Alsace Flashcards
Alsace
North Eastern France
Bordered by Germany
Vosges mountains
Rhine River
Region divided into 2:
Bas-Rhin
To the north
Lower elevation
Less protection from the Vosges
Haut-Rhin
To the south
Higher elevation
Location of the best vineyard sites
Climate:
Cool continental
Dry with warm, sunny summers
Rolling foothills of the Vosges
Better vineyards planted on slopes facing east/southwest
Soil:
Tremendous diviersity
Mosaic of geologic time
Grape varieties:
Over 90%:
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc
Sylvaner
Pinot Noir
Viticulture:
Long, cool dry growing season
Rain shadow from the Vosges
Vinification:
Neutral casks
Little to no use of new oak
Alsace Appellations
Alsace/Vin d’Alsace AOP
-51 Grands Crus Vineyards
-Four grape varieties allowed:
-Riesling
-Gewurztraminer
-Muscat
-Pinot Gris
Vendange Tardive (VT)
Late harvest
Single variety
Rich, full bodied, not always sweet
Sélection De Grains Nobles (SGN)
Botrytis
Single variety
Small quantities
Only exceptional vintages
What type of wine is Crémant d’Alsace?
Sparkling wine
