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17 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is Alsace’s climate and what influences it? |
Alsace’s climate is cool to moderate continental and is influenced by the Vosges Mountains. These mountains shelter the vineyards from the westerly, rain bearing winds. The lack of clouds results in sunny summers and dry Autumns which ensure grapes can reach high levels of ripeness. |
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Where is Alsace located? |
Alsace is on the French/German border on the French side. |
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What are the favoured vineyard sites in the region? |
Steep east and south eastern facing slopes are the favoured sites. Too northerly and exposure is heightened, as is the cool weather. Lesser vineyard areas are located on the flats between the Vosges foothills and the Rhine river and tend to be used to produce Crémant d’Alsace. |
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What geological factor influences the styles of wine made here? |
The great variety of soil types resulting from Alsace’s dramatic geological history are more apparent here than in many other regions. |
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How do grape growing practices differ on the slopes versus the pains? |
On the slopes the vines are trained low to maximise radiated heat, and the rows orientated for maximum exposure to the sun. Harvesting in done by hand. On the plains vines are trained high in order to mitigate the risk of spring frosts. |
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What is one of the logistical challenges growers face at harvest time? |
Many growers have a number of small plots planted with different varieties. As these ripen at different times, it can case vintage to be spread over an extended period. |
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What are the noble grape varieties in Alsace? |
Riesling, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. |
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What are the two principal appellations for still Alsatian wines? |
Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru. |
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What are the two other appellation classifications and what is required to label wines as these? |
Vendanges Tardives (VT) is a late harvest wine, made from the noble varieties with a minimum sugar ripeness. These wines can vary in style from dry to medium sweet. Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) has a higher sugar ripeness level than VT, these wines are usually produced with the help of noble rot. These wines are always sweet. |
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True or false: Alsatian wines are usually a blend |
False, wines are commonly made from single varietals. Blended wines tend to be inexpensive and made from juice not selected for varietal wines. |
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What would a blended Alsatian wine be labeled as? |
Edelzwicker or Gentil |
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How would an Alsatian wine typically be made? |
Fermented in old oak, or stained to preserve aromatics and fruit flavours. MLF is not usually not encouraged. Wines are bottled in the spring following vintage, while the wine in young and fresh. |
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In terms of sweetness where do Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru labelled wines sit and can we see this on the label? |
Traditional they have been dry, however in recent years there has been an increase in wines being made with noticeable sweetness. There is offical labelling scheme to indicate this on labels. |
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What would an Alsatian Riesling look like in style? |
Medium to full-bodied, dry with medium alcohol, high acidity. They can display citrus and stone fruit characters with a pronounced stony/steely character. |
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What would an Alsatian Gewurtztraminer look like in style? |
Pungent aromatics of sweet spice, lychee, rose and baking spice. Coupled with a full-bodied oily texture, low to medium acidity and high alcohol. |
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What are the two varieties of Muscat grown in Alsace? Which is more common and why? |
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and Muscat Ottonel. Muscat Ottonel is more widely planted as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains is more prone to poor fruit set and rot. |
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Where is Pinot Blanc more commonly planted and what is is widely used for? |
Pinot Blanc is more commonly planted on the more fertile soils of the plains. It is widely used in the production of sparkling wines. |
