Grape Varieties

Question 1

Grape Varieties (Noble) (4)

Answer 1

• Cépages Nobles (Grand cru, SGN, VT):

Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurtzraminer, Muscat

Question 2

1. Riesling (25%)

Answer 2

1. Riesling (25% of plantings)
2. Planted in Alsace since 15th century
3. Expressive grape; hi quality potential; hardy & versatile; ageing potential
4. Alsace: most planted; terroir; fuller, drier & more mineral vs. German Rieslings
5. SGN&VT
6. Bone dry, floral aromas, develops complex gunflint, mineral while retaining fruit flavours w age
7. Best in Wolxheim, Dambach la ville & Scherwiller

Question 3

2. Gewurtzraminer (5)

Answer 3

Gewurtzraminer (19%)

1. Signature grape of Alsace
2. Off dry, full bodied & oily texture; v aromatic
3. SGN VT
4. Dry to off-dry, lo acidity, hi alcohol w spicy aromas
5. Best around Barr (Bas Rhin); richer and more aromatic in Southern Alsace

Question 4

3. Pinot Gris (15%) (4)

Answer 4

Pinot Gris (15%)

1. Fomerly Tokay (until 06)
2. Aromatics of gewürztraminer with acidity of Riesling
3. Also suitable for SGN & VT
4. Best in North

Question 5

4. Muscat (0.5%) (3)

Answer 5

Muscat (0.5%)

1. Muscat blanc a petits grains & Muscat Ottonel
2. Aromatic & grapey; dry, lo alcohol & lo acidity
3. SGN/VT but rare

Question 6

5. Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois/Klevner (21%) (2)

Answer 6

Pinot Blanc/Auxerrois/Klevner (21%)

1. Dry light non aromatic; table wine usually
2. Mainly for Crémant

Question 7

6. Sylvaner (1)

Answer 7

Sylvaner (8.6%)

1. Difficult to grow; slightly bitter w very firm acidity; med alcohol; drink young; best in hot vintages