or rose.
It cannot be Rose, only white or red.
68
Define "Lieu-Dit"
A Lieu-Dit is a parcel of land, contained within a single commune, whose traditional (and often centuries-old) name recalls a topographical or historic peculirarity. A **Lieu-Dit** is a techinical ***cadastral unit*** used by geographers and is legally registered.
69
What small wine region west of Alsace and east of Champagne boasts two AOCs and one IGP?
Lorraine * Moselle AOC * Cotes de Toul AOC (strong Rose/Gris tradition) * Cotes de Meuse IGP
70
How many Communal Designation (Denominations Geographique Complementaires (DGC) in Alsace AOC?
13 DGCs echo the "villlage level" wine cateory in Bourgogne.
71
How many Grand Crus are in Alsace?
51 Grand Crus
72
What is the 17th century wooden instrument used to eliminate carbon dioxide from sparkling wine?
***Wooden whisks (Mosseers)***
73
What is a serious issue Alsace producers are grappling with today, which goes against the historical nature of its wines?
Accidental or intentional residual sugar in wines
74
True or False In Alsace, "Prestige", "Reserve" or "Reserve Personelle" are registered terms.
False Many are unique to each producer and unique within the spercific "families" of wines they produce.
75
What is the only Grand Cru vineyard where Sylvaner is permttted?
Zotzenberg
76
How many different major soil types are found in Alace?
13
77
Which grape variety is consider to be the pinnacle of prestige among Alsace’s wine offerings?
Riesling
78
What is the local language of Alsace?
Elsässisch or Elsässerditsch is a German dialect In French, it is called Alsacien
79
One of the consequences of Germanic influences has been the shape of the Alsace wine bottle. What is the name of this tall, slender bottle?
Flûte d’Alsace
80
What country did Alsace belong in WW1
Germany
81
What vessels are primarily used for fermentation?
Stainless steel or large Foudres (10 - 120hl)
82
Are tanks tempurature controlled and why/why not?
Tanks are not chilled since the Alsace cellars are naturally cool.
83
What wine techniques do most Alsace wines production avoid?
No new oak No MLF
84
Where does the word Foudre come from?
German fuder which means cartload or tun
85
How has climate change impacted Alsace wines?
-Creates higher sugar level due to high temps. -Sometimes stops fermentation leaving residual sugars -Pinot Noir deeper pigmentation -harvest dats 2-3 weeks earlier
86
What are labeling requirements for Alsace wines?
Must list 1. sec, demi-sec, moelleux or doux or 2. use a sweetness scale
87
What is tartaric?
“Wine diamonds” – are formed from tartaric acid which is naturally occurring in all wines and provides structure, balance and flavor. Tartaric acid is one of three main acids found in wine grapes alongside malic, and citric acids.
88
What is also taken into account when measuring sweetness in Alsace wines?
Tartatic acid levels. Higher TAs can allow a drier rating
89
What is the upper limit for Alsace AOC residual sugars that are not VT or SGN?
>9 g/L
90
Alsace was the first region in France to have, what?
Biodynamic wine estate
91
Principal training method?
Guyot
92
How are vines grown on the plain and why?
Trained high to mitigate frost risk
93
Grapes targets for Crémant are picked when?
Early for acidity and lower sugars
94
Why is Riesling a good grape for Alsace?
It is native, winter hardy and BUDS LATE
95
Alsace Rieslings are....
Always dry unless designated as a desert wine
96
What are Communal and Lieu-Dit?
Sub-categories for AOC Alsace
97
What does Lieu-Dit mean?
"Spoken place" / "named place" Specific vineyard site, or parcel with single commune Higher standards than Communal ONLY WHITE AND RED NOT Separate Appellation
98
What are Communal wines
total 13 designations "Village-Level" Quality are higher than AOC lower than Lieu-Dit Each commune authorized for specific wine style and grape NOT Separate Appellation
99
What can be in a Pinot Blanc Alsace (Klevner)?
100% Pinot Blanc or 100% Auxerrois or a blend of both
100
Do Grand Cru have to show the grape variety?
NO
101
When did Alsace AOC switch from 1 Grand Cru to 51?
2011
102
How much production do Grand Crus provide?
6%
103
How are Grand Crus recognized?
By the vineyard NOT the producer
104
Grand Cru Zotzenberg
in Mittelberheim Use Gewurts, Riesling or Pinot Gris SLYVANER is the only Grand Cru able to use
105
Grand Cru Altenberg de Berheim
1 out of 2 allowed for BLENDED DOMAINE MARCEL DEISS No Grapes stated 50-70% Riesling required
106
Grand Cru Kaefferkopf
Different conditions in the vineyard MUST have 60-80% Gewurtz
107
Grand Cru Hengst
as of 2021 allows PINOT NOIR along with Kirchberg de Barr Grands Crus
108
Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr Grands Crus
as of 2021 allows PINOT NOIR along with Hengst Grands Crus
109
List numbers: AOC, Grand Cru, Communes
53 51 13
110
What percentage of Alsace's wine production is blended wines?
20%
111
What is unique about Grand Cru Zotzenberg?
The AOC allows Sylvaner
112
Why are Alsace Rieslings historically fermented to dryness while German Rieslings are traditionally left with a little residual sugar?
Lack of ripeness traditionally caused high acidity in German Rieslings. Winemakers left sugar in them to balance that acid – just as the Champenois balance high acid in their wines with dosage. Alsace has a warmer, sunnier climate, so the fruit is riper, ensuring naturally balanced acidity. This allows Alsace vignerons to ferment their Rieslings to dryness.
113
In which century was Alsace first incorporated into France?
17th Century
114
After which war did Alsace become part of the German Empire?
Franco-Prussian War
115
Which mountain range protects the vineyards of Alsace from bad weather brought across northern France by westerly winds?
Vosges
116
Can Auxerrrois be used for sweet wines?
NO
117
Of the grape varieties permitted to be used for Vendanges Tardives and Sélection de Grains Nobles production, two are used much more frequently than the others. Which are they?
Gewurztraminer Pinot Gris
118
For an Alsace wine to be varietally labeled, what percentage of the grape specified on the label must be used?
100%
119
What is Cremant d'Alsace categorizes?
Regional AOC
120
Why does the harvest in Alsace run from September to November?
1. Different ripening times 2. some sites warmer/sunnier 3. Sparkling need more acidity eg less ripe 4. Sweet wines need more sugars eg late harvest 5. 13 different soil types
121
Gewurztraminer is the aromatic version of the non-aromatic Savagnin Rose. What is the Alsace name for Savagnin Rose?
Klevener de Heiligensten
122
Since 2008, Pinot Gris – other than Grands Crus, Lieux-Dits and dessert wines – has to be made in a dry style. True or False?
False

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