Alright, as promised, I am going to consistently ask myself this question with every region I study.
Explain how wine law and regulation influence the style, quality, and price of wines in Alsace.
DipWSET Theory: It’s the Biz—Alsatian Wine Business
Tag: Alsatian wine
DipWSET Theory: Tasting Alsace Noble Grapes
Today I want to talk about Alsatian grapes—not Riesling-related. Riesling is accompanied by three other grapes in the “noble grape” category, namely Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat. These are the grapes that are permitted for Grand Cru wines (there are currently 51 Grand Crus in existence) and regulated wines such as Vendange tardive and Selection de grains nobles.
Let’s start with nobility…
DipWSET Theory: Tasting Alsatian Riesling
I think one of the reasons I like starting my Wine World studies with Germany is because it’s my backwards way of gearing up for one of my favorite French wine regions, Alsace. The two regions have much in common—one of them being Riesling. That’s why I thought, if I’m going to deep-dive into the stylistic difference’s of Germany’s most recognized wine grape, I’m absolutely going to compare how the expression(s) differ from it’s neighboring French region, where the variety wear’s the “noble grape” crown.
To explore those differences between the wines, we must (of course) explore what makes Alsace a unique wine region.
Alsatian Wine Pop Quiz
Large old oak barrels used in Alsace have little influence on the wines’ aromas. Explain WHY.
[Answer(s) based on WSET Level 3 material]