Key Topics for Alsace - Level 1
Key Topics for Alsace
1. Location and Climate
Location: Northeastern France, bordering Germany and Switzerland.
Climate: Semi-continental climate: Warm, dry summers and cold winters.
Vosges Mountains: Provide a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the driest wine regions in France.
2. Sub-Districts
Bas-Rhin: Northern part, cooler climate, lighter wines.
Haut-Rhin: Southern part, warmer climate, home to most of the Grand Cru vineyards.
3. Soils
Diverse soil types: Granite, limestone, clay, marl, sandstone, and volcanic soils.
Soil diversity contributes to the unique expression of wines.
4. Grape Varietals
Noble Grapes (used in Grand Cru wines):
Riesling
Gewürztraminer
Pinot Gris
Muscat
Other permitted varietals:
Pinot Blanc
Sylvaner
Pinot Noir (only red grape grown in Alsace)
5. Appellations
Alsace AOP: Covers most wines, varietally labeled.
Alsace Grand Cru AOP: 51 vineyards, stricter regulations, only noble grapes allowed.
Crémant d’Alsace AOP: Sparkling wines made in the traditional method.
Communal and Lieu-dit: Specific village or vineyard names on labels.
6. Styles of Wine
Dry Whites: Crisp, aromatic, and varietally expressive.
Vendange Tardive (VT): Late-harvest wines, often sweet, made from noble grapes.
Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN): Sweet wines made from botrytized grapes, highly concentrated.
7. Labeling Terms
Varietal labeling is common (e.g., Riesling, Gewürztraminer).
Edelzwicker: A blend of white grapes.
Gentil: A blend with at least 50% noble grapes.
8. Wine Service Tips
Alsace wines are typically served in tall, flute-shaped bottles.
Best served chilled (8–10°C for whites, 10–12°C for sweeter styles).
Quick Quiz for Alsace
Which of the following is NOT a noble grape of Alsace?
A) Riesling
B) Pinot Noir
C) Gewürztraminer
D) Muscat
True or False: The Vosges Mountains create a rain shadow effect, making Alsace one of the wettest wine regions in France.
Fill in the Blank: The sparkling wines of Alsace are labeled as .
Match the Style to the Description:
A) Vendange Tardive
B) Sélection de Grains Nobles
C) Crémant d’Alsace
D) Alsace Grand Cru
1) Sparkling wine made in the traditional method.
2) Sweet wine made from botrytized grapes.
3) Late-harvest wine, often sweet.
4) Wines from 51 specific vineyards.
Study Tips
Focus on the noble grapes and their characteristics.
Understand the importance of the Vosges Mountains in shaping the region’s climate.
Memorize the styles of wine and their labeling terms.
Practice identifying Alsace on a map and its sub-districts (Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin).
