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Alsace Flashcards

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1
Q

What two regions share a turbulent history as a buffer between France and Germany?

A
  • Alsace
  • Lorraine

The culture of Alsace reflects elements from both French and German societies.

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2
Q

During which war did French armies seize most of Alsace to prevent it from falling into Spanish Habsburg hands?

A

Thirty Years’ War

This war lasted from 1618 to 1648 and escalated from a localized German dispute into a broader European conflict.

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3
Q

What treaty concluded the Thirty Years’ War and cemented France’s ownership of Alsace?

A

Treaty of Westphalia

This treaty was signed in 1648.

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4
Q

In what year did Germany claim Alsace-Lorraine at the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War?

A

1871

This marked a significant territorial change in the region.

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5
Q

What significant event led to the reincorporation of Alsace-Lorraine into France after World War I?

A

Abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm

French troops quickly moved to reclaim the region within a month.

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6
Q

What is the capital of the Haut-Rhin département in Alsace?

A

Colmar

Colmar is noted as the driest city in France.

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7
Q

What is the rain shadow effect in Alsace caused by?

A

Vosges Mountains

This geographical feature contributes to Alsace being one of France’s driest and sunniest climates.

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8
Q

What percentage of AOP wine produced in Alsace is white?

A

90%

This represents about 20% of France’s total AOP still white wine production.

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9
Q

Name the four noble grapes of Alsace.

A
  • Riesling
  • Pinot Gris
  • Muscat
  • Gewurztraminer

These grapes occupy the premier sites in Alsace’s grand cru vineyards.

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10
Q

What is the main appellation for Alsace wines?

A

Alsace AOP

This appellation allows for various noble grapes and others to be bottled varietally.

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11
Q

What grape is known as Alsace’s quintessential wine?

A

Pinot Gris

This grape achieves its fullest expression in Alsace, characterized by spicy-smoky qualities.

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12
Q

What are the two designations for late-harvest wines in Alsace introduced in 1984?

A
  • Vendanges Tardives
  • Sélections de Grains Nobles

These terms imply sweetness and may appear on Alsace AOP or Alsace Grand Cru AOP labels.

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13
Q

What is the only red variety permitted for Alsace AOP wines?

A

Pinot Noir

This variety can produce light red and rosé wines.

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14
Q

What is the minimum sugar level required for Vendanges Tardives wines made from Pinot Gris?

A

270 grams per liter

This is part of the strict regulations governing late-harvest wines.

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15
Q

What is the Edelzwicker term used for in Alsace?

A

Noble mixture

It usually indicates an inexpensive blended wine without specific grape percentages on the label.

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16
Q

What is the Alsace Grand Cru AOP known for?

A

Producing wines only from noble Alsatian grapes

Grand Cru wines are typically single-variety, although blending is allowed under certain conditions.

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17
Q

What is the maximum potential alcohol for Gewurztraminer in Grand Cru AOP wines?

A

12.5%

This is higher than the minimum for Riesling and Muscat.

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18
Q

What is the Crémant d’Alsace?

A

Sparkling wine produced in Alsace

It is the only appellation in the region to allow Chardonnay.

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19
Q

What is the Moselle AOP known for?

A

Producing red, white, and rosé wines

It primarily uses Auxerrois and Pinot Noir.

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20
Q

When did Alsace officially become part of France, influencing its wine laws?

A

1648, Treaty of Westphalia

This treaty marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War and established Alsace as part of France.

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21
Q

When was the Alsace AOC established?

A

1962

The Alsace AOC designation ensures quality standards for wines produced in the region.

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22
Q

What is unique about Alsace AOC labeling compared to other French regions?

A

Alsace wines are labeled by grape variety, not primarily by village or vineyard (except Grand Cru)

This labeling system emphasizes the grape variety used in the wine.

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23
Q

How many Alsace Grand Cru AOCs exist?

A

51

These AOCs represent specific vineyard sites with stricter regulations.

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24
Q

What are the main Alsace AOC grape varieties?

A
  • Riesling
  • Gewürztraminer
  • Pinot Gris
  • Muscat
  • Sylvaner

These varieties are known for their quality and distinct characteristics.

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25
Which grape is allowed in **Crémant d’Alsace** for sparkling wine?
* Pinot Blanc * Pinot Gris * Riesling * Pinot Noir * Auxerrois ## Footnote These grapes contribute to the unique profile of Crémant d’Alsace.
26
What does **VT** on an Alsace wine label stand for?
Vendange Tardive (late harvest) ## Footnote VT wines are made from grapes that are harvested later in the season for increased sweetness.
27
What does **SGN** stand for?
Sélection de Grains Nobles (botrytized dessert wine) ## Footnote SGN wines are made from grapes affected by noble rot, resulting in high sugar content.
28
Maximum yield for **Alsace Grand Cru wines**?
55 hl/ha (varies by vineyard and grape) ## Footnote This limit helps maintain the quality of the wines produced.
29
What is the minimum **alcohol** for **Riesling Grand Cru**?
11.5% for dry wines ## Footnote This requirement ensures the wine's body and flavor profile.
30
Typical **soil types** in Alsace Grand Cru vineyards?
* Granite * Gneiss * Schist * Limestone * Sandstone * Volcanic * Clay ## Footnote These soil types contribute to the unique terroir of Alsace wines.
31
Typical **climate** of Alsace?
Continental, cold winters, hot summers, low rainfall due to Vosges rain shadow ## Footnote This climate is ideal for growing high-quality grapes.
32
Who regulates **Alsace wine quality**?
INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité) ## Footnote INAO oversees the quality and classification of French wines.
33
What is the difference between **Alsace AOC** and **Alsace Grand Cru AOC**?
Grand Cru = specific vineyard site, lower yields, stricter grape rules, only certain varieties allowed ## Footnote This distinction highlights the higher quality and exclusivity of Grand Cru wines.
34
What is the main difference between **VT** and **SGN** wines in terms of sweetness?
VT = late harvest, naturally sweet; SGN = very sweet, noble rot affected ## Footnote This difference affects the flavor profile and sweetness level of the wines.
35
Main **dry white grape** of Alsace?
Riesling ## Footnote Riesling is known for its crisp acidity and aromatic qualities.
36
Most **aromatic white grape** of Alsace?
Gewürztraminer ## Footnote Gewürztraminer is celebrated for its intense floral and spice aromas.
37
Rich, full-bodied Alsace grape for **dessert wines**?
Pinot Gris ## Footnote This grape is often used for late-harvest and botrytized wines.
38
Alsace grape allowed for **Crémant d’Alsace** but rarely used for still wines?
Auxerrois ## Footnote Auxerrois is primarily used in sparkling wine production.
39
Common **red grape** in Alsace?
Pinot Noir (used for still reds and rosés, and Crémant) ## Footnote Pinot Noir is the primary red grape variety in the region.
40
**Sylvaner** style in Alsace?
Light, fresh, simple, dry white; sometimes in Grand Cru (Zotzenberg) ## Footnote Sylvaner wines are known for their crispness and drinkability.
41
Riesling typical **style**?
Dry, high acidity, citrus & mineral flavors ## Footnote This style is characteristic of high-quality Riesling from Alsace.
42
Gewürztraminer typical **style**?
Off-dry to sweet, highly aromatic, lychee, rose, spice ## Footnote Gewürztraminer's unique flavor profile makes it a favorite among wine lovers.
43
Pinot Gris typical **style**?
Full-bodied, rich, sometimes sweet, spicy, honeyed ## Footnote This grape produces wines with a complex flavor profile.
44
Muscat typical **style**?
Dry to off-dry, aromatic, grapey, floral ## Footnote Muscat wines are known for their distinctive floral and fruity aromas.
45
Vendange Tardive minimum **must weight** for Riesling?
235 g/L sugar ## Footnote This requirement ensures the sweetness level of the wine.
46
Vendange Tardive minimum **must weight** for Gewürztraminer & Pinot Gris?
257 g/L sugar ## Footnote This higher requirement reflects the grape's potential for sweetness.
47
Sélection de Grains Nobles minimum **sugar**?
276 g/L for Riesling; 300 g/L for Gewürztraminer & Pinot Gris ## Footnote These thresholds ensure the quality of botrytized wines.
48
Which grape is rarely **blended** in Alsace?
Most wines are varietal; blends (Edelzwicker, Gentil) are usually regional AOC, not Grand Cru ## Footnote This emphasizes the focus on single varietal expressions in Alsace.
49
**Edelzwicker** style?
Regional AOC blend of permitted grapes; dry, simple table wine ## Footnote Edelzwicker is often enjoyed for its easy-drinking style.
50
How many **Grand Cru vineyards** are planted exclusively to one grape?
Very few; most allow multiple permitted varieties, but VT/SGN mostly Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Muscat ## Footnote This flexibility allows for diverse wine styles.
51
Famous **Riesling Grand Cru**?
* Schlossberg * Rangen * Sommerberg * Altenberg de Bergheim ## Footnote These vineyards are renowned for producing exceptional Riesling.
52
Famous **Gewürztraminer Grand Cru**?
* Altenberg de Bergheim * Pfersigberg ## Footnote These sites are known for their aromatic and flavorful Gewürztraminer.
53
Famous **Pinot Gris Grand Cru**?
* Goldert * Kaefferkopf ## Footnote These vineyards produce rich and complex Pinot Gris.
54
Famous **Muscat Grand Cru**?
* Wiebelsberg * Kaefferkopf ## Footnote These sites are recognized for their aromatic Muscat wines.
55
Soil of **Rangen Grand Cru**?
Volcanic (basalt) with steep slopes near Thann ## Footnote The unique soil composition contributes to the intensity of the wines.
56
Soil of **Schlossberg Grand Cru**?
Granite, sandy loam; slopes near Kientzheim ## Footnote This soil type is ideal for producing mineral-driven wines.
57
Steepest **Grand Cru vineyard** in Alsace?
Rangen (40–50% slope) ## Footnote The steep slopes contribute to the vineyard's unique microclimate.
58
Which Grand Cru vineyard is closest to **Colmar**?
Altenberg de Bergheim ## Footnote Its proximity to Colmar makes it accessible for wine tourism.
59
Which vineyard produces the most **botrytized wines**?
* Kaefferkopf * Goldert * Schlossberg ## Footnote These vineyards are known for their favorable conditions for noble rot.
60
Which Grand Cru allows **Sylvaner**?
Zotzenberg ## Footnote This is one of the few Grand Cru sites that permits Sylvaner.
61
What is the minimum **alcohol** for **Riesling Grand Cru**?
11.5% ## Footnote This requirement ensures the wine's body and flavor profile.
62
Minimum **alcohol** for **Gewürztraminer Grand Cru**?
12% ## Footnote This higher requirement reflects the grape's potential for richness.
63
Main characteristic of **granite soils**?
High acidity, mineral-driven wines ## Footnote Granite soils contribute to the complexity of the wines.
64
Main characteristic of **volcanic soils**?
Intense, smoky, structured wines ## Footnote Volcanic soils impart unique flavors and structure to the wines.
65
Famous Grand Cru for **Riesling mineral notes**?
* Schlossberg (granitic) * Rangen (volcanic) ## Footnote These vineyards are known for their mineral-driven Riesling.
66
Which Grand Cru produces rich **Pinot Gris SGN**?
* Goldert * Kaefferkopf ## Footnote These sites are recognized for their botrytized Pinot Gris.
67
Typical **aspect** for Grand Cru vineyards?
South or southeast facing; maximize sun exposure ## Footnote This orientation helps in ripening the grapes.
68
Typical **slope orientation** in Alsace?
East-southeast for morning sun, protection from west wind ## Footnote This orientation is crucial for grape development.
69
Key **Grand Cru producers**?
* Trimbach * Zind-Humbrecht * Hugel * Albert Mann * Domaine Weinbach ## Footnote These producers are renowned for their high-quality Grand Cru wines.
70
Which Grand Cru allows blending of up to **two other permitted varieties**?
Several; e.g., Altenberg de Bergheim permits Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris ## Footnote This flexibility allows for diverse wine styles.
71
Main grapes in **Crémant d’Alsace**?
* Pinot Blanc * Pinot Gris * Riesling * Pinot Noir * Auxerrois ## Footnote These grapes are essential for producing Crémant d’Alsace.
72
Minimum **aging on lees** for **Crémant d’Alsace**?
12 months ## Footnote This aging process contributes to the wine's complexity.
73
Maximum **yield** for **Crémant d’Alsace**?
70 hl/ha ## Footnote This limit helps maintain the quality of the sparkling wine.
74
Which grape dominates **Crémant d’Alsace** production?
Pinot Blanc ## Footnote Pinot Blanc is the primary grape used in Crémant d’Alsace.
75
Typical **style** of Crémant d’Alsace?
Dry, high acidity, fine bubbles ## Footnote This style is characteristic of traditional method sparkling wines.
76
Key **Crémant d’Alsace producers**?
* Domaine Schlumberger * Wolfberger * Zind-Humbrecht * Trimbach ## Footnote These producers are known for their exceptional Crémant d’Alsace.
77
Which grape in Crémant provides more **aromatic finesse**?
Riesling ## Footnote Riesling adds complexity and aromatic qualities to Crémant.
78
Which grape in Crémant adds **body**?
Pinot Gris ## Footnote Pinot Gris contributes richness and texture to the wine.
79
Can **Crémant d’Alsace** use **oak aging**?
No, traditional method sparkling; usually no oak ## Footnote This maintains the fresh character of the wine.
80
Typical **food pairing** for Crémant d’Alsace?
Aperitif, seafood, light poultry, festive dishes ## Footnote Crémant's versatility makes it suitable for various occasions.
81
Vendange Tardive **style**?
Late-harvest, rich, sweet or off-dry ## Footnote This style is characterized by grapes harvested later in the season.
82
SGN **style**?
Noble rot, intensely sweet, botrytized ## Footnote SGN wines are known for their high sugar content and complexity.
83
Which grapes are most common for **VT/SGN**?
* Riesling * Gewürztraminer * Pinot Gris ## Footnote These varieties are favored for late-harvest and botrytized wines.
84
Typical **VT alcohol**?
12–14% ## Footnote This alcohol level reflects the richness of the wine.
85
Minimum **must weight** for **Riesling VT**?
235 g/L sugar ## Footnote This ensures the sweetness level of the wine.
86
Minimum **must weight** for **Pinot Gris & Gewürztraminer VT**?
257 g/L sugar ## Footnote This higher requirement reflects the grape's potential for sweetness.
87
Minimum **must weight** for **Riesling SGN**?
276 g/L sugar ## Footnote This threshold ensures the quality of botrytized wines.
88
Minimum **must weight** for **Pinot Gris & Gewürztraminer SGN**?
300 g/L sugar ## Footnote This higher threshold reflects the richness of these wines.
89
Food pairing **VT**?
Foie gras, creamy cheeses, spiced dishes ## Footnote These pairings complement the richness of VT wines.
90
Food pairing **SGN**?
Desserts, blue cheese, foie gras ## Footnote SGN wines are versatile and can enhance various dishes.
91
Which Alsace Grand Cru allows **Sylvaner**?
Zotzenberg ## Footnote This is one of the few Grand Cru sites that permits Sylvaner.
92
Which grape is almost never used for **dry Grand Cru wines**?
Muscat (mostly aromatic) ## Footnote Muscat is primarily used for its aromatic qualities.
93
Which Grand Cru is **volcanic** and produces intense Riesling?
Rangen ## Footnote The volcanic soil contributes to the wine's intensity.
94
Which Grand Cru is **granite** and produces mineral Riesling?
Schlossberg ## Footnote The granite soil imparts mineral notes to the wine.
95
Which Alsace producer is famous for **dry Riesling** and **SGN**?
Zind-Humbrecht ## Footnote This producer is renowned for its high-quality wines.
96
What does **Edelzwicker** mean?
Blend of permitted Alsace grapes, dry or light ## Footnote Edelzwicker is often enjoyed for its easy-drinking style.
97
What does **Gentil** mean?
Superior blend, minimum 50% noble grapes, often dry ## Footnote Gentil wines are known for their quality and complexity.
98
Alsace climate effect?
Continental, low rainfall → long, sunny growing season, high acidity ## Footnote This climate is ideal for grape growing.
99
Typical **red Alsace style**?
Pinot Noir, light, red fruit, low tannin, sometimes rosé ## Footnote Pinot Noir is the primary red grape variety in the region.
100
Typical **soil effect** on Grand Cru wines?
Mineral influence, complexity, structure, grape-specific ## Footnote Soil types play a crucial role in the character of the wines.
101
Which vineyard is steep, **volcanic**, and south-facing?
Rangen ## Footnote The steep slopes and volcanic soil contribute to the vineyard's unique microclimate.
102
Which vineyard allows **Riesling**, **Pinot Gris**, **Gewürztraminer**, and **Muscat**?
Kaefferkopf ## Footnote This vineyard is known for its diverse grape varieties.
103
Typical food pairing for **dry Riesling Grand Cru**?
Seafood, pork, choucroute, sauerkraut ## Footnote These pairings enhance the wine's crisp acidity.
104
Typical food pairing for **Gewürztraminer Grand Cru**?
Spicy Asian dishes, foie gras, strong cheeses ## Footnote Gewürztraminer's aromatic profile complements these flavors.
105
Key producers for **Pinot Gris SGN**?
* Zind-Humbrecht * Domaine Weinbach * Trimbach ## Footnote These producers are known for their exceptional sweet wines.
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