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Study Cards on alsace, slopes, sites

Where is the Alsace wine region located in France?

In north-eastern France. Despite its northerly location it has a warm, sunny and unusually dry climate due to the protection of the Vosges mountains to the west.

Where are the Grand cru vineyards located in the Alsace?

On the steepest slopes, terracing can be necessary in some of the GC sites.

What are the drying influences of the climate in the Alsace region? What are the disadvantages and benefits?

Drying influences:

Rainfall falls on the west side
Eastern side 600 mm of rain (half of the other side of Vosges)
low rainfall; drought issue, irrigation not permitted.
wettest month August, driest during harvest; fruit set issues and flowering.
Föhn wind; warm wind raising temperature and reducing fungal diseases
High sunshine hours
Marked diurnal temperatures; retain acidity
Continental climate; wam sunny summers.

What is the latitude of the Alsace? What do you know about the altitude?

Latitude; 47-48NB
Best vineyards at 200-250m
South, south-east or south-west facing slopes.
Near the Rhine river

Describe the soils of the Alsace

Very varied 'a mosaic of Terroirs':

Plain; deeper more fertile soils
hillside; lower fertility, better draining soils

In general: Granite, limestone, marl, clay and sandstone

South; volcanic soils and some schist

Soils are diverse due to the rift;

Heavy clay and marl - broad flavours and weight
Limestone and sand - elegance and finesse
Flint and shist = flinty aromas

Describe the growing environment of the Alsace and the influence on style, price and quality.

Hillside slopes; reputation for high quality wines, have to be picked by hand adding to cost.
Most common: single or double Guyot (AOC restriction), higher that normally trained due to frost risk.
Denser plantings on the slopes (sun exposure)
Harvest is long; early September to late October: due to various styles and diversity of sites (altitude, exposition).
Grand cru sites: AOC regulation -> need to be picked by hand. adding cost.
Small vineyards
Dense plantings 4400-4800 vines/ha
Mechanization on the plains