Alsace Flashcards
(31 cards)
Selection de Grains Nobles
Suppress varietal characteristics in favor of complex botyritis notes, always dessert-like in practice.
Vendanges Tardives
May show botyritis but emphasize varietal purity; these vary in sugar levels and may be quite dry.
How many GC in Alsace? When were they established?
51!
One in ‘75, 24 more in ‘83, 25 in ‘92, 51st in ‘07
What are the smallest and largest GC in Alsace?
Kanzlerberg (3ha) and Schlossberg (80ha)
Which two famous houses declined labeling with grand cru? Why?
Trimbach and Hugel, they thought it was B.S.
What are min. potential alcohol levels for Alsace grand cru?
11% for Riesling & Muscat, 12.5% for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer
Which grands crus may blend according to prescibed proportions?
Altenberg de Bergheim and Kaefferkopf
What was the first grand cru of Alsace? When was it established?
Schlossberg, established in 1975
What’s the newest grand cru of Alsace? When did it achive grand cru status?
Kaefferkopf, est. 2007
What are the noble grapes of Alsace?
Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat
What could you find inside a bottle labeled “Alsace grand cru AOP Muscat?”
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains, Muscat Rose a Petits Grains, Muscat Ottonel
How are Alsatian Rieslings different from Geman ones?
They are characteristically dry, more powerful, and higher in alcohol.
What’s the difference between Muscat and Gewurztraminer?
While both aromatic, Muscat shows more floral and grapy notes while Gewurz shows more sweet spices and tropical fruit
How do Muscat and Gewurztraminer differ structurally?
They’re both lower in acidity, while Gewurztraminer tends toward higher alchol and is usually off-dry.
Muscat & Riesling min. Must Weights
VT: 235 g/l
SGN: 257 g/l
Pinot Gris & Gewurztraminer min. Must Weights
VT: 276 g/l
SGN 306 g/l
What red varieties are permitted for use in Alsace AOP?
just Pinot Noir
What’s the workhorse grape for Cremant d’Alsace?
Pinot Blanc
Which appellations in Alsace permit the use of Chardonnay?
just Cremant d’Alsace AOP
What grapes can you use in Cremant d’Alsace AOP?
Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling
What proportion of Alsace’s total output does Cremant account for?
nearly 1/4
Which Alsace grands crus permit varietal wines from non-noble varieties?
Zotzenberg, it is a historical site for Sylvaner so varietal wines are permitted here.
What is “Edelzwicker?” How about “Gentil?”
Edelzwicker is a white wine that may or may not be a blend, and may or may not carry a vintage; Gentil is a superior designation, requiring min. 50% noble grapes, the remainder may be composed of any other Alsace AOP variety, must be vinified separately.
What is Klevener?
A pink-skinned clone of Traminer
