France - Alsace Flashcards

1
Q

What does ‘Moelleux’ means?

A

Term used in labels for wines with minimum 12g/l residual sugar. For Riesling is minimum 9g/l

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2
Q

How can we describe Sylvaner wines?

A

Dry, Light, Fruity.
Softer than other varietals.

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3
Q

What should we expect from Pinot Gris wines?

A

Citrus, Spicy bouquet.
Medium to full body.
Dry or Off-Dry

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4
Q

Which was the first Grand Cru AOP of Alsace and in which year?

A

Schlossberg
1975

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5
Q

How can we describe Pinot Noir d’Alsace wines?

A

High in Fruit.
Low Tannins.
Lighter style than Burgundy.
Maceration on skins 3/4 days with stalks to add tannins.
Bottled in Burgundian’s bottles

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6
Q

What does VT and SGN means?

A

Vendage Tardive (VT)
Selecion de Grain Noble (SGN)

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7
Q

Which is the best soil for Riesling?

A

Granite

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8
Q

What can we expect from Riesling wines?

A

Dry, steely character, fruity nose. High minerality and oily texture.
Fuller bodied than German Riesling.

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9
Q

How many Grand Crus are in Alsace?

A

51

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10
Q

What should we expect from Gewurztraminer wines?

A

Low acid, high Alcohol.
Rose petal and fruit-bowl aromas. Grapefruit and spicy characteristics.
Dry to Medium.

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11
Q

How is Alsace’s Pinot Gris known as?

A

Tokay d’Alsace
or
Tokay Pinot Gris

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12
Q

How many communs are in the AOC Vin d’Alsace Communale?

A

13

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13
Q

What does AOC Vin d’Alsace Communale means?

A

The bottle must state the grape variety.
Step up from AOC Vin d’Alsace.

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14
Q

What is the minimum %abv for AOC Grand Cru?

A

11%abv for
Riesling & Muscat
12.5%abv for
Gewurztraminer & Pinot Gris

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15
Q

Which are the allowed grapes for AOC Grand Cru?

A

Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris

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16
Q

Which are the AOC Grand Cru Exceptions?

A

Zotzenberg (Sylvaner
Altemberg de Bergheim (Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay)
Koefferkopf (blend of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat)

17
Q

Which is the main influence on Alsace’s climate?

A

Main factor is the Vosges Mountains. They create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace the driest wine region in France.

18
Q

How can we describe Alsace’s Climate?

A

Continental with cold winters and hot, dry and sunny summers

19
Q

Which are the 4 noble grapes?

A

Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat

20
Q

Which grapes can we find in Alsace?
(other than the 4 noble grapes)

A

Pinot Blanc
Pinot Noir
Chasselas
Sylvaner
Auxerroise

21
Q

How is Pinot Blanc usually called in Alsace?

A

Klevner

22
Q

Describe Muscat d’Alsace wines

A

Dry
Musky flavour
Low Acid

23
Q

What are the styles and what are the differences between VT and SGN wines?

A

-VT only mad in good years, grape left to overripe and get noble rot. Can only be done with the 4 noble grapes. No chaptalization permitted.
-SGN only made in exceptional years, one stage further than VT, grapes picked in ‘Tries’ like in Sauternes. Only 4 noble grapes, no chaptalization permitted. Grapes achieve more sugar content than VT.

24
Q

Which are the typical soil characteristic of Alsace?

A

Gres de Vosges
Local pink sandstone

25
Q

Which type of soil can we find in Alsace?

A

Schist, Granite, Limestone, Clay, Chalk, Volcanic, Gres de Vosges

26
Q

What is a ‘Lieu-dit’?

A

Individual vineyard or plot of land which have a specific terroir identity. Can be added to AOC Communale and AOC Grand Cru appellations.

27
Q

Which are the 2 best vineyard towns?

A

Riquewihr
Ribeauville

28
Q

Which are the 2 main sub-districts of Alsace?

A

Bas-Rhin
Haut-Rhin (more quality wines)

29
Q

Which is the main city acting as business centre?

A

Colmar

30
Q

What should we expect from Pinot Blanc wines?

A

Dry
Well balanced
Often blended with Auxerrois

31
Q

Is Chaptalization permitted fro AOC Grand Cru?

A

Yes, up to 1,5%
Excluding VT and SGN

32
Q

Which grapes are permitted for Cremant AOC?

A

Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay.

Rose can only be made from 100% Pinot Noir