Alsace Flashcards
What 2 grapes is Alsace the only wine region growing at the AOC level?
Gewurztraminer & Reisling
T or F? Alsace became part of Germany in 1871.
True, it was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian Way (1870).
What are the 4 permitted grapes in Alsace Vendage Tardives, Sélection de Grains Nobles and Grand Crus?
The 4 Noble Grapes:
- Riesling
- Gewurztramier
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
What are the 3 primary grapes of Alsace that are not native to France?
- Riesling (German)
- Sylvaner (Austrian)
- Muscat (Greek)
T or F? Edelzwicker may be a blend of any white grapes approved for Alsace AOC Wine.
True
T or F? Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim may be a blend.
True
If a blend, there must be at least 50% Riesling
T or F? There are 13 different soil types in Alsace.
True
The soil types are very complex, owing to the millions of years of geological faulting and erosion
In which century did Alsace reach it’s peak of prosperity?
The 16th century (late Renaissance)
What is the most widely planted grape in Alsace?
Riesling
Savagnin Rose is also known as?
Klevener
T or F? Grass may be planted between rows of vines to increase grape yields.
False
Grass decreases yields by competing with the vines for nutrients.
What is the climate of Alsace?
Continental, with large seasonal and diurnal temperature swings
“Tokay d’ Alsace” is a former name for?
Pinot Gris
“Tokay d’ Alsace” is no longer allowed under EU law
What is the impact of global climate change on the dryness of Alsace Wines?
Sugar levels are rising and more off-dry wines are being produced
What is the AOC for sparkling wine in Alsace?
Crémant d’Alsace
What is the effect of the Vosges Mountains on the vineyards in Alsace?
The Vosges Mountains provide a rain shadow that ensures mainly sunny and dry growing conditions.
T or F? It is common for Alsace wines to be aged in new oak and undergo malolactic fermentation.
False
Neither practice is common in Alsace
T or F? Machine harvesting is common in Alsace.
False
Most vineyards are hand harvested due to the steepness of the slopes.
Auxerrois Blanc is a cross between what 2 grapes?
Gouis Blanc and Pinot Noir
What is the difference between Klevner and Klevener?
Klevner is Pinot Blanc a genetic offshoot of Pinot Gris
Klevener is the non-aromatic version of Savignan Rose, a secondary grape in Alsace
T or F? A wine labeled “Selections de Grains Nobles” MUST be made from grapes affected by Botrytis.
True
Klevner or Pinot Vrai is more commonly known as?
Pinot Blanc
T or F? Crémant d’Alsace is primarily made from Chardonnay
False
Crémant d’Alsace is mostly Pinot Blanc, but Chardonnay can be used.
What red grape is permitted in Alsace?
Pinot Noir
On which bottles of wines is vintage labeling optional?
Edelzwicker
Grand Cru Kaefferkopf, when bottled is a blend, must contain a majority of what grape?
Gewurztraminer
The Sylvaner grape is believed to be native to?
Austria
T or F? Wines in Alsace may be designated AOC, IGP or Vin Sans IG.
False
All wines in Alsace are AOC.
Is Riesling indigenous to France?
No. Riesling is from Germany (the Rhine Valley).
Klevener is also known as?
Savagnin Rose
T or F? Sylvaner is permitted in Alsace Grands Crus.
Only in Grand Crus vineyard of Zotzentberg
What are the four ancillary grapes in Alsace?
- Chardonnay
- Chasselas
- Auxerrois
- Savagnin Rose (Klevener)
What are the 4 Noble Grapes in Alsace?
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Gewurztramier
- Muscat
Zotzentberg is an exceptional Grand Cru vineyard because?
Sylvaner is permitted here
T or F? Chaptilization is common in Alsace.
False
The technique is disappearing as a result of global warming.
What type of bottle is commonly used for wine in both Germany and Alsace?
The “Flute”, a long tapered bottle
In an effort to combat Phylloxera in Alsace, in the late 19th century vignerons were encouraged to?
Plant high yield, low-quality hybrids that could resist the pest
T or F? In Alsace. Grand Crus wines may be red or white.
False
Grand Cru wines in Alsace are white only.
What are the 2 Muscats grown in Alsace?
- Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc - considered higher quality of the 2
- Muscat Ottonel
In which direction do the best slopes in Alsace face?
South/Southeast
T or F? Alsace is one of only 2 regions in France where Riesling is permitted.
True
Riesling has only recently been permitted in Languedoc.
T or F? As a result of global climate change, Pinot Noir is becoming harder to grow in Alsace.
False
Pinot Noir is becoming easier to grow and darker in color.