Alsace

Question 1

What is the geographical latitude of Alsace?

Answer 1

48.3ºN

Question 2

What is the average annual precipitation in Alsace?

Answer 2

500-600mm pa

Question 3

What are the main climatic characteristics of Alsace?

Answer 3

Warm, Sunny and Dry

Question 4

What is the range of growing degree days (GDD) in Alsace?

Answer 4

2200 GDD

Question 5

What elevation range is typical for vineyards in Alsace?

Answer 5

200-400masl

Question 6

What is the effect of the Fohn wind in Alsace?

Answer 6

Raises temperature and reduces likelihood of fungal diseases

Question 7

What topographical feature provides shelter from Atlantic weather systems in Alsace?

Answer 7

Foothills of Vosges mountains

Question 8

What is the typical aspect for the best vineyards in Alsace?

Answer 8

Normally facing south, south-east or south-west

Question 9

How do the soils on the plains of Alsace differ from those on the hillsides?

Answer 9

Plains have deeper, more fertile soils; hillsides have thinner soils, lower fertility

Question 10

What are the 4 main grape varieties grown in Alsace?

Answer 10

• Riesling
• Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois
• Gewurztraminer
• Pinot Gris

Auxerrois can be labelled as either pinot blanc or Auxerrois

Question 11

What are considered noble varieties in Alsace?

Answer 11

• Riesling
• Pinot Gris
• Gewurztraminer
• Muscat

Question 12

What is the typical alcohol content and flavor profile of Alsatian Riesling?

Answer 12

Medium to full body, medium alcohol, high acid, with citrus and stone fruit flavors

Question 13

What are the typical characteristics of Gewurztraminer?

Answer 13

• Early budding and ripening
• Medium to high alcohol
• Low to medium acidity
• Pronounced lychee and peach flavors

Question 14

What is the main issue affecting Gewurztraminer in Alsace?

Answer 14

Prone to powdery mildew, grape vine moth, and grey rot

Question 15

What are the typical aromas of Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois?

Answer 15

Low intensity aromas of apple and peach

Question 16

What are the characteristics of Pinot Gris in Alsace?

Answer 16

• Early budding
• Moderate yields
• Medium aromas of peach and apples
• Can be dry to sweet

Question 17

What is the only black grape allowed for AOC wines in Alsace?

Answer 17

Pinot Noir

Question 18

What are the main vineyard management practices in Alsace?

Answer 18

• Single or double guyot training
• Higher fruit zones to avoid frost
• Higher canopies for airflow

Question 19

What percentage of Alsace AOP is certified or in conversion to organic?

Answer 19

Nearly 35%

Question 20

What is the harvest period for Alsace vineyards?

Answer 20

Early September until late October

Question 21

What is the typical fermentation approach for Alsatian wines?

Answer 21

Inert fermentation containers, minimal use of new oak

Question 22

What is the maximum yield for Alsace AOC wines for Pinot Noir?

Answer 22

60hl/ha

Question 23

What are the minimum sugar levels at harvest for Vendange Tardive for Riesling?

Answer 23

235gl

Question 24

What are the minimum sugar levels at harvest for Selection de Grains Nobles for Gewurztraminer?

Answer 24

306gl

Question 25

What is the significance of the Grand Cru category introduced in 1975?

Answer 25

Restricted to single, noble varieties

Question 26

What is the main challenge facing Sylvaner in Alsace?

Answer 26

In decline as Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are easier to grow

Question 27

What is the primary market for Alsace wines?

Answer 27

71% sold in France, nearly half in supermarkets

Question 28

True or False: Chaptalisation is permitted within EU limits in Alsace.

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Fill in the blank: The average vineyard holding in Alsace is less than ______ ha.

Answer 29

4.7