Alsace Flashcards
(136 cards)
1
Q
What 2 grapes is Alsace the only wine region growing at the AOC level?
A
Gewurztraminer
Riesling
2
Q
T or F? Alsace became part of Germany in 1871.
A
True:
It was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian war
3
Q
What are the 4 permitted grapes in Alsace Grand Crus?
A
The 4 Noble Grapes:
- Riesling
- Pinot Gris
- Muscat
- Gewurztraminer
4
Q
What are the 3 primary grapes of Alsace that are not native to France?
A
- Riesling (German)
- Sylvaner (Austrian)
- Muscat (Greek)
5
Q
T or F? Edelzwicker may be a blend of any white grapes approved for Alsace AOC Wine.
A
True
6
Q
T or F? Alsace Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim may be a blend.
A
True:
If a blend, there must be at least 50% Riesling
7
Q
T or F? There are 13 different soil types in Alsace.
A
True:
The soil types are very complex, owing to the millions of years of geological faulting and erosion
8
Q
In which century did Alsace reach it’s peak of prosperity?
A
The 16th century (late Renaissance)
9
Q
What is the most widely planted grape in Alsace?
A
Riesling
10
Q
Savagnin Rose is also known as?
A
Klevener
11
Q
T or F? Grass may be planted between rows of vines to increase grape yields.
A
False:
Grass is planted to decrease yields by competing with the vines for nutrients
12
Q
What is the climate of Alsace?
A
Continental, with large seasonal and diurnal temperature swings
13
Q
“Tokay d’ Alsace” is a former name for?
A
Pinot Gris “Tokay d’ Alsace” is no longer allowed under EU law
14
Q
What is the impact of global climate change on the dryness of Alsace Wines?
A
Sugar levels are rising and more off-dry wines are being produced
15
Q
What is the AOC for sparkling wine in Alsace?
A
Crémant d’Alsace
16
Q
What is the effect of the Vosges Mountains on the vineyards in Alsace
A
The Vosges Mountains provide a rain shadow that ensures mainly sunny and dry growing conditions
17
Q
T or F? It is common for Alsace wines to be aged in new oak and undergo malolactic fermentation
A
False:
Neither practice is common in Alsace
18
Q
T or F? Machine harvesting is common in Alsace
A
False:
Most vineyards are hand harvested due to the steepness of the slopes
19
Q
Auxerrois Blanc is a cross between what 2 grapes?
A
Gouis Blanc and Pinot Noir
20
Q
What is the difference between Klevner and Klevener?
A
Klevner is Pinot Blanc a genetic offshoot of Pinot Gris
Klevener is the non-aromatic version of Savignan Rose, a secondary grape in Alsace
21
Q
T or F? A wine labeled “Selections de Grains Nobles” MUST be made from grapes affected by Botrytis
A
True
22
Q
Klevner or Pinot Vrai is more commonly known as?
A
Pinot Blanc
23
Q
T or F? Crémant d’Alsace is primarily made from Chardonnay
A
False:
Crémant d’Alsace is mostly Pinot Blanc, but Chardonnay can be used
24
Q
What red grape is permitted in Alsace?
A
Pinot Noir
25
On which bottles of wines is vintage labeling optional?
Edelzwicker
26
Grand Cru Kaefferkoff, when bottled is a blend, must contain a majority of what grape?
Gewurztraminer
27
The Sylvaner grape is believed to be native to?
Austria
28
T or F? Wines in Alsace may be designated AOC, IGP or Vin Sans IG
False:
| All wines in Alsace are AOC. In 2011, the number of AOC's expanded to 53 from 3
29
Is Riesling indigenous to France?
No. Riesling is from Germany (the Rhine Valley)
30
What is Gentil?
It is a blend in Alsace that must be at least 50% Noble white grapes - they are Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, and Muscat
31
A former name for Pinot Gris is?
Tokay d'Alsace
32
Klevener is also known as?
Savagnin Rose
33
T or F? Sylvaner is permitted in Alsace Grand Cru's
True, only in Zotzentberg
34
What are the 4 secondary grapes in Alsace?
1. Chardonnay
2. Chasselas
3. Klevener (Savagnin Rose)
4. Auxerrois Blanc
35
What are the 4 Noble Grapes in Alsace?
1. Riesling
2. Muscat
3. Pinot Gris
4. Gewurztraminer
36
Zotzentberg is an exceptional Grand Crus vineyard because?
Sylvaner is permitted here
37
T or F? Chaptilization is common in Alsace
False:
| The technique is disappearing as a result of global warming
38
What type of bottle is commonly used for wine in both Germany and Alsace?
The "Flute", a long tapered bottle
39
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
40
T or F? In Alsace. Grand Crus wines may be red or white
False:
| Grand Cru wines in Alsace are white only
41
What are the 2 Muscats grown in Alsace?
1. Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc - considered higher quality of the 2
2. Muscat Ottonel
42
In which direction do the best slopes in Alsace face?
South/Southeast
43
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
44
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
45
T or F? The grapes for the Alsace AOC can be sourced from any part of Alsace
True
46
What are the aging requirements of Crémant d'Alsace
9 months sur lie plus 3 months in the cellar (12 months total)
47
T or F? A wine labeled "Vendage Tardives" must be affected by noble rot
False:
| Noble rot is not a requirement for VT late harvest wines
48
T or F? Alsace is the most northerly wine region in France
```
False:
Champagne is ( located around the 49.5th parallel). Alsace is located between the 47th and 49th parallels
```
49
What is a "Graben"
A grave like trench caused by geologic uplift. Then collapsing on parallel fault lines.
In Alsace the faulting was followed by erosion creating a complex network of soil
50
What are the 4 German influences on wine in Alsace?
1. Varietal Labeling
2. Flute Bottle
3. Riesling
4. German Phonics
51
T or F? In Alsace, Chardonnay is used mainly as a component of a blend
True:
| Chardonnay is used in Crémant d'Alsace
52
T or F? A wine labeled "Alsace AOC" can be still or sparkling
False:
| Sparkling wines are labeled Crémant d'Alsace
53
What percentage of Alsace wine is white?
90%
54
T or F? In Alsace, each Grand Cru has its own AOC status
True:
| Since 2011
55
What are the 7 primary grapes in Alsace?
1. Riesling
2. Pinot Blanc
3. Pinot Gris
4. Pinot Noir
5. Gewurztraminer
6. Sylvaner
7. Muscat
56
T or F? The AOC approved yields for Alsace are the highest in France
True:
| The are generally 80 hl/ha for whites
57
What are the 7 primary grapes in Alsace?
1. Riesling
2. Pinot Blanc
3. Gewurztraminer
4. Pinot Gris
5. Pinot Noir (only red)
6. Sylvaner
7. Muscat
58
What is the German legacy on Alsace wine production in the Alsace wine region?
1. The traditional flute bottle
2. Combination of German & French nomenclature on label
3. Varietal labeling vs place names
4. Riesling grape
59
How many times did Alsace flip nationalities between Germany and France?
6 times
60
Alsace was originally part of what country?
Alsace was originally part of Germany
61
How much rain does Alsace get annually?
Alsace averages 15.5" to 19.5" of rain annually
62
Did the Rhine River form the Rhine River Valley (Rhine Graben)?
No, it did not
63
What grape grew wild in the Rhine River Valley?
Riesling
64
What river forms the border between Alsace and Germany?
The Rhine River
65
What parallels does Alsace lie between?
It lies between the 47th and 49th parallels north
66
What grape is Auxerrois Blanc a cross of?
It is a cross between Pinot & Gouis Blanc
| It is fairly neutral with high sugar and low acid
67
What grape is Klevener de Heiligenstein?
It is the non-aromatic version of Savagnin Rose
| It is a genetic offshoot of Savagnin Blanc
68
What clones of Muscat are grown in Alsace?
Muscat à Petit Grains
| Muscat Ottonel
69
What are the 4 noble grape varieties in Alsace?
1. Riesling
2. Pinot Gris
3. Gewurztraminer
4. Muscat
70
Why are most vineyards hand harvested?
Most of the vineyards are planted on slopes and hills that are too steep for machines
71
What 2 Grand Crus can produce blends?
1. Altenberg de Bergheim (50% Riesling)
| 2. Kaefferkopf (60-80% Gewurztraminer)
72
What grape varieties can be used in the Alsace Grand Crus AOC's ?
1. Riesling
2. Pinot Gris
3. Gewurztraminer
4. Muscat
5. Sylvaner (Zotzenberg AOC only)
73
What is a Lieux-Dits?
It is a named plot of land with distinguishable characteristics
74
How many communal designations are in Alsace?
13
75
How many AOC's are there in Alsace?
53
1. AOC Alsace - Regional AOC, can have village or commune name on it
2. 51 Grand Cru's - white only, 4% of Alsace wine
3. Crémant d'Alsace (White or Rose), Gewurztraminer and Muscat are forbidden
76
What is Vendage Tardives (VT)?
Late harvest sweet wine
May or may not have Botrytis
Must be a noble variety grape
77
What is Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN)?
Sweet wine using botrytized grapes
Picked berry by berry
Only Noble grape varieties can be used
78
Describe the Gentil Blend?
Minimum of 50% noble grapes
Must be vinified separately
Requires tasting panel approval
Vintage must appear on label
79
Describe the Edelzwicker blend?
```
Any approved white grape of Alsace
Vinified separately or together
Vintage is optional
Entry level blend
Is not an independent AOC
```
80
What grapes go into a bottle of Pinot d'Alsace?
```
100% Auxerrois Blanc
or
100% Pinot Blanc
or
100% Pinot Noir (vinified as a white wine)
or
100% Pinot Gris
or a blend of any or all
```
81
What grapes go into a bottle of Pinot Blanc?
100% Pinot Blanc
or
100% Auxerrois Blanc
or a blend of both
82
What percentage of Alsace's total production is white?
90%
83
How much of Alsace's total production is varietally labeled?
80%
84
In Alsace if it is varietally labelled what percentage of that variety must be in the bottle?
100%
85
Are Alsace wines dry or sweet by tradition?
Dry
They spend time in steel or neutral oak
Do not undergo malo-lactic fermentation
Little need to chaptalize
86
Describe Crémant d'Alsace production.
Made in the Methode Traditionelle
Grapes are hand picked & whole cluster pressed by law
9 months sur lie aging
White is primarily Pinot Blanc
87
Is Crémant d'Alsace a blended wine?
It can be a blend or a single variety
88
Potential blend Pinot d'Alsace can be made from what grapes?
```
Auxerrois Blanc
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir (vinified as a white)
Pinot Gris
No minimums or maximums and can also be a single variety
```
89
Potential blend Pinot Blanc can be made from what grapes?
Pinot Blanc (Klevner) can be 100% Pinot Blanc or 100% Auxerrois Blanc or a blend of both
90
Describe Muscat d'Alsace ...
1. One of the oldest grapes in the world
2. Two versions grown in Alsace
Muscat à Petit Grains (16th century)
Muscat Ottonel (19th century)
3. They have high sugar levels & high extract levels
4. Ottonel is less aromatic and acidic than Muscat à Petit Grains
91
Describe Sylvaner.
1. Native to Austria
2. It is a Savagnin Blanc & Osterreichish Weiss cross
3. Little aroma, ripens with high acid levels
92
Describe Pinot Noir.
1. Origin undetermined, evidence suggests the Jura
2. Genetically looks like a Pinot-Savagnin Blanc kinship
3. Ripens with good acidity and moderate tannins
93
Describe Pinot Gris.
1. Native to France
2. Genetic mutation of Pinot Noir
3. High extract levels, low acidity
94
Describe Pinot Blanc...
1. Native to France
2. Genetic mutation of Pinot Gris
3. Second most widely planted grape in Alsace
4. Largely used for Crémant d'Alsace production
95
Is Riesling from the Rhine Valley?
Yes
| It ripens with high sugar and acid
96
In keeping with German tradition what 2 items does the Alsace list on the bottle?
1. Producer
| 2. Grape Variety
97
What is Chardonnay a cross of?
It is a cross of Pinot & Gouais Blanc and has high sugar and high extract
98
Edelzwicker and Gentil are both what?
Blends and along with Crémant make up 20% of Alsace's total production
99
What is the climate of Alsace?
Continental
100
T or F? Alsace receives some of the lowest rainfall in France.
True, between 15.5" and 19.5"
101
Alsace is one of the most northerly wine regions in France. What one region is more north?
Champagne
102
In 1941, 30% of all vineyards in Alsace were planted to?
French-American hybrids
103
A northerly climate that is bathed in sunshine results in?
Grapes that ripen slowly with intense aromatics
104
What is a graben?
A large scale topographical trench with vertical uplifts
105
How many soil types are in Alsace?
13
106
T or F? Riesling is native to the Rhine Valley?
True
107
Pinot Blanc is?
1. Native to France
| 2. Genetic off shoot of Pinot Gris
108
Gewurztraminer is?
1. The Aromatic version of Savagnin Rose, which is a pink skinned mutation of Savagnin Blanc
2. Native to France
109
What is the Non-Aromatic version of Savagnin Rose?
Klevener
110
Is Pinot Gris native to France?
Yes
111
What grape is Pinot Gris a genetic mutation of?
Pinot Noir
112
Sylvaner comes from what country?
Austria
113
What grapes are the parents of Sylvaner?
Savagnin Blanc & Osterreichish Weiss
114
The two Muscat grapes grown in Alsace are?
Muscat à Petit Grains (the better and older one) (16th century)
Muscat Ottonel (18th Century)
Muscat is thought to be the grape that all others came from
115
Is Chardonnay indigenous to France?
Yes
| In Alsace it is used as a blending partner in Crémant d'Alsace
116
What grapes is Chardonnay a cross between?
Gouis Blanc and a member of the Pinot family
117
In Alsace what percentage of wines are blends?
20%
118
If varietally labeled, how much of that grape must be in the bottle?
100%
119
What percentage of wine is varietally labeled in Alsace?
80%
120
T or F? Gewurztraminer is the aromatic version of Savagnin Rose; Klevener is the non-aromatic version?
True
121
T or F? Pinot Noir production is increasing due to climate change
True
122
T or F? Alsace was reclaimed by Germany in 1871 at the close of the Franco-Prussian war
True
| It went back to France after WWI
123
What is the length and width of Alsace?
75 miles north to south and 3 miles east to west
124
What parallels are the limits of the vine?
Between 30 and 50 degrees north and south
125
Where are the vineyards planted in Alsace?
On the Vosges Mountain foothills between 660 and 1320 feet
126
Describe the 4 seasons of Alsace.
Spring - Mild and often accompanied by frost
Summer - Warm, dry & sunny with sporadic thunderstorms and hail
Fall - Humid (enabling noble rot) chances of thunderstorms and hail
Winter - cold, puts vines in true dormancy. Riesling needs this to survive
127
What does Alsace lie in?
The Rhine Graben
A graben is a grave like trench
Although the Rhine River flows through it, the Rhine did not form it
128
What are colluvial soils?
Slope wash
129
What are alluvial soils?
Materials dropped by streams as they finish their downhill run.
Usually very rich in organic material
130
What are loess and loam soils?
Wind deposits that are comprised of silt and sand with very little clay
They are loose and rich with good water retention and make excellent cropland
131
Where does the grape Chasselas come from?
It is native to the area around Lake Geneva
132
T or F? Klevener is the non-aromatic version of Savagnin Rose
True
| Klevener de Heiligenstein is only grown in the area surrounding Heiligenstein near the town of Barr
133
Auxerrois Blanc is a cross between?
Gouias Blanc and a member of the Pinot family - Pinot Noir
| It is believed to have originated in Lorraine
134
The production stats of Alsace wine is?
```
80% carried out by 175 producers
90% white
10% red/rose'
75% consumed in France
25% exported
```
135
T or F? Most of the large wine producers in Alsace are family owned?
True
136
