Episode 107 of the Wine Educate Podcast covers the grapes, climate, and appellation structure of Alsace, one of the most distinctive and rewarding wine regions on the WSET Level 2 and Level 3 syllabus. Joanne Close explains everything from the rain shadow effect created by the Vosges Mountains to the four noble grape varieties, the Grand Cru controversy, and the Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles classification terms.
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The Vosges Mountains turn out to be the key to understanding Alsace. Their rain shadow effect creates some of the driest and sunniest growing conditions in all of France, which is what allows aromatic varieties like Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat to ripen fully at this northern latitude. Joanne also covers the 2021 sweetness labelling law, why some top producers refuse to use the Grand Cru designation, and how Alsace winemaking compares to Germany.
What you will learn in this episode:
How the rain shadow effect of the Vosges Mountains shapes the climate and wine styles of Alsace
The four noble grape varieties: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, and how each one tastes
Why Pinot Blanc rather than Muscat is the key grape for Cremant d’Alsace
How the Alsace appellation system works, including the Grand Cru controversy
The difference between Vendanges Tardives and Selection de Grains Nobles
Why the 2021 sweetness labelling law was introduced and how it works in practice
About Wine Educate:
Wine Educate is a WSET Approved Programme Provider offering wine certification courses online and in person in New Orleans. Host Joanne Close, DipWSET, makes wine education accessible to everyone, from curious beginners to serious students preparing for their WSET exams.
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1 Comment
Will you making a whole WSET 2 playlist ? I am about to start my studying and I would like to follow your guide ! Yet this is the only one on the WSET 2 playlist