ALSACE Flashcards
Alsasce’s location/geography
Alsace is located in the northeaster corner of France along the border with Germany.
It is nestled between the ‘Vosges Mountains” to the west and the “Rhine River” to the east.
The Vosges Mountains create a rain shadow protecting the region from harsh, rainy weather coming from Northern and Atlantic.
The regions is divided in half along the departmental boundaries. (部門の境界に沿って)
How is the regions of Alsace divided?
-Bas-Rhin is to the north and has lower elevation and less protection from Vosges.
-Haut-Rhin is to the south, has higher elevation, and is the location of the best vineyards.
What is the climate for Alsace?
Cool continental becuase ofnthe northerly latitude.
Dry, sunny summer due to the rain shadow from Vosges.
Alsace is one of the driest regions in France.
What is the Topography of Alsace?
Vineyards are planted on the rolling foothills ofnthe Vosges Mountains.
The region also features flat plains along the Vine River.
What is the soil of Alsace?
There is diversity across the region because of ancient geologic activity, with various soil types including marl, limestone, gneiss, schist, sandstone, granite, clay, and volcanic soils.
What is the grape varieties of Alsace?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Sylvaner
Pinot Noir
What is Viticulture of Alsace?
Long, cool, dry growing season due to the rain shadow cast by the Vosges Mountains.
The better vineyards are planted on the lower sloes facing east-southeast.
What is Rain shadow effect to Alsace?
Drier climate
How affected from the Vosges Mountains to Alsace?
Sunnier climate (not necessary warmer)
Long growing season
Riper grapes
Higher alcohol potential
Fuller-bodied wines
What is Alsace/ Vin d’Alsace AOP?
One AOP covering the entire region.
All Alsace AOP wines must be bottled in the traditional tall, slender “Flute d’Alsace-style” bottle.
What is “Alsace Grand Cru” AOP?
There are 51 Grands crus vineyards.
Four grapes varieties are allowed to be planted in these vineyards.
These varieties are matched with the specific soil type and terroir of the specific vineyard site.
What are the four grapes varieties allowed to be planted in Alsace Grand Cru vineyards?
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscadet
Pinot Gris
Cremate d’Alsace AOP
Mothode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wines that are usually made from a blend of grapes.
What is the style of wine of Vendange Tardive”?
Late-harvest (may also be affected by botrytis).
Rich, full-bodied, but not always sweet.
Single variety wines, only four grapes.
What is “Selection de Grains Nobles” wine style?
These wines are always affected by botrytis, made in very small quantities, only in vintages when growing conditions are conductive to their production.
Single variety wines, only four grapes.
