Alsace

Question 1

what is the sole black grape allowed to be planted in Alsace

Answer 1

Pinot Noir

Question 2

what is the climate of Alsace

Answer 2

cool to moderate continental

Question 3

what is the name of the mountain range on Alsace’s west boundary that creates rainshadow

Answer 3

Vosges Mountains

Question 4

in which direction do the top vineyards of Alsace face

Answer 4

east and south east

Question 5

the majority of grapes that go into Crémant d’Alsace come from where

Answer 5

from the alluvial plains

Question 6

what factor contributes the broad range of wine styles in Alsace

Answer 6

the geological complexity of the soils

Question 7

France’s wine region with the driest and sunniest climate is

Answer 7

Alsace

Question 8

the dry and sunny climate in Alsace means that vine disease pressure is

Answer 8

low

Question 9

in Alsace vines planted on the slopes: how are they harvested and how are they trained

Answer 9

hand harvested + trained low to the ground to take advantage of the heat radiating

Question 10

in Alsace vines planted on the alluvial plains: how are they harvested and how are they trained

Answer 10

machine harvested + trained high to mitigate frost

Question 11

when does harvest in Alsace usually start and end

Answer 11

start = end of August
end = November

Question 12

what are the 4 noble grapes of Alsace

Answer 12

• Riesling
• Gewurztraminer
• Pinot Gris
• Muscat

Question 13

what are the two terms used in Alsace on bottles of inexpensive white blends

Answer 13

• Edelzwicker and Gentil

Question 14

what is the fermentation vessel used by traditional wine producers in Alsace

Answer 14

large old oak barrels –> thick layer of tartrate crystals

Question 15

in Alsace modern producers, which fermentation vessel

Answer 15

stainless steel tanks

Question 16

in Alsace why is MLC usuelly blocked

Answer 16

because it would mask the purity of the flavours

Question 17

what are the 2 classifications that can be used by Alsace AOP and Alsace Grand Cru AOP wines

Answer 17

• VT = Vendanges Tardives
• SGN = Selection de Grains Nobles

Question 18

define and explain VT (Alsace)

Answer 18

• made only from the 4 noble varieties
• dry, off dry, medium sweet
• may/may not show botrytis

Question 19

define and explain SGN (Alsace)

Answer 19

• only from one of the 4 noble varieties
• only in excellent vintages
• always sweet
• must show botrytis

Question 20

which noble grape is the most widely planted and the last to ripen in Alsace

Answer 20

Riesling

Question 21

Alsatian Rieslings vs German Rieslings

Answer 21

drier, less floral and richer & fuller in body

Question 22

describe Gewurztraminer’s palate

Answer 22

• high alcohol
• full body, oily texture
• low-medium acidity
• lychee, rose, aromatic baking spices

Question 23

describe the palate of Alsace PG

Answer 23

• high alcohol
• full rich body
• medium acidity
• less aromatic than Gewurz, intensely flavoured with fresh/dried fruit and honey

Question 24

describe Muscat’s palate

Answer 24

• light medium body
• medium alcohol
• low medium acidity
• orange blossom, rose, grapey

Question 25

what are the two muscat varieties grown in Alsace

Answer 25

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains and Muscat Ottonel

Question 26

which muscat variety in Alsace is prone to poor fruit set and rot

Answer 26

Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains

Question 27

which muscat variety in Alsace is less aromatic but more reliable

Answer 27

Muscat Ottonel

Question 28

what environmental issue can be a threat to Alsace

Answer 28

drought