Alsace

Question 1

What are the natural factors of Alsace?

Answer 1

1. cool to moderate continental climate
2. Vosges mountain whether the vineyards from winds and rains
3. sunny summer and dry autumns.
4. best vineyards located on east and south-east facing slopes, which can enhance sun exposure = maximum ripeness

Question 2

How Vosges Mountain help?

Answer 2

1. achieve good ripeness
2. # long growing season
3. late-harvest style
4. consistent growing season

Question 3

What is the black grape in Alsace?

Answer 3

Pinot Noir, the only black grape permitted

Question 4

What are the 7 white grapes in Alsace?

Answer 4

1. Riseling
2. Gewurztraminer
3. Pinot Gris
4. Muscat
5. Pinot Blanc
6. Auxerrois
7. Sylvaner

Question 5

What is Vendanges Tardives?

Answer 5

1. use must weight to measure
2. late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
3. must be noble varieties
4. may have influences of noble rot but can be dry

Question 6

What is Selection of Grains Nobles?

Answer 6

1. sweet
2. select intense grapes
3. based on minimum sugar ripeness
4. influence of noble rot

Question 7

What is the name of noble rot?

Answer 7

Gentil / Edelzwicker

Question 8

Human influence of Alsace

Answer 8

1. vines on slope are trained low to benefit from radiated heat
2. vines on plain are trained high to minimise the risk of spring frost
3. hand harvest on slope
4. organic and biodynamic viniculture is widely practices due to disease pressure
5. focused on retaining aromas and flavours of grape
6. selection of nobles -> harvest from Aug to Dec
7. temperatured controlled stainless steel tank is common -> protective winemaking

Question 9

Why Alsace use large old barrel?

Answer 9

1. wine has less contact with the surface of large barrels
2. old barrels have less influence on wine
3. thicker layer of tartrates shields the wine from the wood
4. small amount of oak to the volume of wine
5. old wood will lose its flavour

Question 10

Explain how Vosges Mountain influences the grape-growing environment in Alsace.

Answer 10

1. Vosges Mountains shelter the vineyards from winds and rains
2. This results in sunny summers and dry autumns
3. Thus ensure the grape can achieve high level of sugar ripeness

Question 11

What are the legal requirements for an Alsace Grand Cru Vendange Tardive

Answer 11

1. over 50 vineyards are classified as Grand Cru
2. Vendange Tardive means late harvest and based on minimum sugar ripeness
3. Noble varieties must be used to be labelled as Vendange Tardive
4. Can be dry or with sweetness in final wine