Alsace Flashcards
1
Q
When did Alsace change from Germany rule to French for the last time?
A
Alsace has changed many times from French to German rule over the centuries
Alsace was part of Germany until the end of WWI
2
Q
What wines were produced in Alsace under German rule?
A
Mostly average wines produced in bulk
3
Q
When did the focus on quality happen in Alsace?
A
When Alsace became part of France after WWI
Banning of hybrid vines happens in 1925
AC legislation was applied in 1962
Bottling in the area of production using the traditional Alsace flute bottle was made law in 1972
4
Q
Who owns more than half the vineyards in Alsace?
A
Grower/producers
Cooperative cellars control a third of the vineyard area and negociants own less than 5% but but large quantities off remaining growers
5
Q
How many growers are there in Alsace?
A
~5,000 in total, 3,100 farm less than 2 hectares
6
Q
How is vineyard land divided in Alsace?
A
Into small parcels and most growers don’t rely solely on grape growing/wine making for income
7
Q
How much of Alsace wines are exported?
A
25%
8
Q
What are the key export markets for Alsace wines?
A
- Belgium /Luxumbourg
- Netherlands
- Germany
- Denmark
- USA
- UK
9
Q
How much of the total wine are negociants responsible for in Alsace?
A
40%
10
Q
How important are co-operatives in Alsace?
A
Very they represent 37% of sales
11
Q
What are the two ACs for still wine in Alsace?
A
Alsace AC
Alsace Grand Cru AC
12
Q
What is Cuvée Spéciale in Alsace?
A
A term often found in labels in Alsace to distinguish quality as there are only two ACs in Alsace, but it has no legal status
13
Q
What does Reserve Personnelle mean in Alsace?
A
A term often found in labels in Alsace to distinguish quality as there are only two ACs in Alsace, but it has no legal status
14
Q
How much of total production is Alsace AC?
A
80%
15
Q
What is the maximum yield for white wines in Alsace AC?
A
80hl/ha
16
Q
What is the maximum yield for Pinot Noir from Alsace AC?
A
75 hl/ha
17
Q
If the variety is stated on an Alsace AC wine how much must be in the wine?
A
100% if a variety is stated the wine must be produced exclusively from that variety
18
Q
Will grape variety appear on the label in Alsace?
A
Yes contrary to many French labelling traditions, Alsace wines will reference grape variety on the label (apart from a small number of blends)
If grape variety is stated the wine must be exclusively from that variety
19
Q
How many vineyards in Alsace qualify for Grand Cru status?
A
51 Vineyards
20
Q
What grapes can be used in Alsace Grand Cru AC wines?
A
100% single varietals of
Riesling
Muscat
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
Exceptions are blends and Sylvaner (Zotzenberg only)
21
Q
Is machine harvesting permitted in Alsace Grand Cru AC?
A
No Alsace Grand Cru wines must be hand picked
22
Q
What is specified for new plantings in Grand Cru areas in Alsace?
A
Vine density
And pruning
New plantings must exceed 4,500 vines per hectare and be pruned to between 8-19 buds per m2
23
Q
Who controls the chapitalisation, grape varieties, harvest dates and PLC levels for each Grand Cru area in Alsace?
A
Syndicat Viticole
24
Q
What grapes can a Vendange Tardive (VT) be made from in Alsace?
A
The four noble varieties
Riesling
Muscat
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
25
Are blends permitted for Vendange Tardive (VT) in Alsace?
No must be 100% single varietals from the four noble varietals
26
What is the potential alcohol required for Riesling and Muscat in Vendage Tardive Alsace?
14%
The finished wine will have some level of residual sugar
27
What is the potential alcohol required for Vendage Tardive Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer in Alsace?
15.3%
Finished wine will have some level of residual sugar
28
What does SGN stand for in Alsace?
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
Sweet wines with some botrytis from the four noble varieties (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer)
29
What does VT stand for in Alsace?
Vendage Tardive
Late harvest wine made from four noble varietals (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer)
30
What is the minimum potential alcohol for a Sélection de Grains Noble (SGN) Riesling and Muscat in Alsace?
16.4%
31
What is the minimum potential alcohol for a Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer Sélection de Grains Noble (SGN) in Alsace?
18.2%
32
6 key facts re Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)
1. Category of sweet wines in Alsace produced in outstanding vintages
2. Selection of noble rotted grapes
3. Must come from four noble varieties (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer)
4. Must be 100% single varietals
5. Must have some level of botrytis
6. Potential alcohol of 16.4% for Riesling and Muscat and 18.2% for Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer
33
Six key facts about Vendage Tardive
1. Late harvest wine from Alsace
2. Must be one of four noble varietals (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Gris or Gewürztraminer)
3. Must be 100% single varietals
4. Grapes must have a potential alcohol or 14% for Riesling and Muscat and 15.3% for Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer
5. Chapitalisation is forbidden
6. Finished wine will have some level of residual sugar
34
Five key facts about Alsace AC?
1. Full name Vin d’Alsace AC
2. 80% of total production
3. Grape variety will appear on label (aside from on a small number of blends)
4. If variety is stated, the wine must be produced exclusively from that variety
5. Maximum yields are 80hl/ha for white varieties and 75hl/ha for Pinot Noir
35
10 key facts re Alsace Grand Cru AC
1. One of only two AC for still wines
2. Individual vineyards producing the finest wines
3. Name of vineyard and grape variety appear on label
4. 51 Vineyards qualify for Grand Cru Status
5. Produced from Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris
6. 100% single varietals exceptions are blends and Sylvaner (Zotzenberg only)
7. Maximum yields lower than in Alsace AC
8. Grapes must be handpicked
9. New plantings in grand cru areas must exceed 4,500 vines per hectare and be pruned between 8-19 buds per m2
10. Syndicat Viticole for each Grand Cru controls the Chapitalisation, grape varieties, harvest date, PLC levels
36
Where is Alsace?
Situated in Eastern France on the border with Germany
Next to the Rhine river
Separated by the Vosges Mountains from the rest of France
37
Which wine region has the driest climate in France?
Alsace
38
What protects Alsace from the prevailing westerly rain bearing wind?
The Vosges mountain range
39
How many sunshine hours does Alsace enjoy?
1,800+
40
What is the climate in Alsace?
Cool continental
Hot summers and long dry autumns
Occasional summer storms with hail
Cold winters allow for vine rest. Occasionally extreme winter conditions cause vine death
A warm meso climate close to Colmar gives a daily temperature of 1•C higher than Alsace average
41
What are climate hazards in Alsace?
Occasional summer storms with hail
Occasional extreme winter temperatures that cause vine death
42
Where in Alsace enjoys a warm meso climate with daily temperatures 1•C higher on average than Alsace generally?
Colmar
43
Where are the best vineyards situated in Alsace?
On east facing slopes
Lesser vineyards on plains
44
How many departments are there in Alsace?
2
Haut-Rhin in the South
Bas-Rhin in the North
45
What are the soil types in Alsace?
Varied
Soil types in upper slopes
- Alluvial granite and gneiss
- Schist. Quartz and clay
- sedimentary volcanic
- sandstone
Soil types in lower slopes
- calcareous
- calcareous sandstone
- clay/marl
- calcareous marl
Soil types of the plains
- large soil variation, base or lowest slopes where drainage is good, water available and certain sunshine.
46
What do the different soils add to final flavour /character of Alsace wines?
As a general rule
Heavier clay and marl - gives wines with broader flavours, more body and weight
Lighter limestone or sandy soil gives more elegance and finesse
Flint, schist, slate and shale soils give characteristic oily, minerals aroma reminiscent of petrol and gun flint - especially from Riesling
47
What are the grape varieties that Alsace considers noble?
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
48
What varieties can be used for Grand Cru, Vendage Tardive and Sélection de Grains Noble wines?
Noble varieties
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
49
Where will you find the grape variety on the label in Alsace?
Prominently on the front of the label
50
How do Alsace wines compare to equivalent German wines?
Drier and fuller bodied
Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer often have some residual sugar
Wines reflect the character of the grapes
51
What have been identified for each commune in Alsace?
Suitable vines and rootstocks
52
What is used to identify Grand Cru sites in Alsace?
Analysis of soil for organic, phosphoric and potassium content
53
Why are a range of varieties planted in Alsace communes?
To spread the risk
Different varieties have different flowering and ripening times to mitigate against climatic risk
54
What is the typically alcohol levels of Riesling in Alsace?
11.5-12.5%
55
What is the most suitable soil for Riesling in Alsace?
Granite and schist
56
Where are the best vineyards found for Riesling in Alsace?
Around the towns of
Wolxheim
Dambach-la-Ville
Scherwiller
57
What percentage of all plantings in Alsace are Riesling?
25%
58
What is the classic style of Riesling in Alsace?
Fine strong fruit character
Full nose
High acidity
59
Why is Riesling suitable for late harvest in Alsace?
Hardy grape
| Late ripening
60
What does Gewürz mean in German?
It is German for spice
61
What is the classic style of Gewürztraminer in Alsace?
```
Aromatic
Spicy nose of lychees, rose water
Full palate with some sweetness
Low acidity
High alcohol
```
62
What gives Gewürztraminer a hint of colour?
Skin of grape has a light pink tinge
63
How much of Alsace plantings does Gewürztraminer account for?
1/5
64
What soils and where is Gewürztraminer best planted in Alsace?
On deep marl soils in the Vosges foothills
65
Where is the best Gewürztraminer wines found in Alsace?
On deep marl soils in the Vosges foothills
Around
```
Barr
Bergheim
Eguisheim
Kayersberg
Kientzheim
Turk here
Pfaffenheim
```
66
What was Pinot Gris also known as in Alsace?
Tokay d’Alsace
67
Why did the EU object to the name Tokay d’Alsace for Pinot Gris?
Because Pinot Gris has never been used in the production of Hungarian Tokaji
68
What is the classic style of Pinot Gris Alsace?
Rich and alcoholic
Less aromatic nose but luscious and full of flavour on the palate
With balancing acidity
69
What are the issues with growing Pinot Gris in Alsace?
Variable yield and prone to difficulties with fruit set
70
What soils does Pinot Gris grow best on in Alsace?
Deep soils rich in clay and fine particles or volcanic rock
71
Where is the best Pinot Gris grown in Alsace?
Near Obernai
| Extreme north at Cleebourg
72
Why is the area under vine or Muscat decreasing rapidly?
Due to susceptibility to rot now only 3% of plantings
73
Why is Muscat Ottonel planted more widely in Alsace despite being considered lesser quality than Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains?
It is more reliable
74
What is the typical style of Alsace wines from Muscat?
Dry with a distinctive grapey nose and musky palate
75
What soil is best for Muscat in Alsace?
Sandy or calcareous soils
76
Where is the best Muscat grown in Alsace?
Gueberschwihr
Mittelwihr
Katzenthal
Wettolsheim
77
What is the better Muscat varietal in Alsace? Muscat Blancs á Petits Grains or Muscat Ottonel?
Muscat Blanc á Petits Grains produces better quality but Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted as more reliable
Muscat decreasing as susceptible to rot only 3% of total vineyard area
78
Which grape in Alsace is authorised for a very small number of VT, SGN and Grand Cru wines?
Pinot Blanc
79
What grape accounts for 1/5 of plantings in Alsace and why?
Pinot Blanc as used for sparkling and still wines
80
Is Pinot Blanc early ripening or late ripening?
Early ripening
81
What soils are suited to Pinot Blanc in Alsace?
Light, fertile soils
82
Which grape in Alsace was once widely planted but is now found mostly in Bas-Rhin?
Sylvaner
83
What soils suit Sylvaner best in Alsace?
Deep sandy or chalk soils
84
Where grows the best Sylvaner in Alsace?
Barr
Mittelbergheim
Epfig
Dambach-la-ville
85
Which grape in Alsace produces high yielding, low alcohol, neutral wines?
Sylvaner
86
What is the alcoholic strength of Sylvaner in Alsace?
Low 10.5-11.5%
87
What % of plantings does Pinot Noir account for in Alsace?
About 10% and increasing as the local market seeks something other than white
88
What are the two styles of Pinot Noir found in Alsace?
Fruity rosé
And
Barrel-aged red with body and colour
89
Which Alsace wine is not required to be bottled in the traditionally Alsace flute?
Pinot Noir
90
Which soils suit Pinot Noir best in Alsace?
Sandy or calcareous soils similar to Burgundy
91
What yields does Pinot Noir yield in Alsace?
High yields 75ha/hl
92
What are three quality wines from Pinot Noir in Alsace?
Rouge d’Ottrott (Bas Rhin)
Rouge de Marlenheim (Bas Rhin)
Rouge de Rodern (Haut-Rhin)
93
What grape is banned from new plantings in Alsace?
Chasselas - no new plantings as Alsace authorities wish to phase it out
Used for blending for Edelzwicker and neutral light wines
Tolerant to a range of soils and climates
94
Why has Chasselas historically been planted in Alsace?
It is tolerant to a range of soils and climates
It is now being phased out and no new plantings are permitted by Alsace authorities
95
How are vines trained in Alsace?
Densely planted
Trained high on trellises that follow the contour of the land to maximise sun exposure
96
Why are vines trained high on trellises that follow the contours of the land in Alsace?
To maximise sun exposure
97
What vineyards will be terraced in Alsace?
Steep vineyards they will also be densely planted
98
What is the most common pruning system in Alsace?
Double guyot
99
Is mechanics harvesting permitted in Alsace?
Yes on the plains mechanical harvesting can occur but in steep terraced vineyards needs to be harvested by hand
100
What is the average vineyard holding in Alsace?
Small, most under 3 hectares
Growers mostly selling to cooperative cellars or merchants
101
Why do most growers in Alsace sell to cooperative cellars or merchants?
As vineyard holdings are small
Most under 3 hectares
102
Why is the vintage period long in Alsace?
Due to number of varieties planted
And late harvest styles
103
What is the aim of vinification techniques in Alsace?
To keep and express primary aromatic fruit character
104
Why does pressing generally not last longer than 3 hours in Alsace?
To reduce skin contact
105
Is Chapitalisation allowed in Alsace?
Yes Chapitalisation is common although not permitted for Vendage Tardive styles
106
Do wines spend time on lees in Alsace?
Yes quality wines spend a maturation period on its lees before bottling in May-August following harvest
107
In what is Alsace wines fermented?
In very old oak fermentation tanks
Fermentation is often stopped with some residual sugar
108
What happens to the third press cycle in Alsace?
It is vinified and sold separately
109
What is the style of pressing in Alsace?
Gentle pressing by pneumatic press with whole bunches is common
110
What is Hugel?
One of the best known and oldest wine producers in Alsace
Family run by 13th generation
Based in Riquewihr
Owns 26 ha mostly Riesling and Gewürztraminer together with a little Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir
Instrumental in reviving Alsace late harvest wines
Helped to draw up requirements for Vendage Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles styles
Their Jubilee range is widely revered
Opponents of Alsace Grand Cru appellation which they feel is no guarantee of quality but do own Alsace Grand Cru Vineyards
111
What is Trimbach?
A family run wine producer in Alsace
Established in 1626
Wines characterised by very fine fruit and high acidity
Even its Sylvaner can withstand many years of bottle ageing
It’s most famous bottles are Riesling, very fine long lived Clos Hune and Cuvée Frédéric Émile
112
Why is food pairing difficult with Vendage Tardive wines?
Because they are made from ripe grapes but the wines themselves vary considerably with how sweet they are, with some tasting rich but are almost bone dry
113
How much of Alsace wine is white?
90%
114
What is interesting about even the smallest growers in Alsace?
They regularly produce six or eight different wines
115
What is unusual about even the largest companies in Alsace?
They are usually family owned
116
What are the tall bottles in Alsace called?
Flutes and by law all wines aside from Pinot Noir are bottled in them
117
What latitude is Alsace at?
Between 47.5 and 49• N
118
What does Alsace’s latitude provide in relation to viticulture?
A long, cool growing season
119
What is the altitude of most Alsace vineyards?
175m - 420m
120
What is PLC in relation to Alsace wines?
Plafones Limite de Classement
A mechanism where the maximum yield permitted within an appellation controlé is regularly increased by up to 20%
121
Why are vines trained high in Alsace?
To avoid frost
122
Why are cover crops used in Alsace?
To avoid soil erosion in steel vineyards and provide more of a grip to tractors on moderate slopes
123
Why are Vineyards terraced in Alsace?
To follow the contour of the slopes to maximise sun exposure
To reduce soil erosion on steeper slopes
124
Which are the most unreliable varieties in Alsace?
Muscat and Gewürztraminer
Unsettled weather at flowering can decimate crop so site should be sheltered
125
Which are the Alsace wines with the most residual sugar?
Vendage Tardive
Alsace wines are in principle fermented dry
126
What happened in Alsace in 1962?
It was awarded AC status for Alsace AC
| Alsace Grand Cru AC was awarded in 1983 along with laws for Vendage Tardive wines
127
Where are most producers based in Alsace?
Haut-Rhin to the South
37 of the 51 Alsace Grand Cru AOPs Vineyards are here
128
Which Alsace region is associated with higher quality especially for Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris?
Haut-Rhin to the South
129
Where will you find the best Gewürztraminer in Alsace?
In Haut-Rhin
The best examples are at the Southern end around Eguisheim southwards
130
What is the style of Gewürztraminer in Southern Haut-Rhin?
More aromatic and richer in weight
131
Where will you find more Sylvaner plantings in Alsace?
In Bas-Rhin to the north
132
Which Alsace region is Barr in?
Bas-Rhin
133
Which Alsace region is Obernai in?
Bas-Rhin to the north
134
Which Alsace region is Molsheim in?
Bas-Rhin to the north
135
What Alsace region is Marlenheim in?
Bas-Rhin to the north
136
What soils favour Riesling in Alsace?
Flint, Granite and schist soils are associated with a mineral, petrol and gun flint character in Riesling from Alsace
137
What is often planted on heavier clay and marl soils in Alsace?
Gewürztraminer and are associated with its weight and broad fruit flavours
138
What soils in Alsace are particularly suited to Muscat?
Limestone soils are associated with finesse of Muscat in Alsace
139
What proportion of Alsace is Alsace Grand Cru AOP?
~4%
140
Where is Eguisheim? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin, Alsace
141
Where is Pfaffenheim? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin, Alsace
South of Colmar
142
Where is Mittlewehr? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin, Alsace
143
Where is Ribeauvillé? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin Alsace
144
Where is Rorschwihr? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin, Alsace
145
Where is Riquewihr? Bas or Haut-Rhin?
Haut-Rhin, Alsace
146
Why do some producers in Alsace relinquish the Grand Cru designations in favour of historial names?
They don’t believe the Grand Cru ACs are tight enough to be a good quality indicator and those with a rich history feel their historial names better serve to differentiate quality
147
What is perhaps the most vaunted name in Alsace wine?
Clos Sainte Hune which uses its historial name rather than Grand Cru designations
148
Why did the village of Roshchwihr reject the Grand Cru designations?
It has 12 historical crus and was offered two big Grand Crus instead of 12 smaller ones
