WSETL3 pp.92-94 Flashcards
Why is Alsace unusual for a French wine region?
most of its wines are varietally labelled
What kinds of still wines are produced in Alsace?
Still wine production is focused on aromatic white grape varieties made in dry, off-dry and sweet styles.
What is the climate of Alsace?
Alsace has a cool to moderate continental climate.
Why does Alsace have sunny summers and dry autumns?
The Vosges Mountains shelter the vineyards from the prevailing westerly, rain-bearing winds and the lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry autumns.
How does the continental climate of Alsace affect the grapes?
These conditions ensure that the grapes can achieve high levels of sugar ripeness
What is Alsace’s problem in dry years?
in the driest years drought can be an issue
Where are the best vineyards located?
The best vineyards are located on the steepest slopes with east and south-east aspects.
What region in Alsace has the coolest vineyard areas?
The more northerly part of the vineyard area has the coolest climate and the least protection from the Vosges
Where are the lesser vineyards located in Alsace?
The lesser vineyards lie on the plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine.
What wines are produced on the plain between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine?
These are the lesser wines. Here
the grapes are often used for the production of Crémant d’Alsace, the local AC sparkling wine.
What is the main reason behind the variety of styles of wines produced in Alsace?
geological complexity is a key factor that contributes to the variety of styles of wines produced in Alsace
How is grape growing in Alsace on slopes?
On the slopes vines are trained low to benefit from radiated heat and the rows are oriented to maximise the vine’s exposure to the sun. Harvesting is done by hand.
How is grape growing in Alsace on the plain?
On the plain the vines are trained high to minimise the risk of spring frosts.
Why is Organic and Bio dynamic viticulture popular in Alsace?
in part due to the low disease pressure in the sunny, dry conditions.
What is the main logistic challenge at harvest time in Alsace?
they have a number of small plots of vines planted with different varieties. Because the varieties ripen at different times, the vintage may be spread over quite a long period.
