1 Introduction To France Flashcards
What is the origin of grape growing in France?
Started with grape growing in the Greek colony called marseille.
Mainly planted in Rhône area and bordeaux area due to easy access to sea trade.
Describe the early history of French wine development.
Emperor Charlemagne and the period of monasteries 1000 CE is when a major vineyard expansion took place.
The Middle Ages was an era of export to England, Scotland, Flanders and holland. During this time, transport by water was essential so vineyards around Loire, Auxerre and chablis became important for paris wine consumption.
When did export of French wine become a major deal and why?
During the 17th to 19th century’s a huge boom in exports occurred, especially from bordeaux. Dutch engineers drained the marshes in médoc in the 17th century, enabling more vineyards with excellent gravelly soils. That and closeness to harbors are important factors to the big export numbers.
What factors in modern time have led to a decrease in French wine production?
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot, phylloxera and under the vine pull scheme.
Between what latitudes are the French vineyards situated?
42 to 49 degrees.
What are the planting techniques in French vineyards?
Mainly high density plantings with vines trained on trellises, often with cane replacement pruned guyot system with vertical shoot positioning. In the southern parts bush vines are applied.
What are the top varieties planted in france?
Merlot mainly bordeaux and languedoc Ugni blanc mainly cognac and armagnac Grenache noir Syrah Chardonnay CS CF PN SB
Describe the use of chaptalisation in French winemaking.
Chaptalisation was invented in france and used to be common practice in cooler regions. Less so now due to climate change and better canopy management.
Where are the two major viticultural and winemaking institutions located?
In bordeaux and Montpellier
What do INAO do?
Oversaw the creation of the AOC system and also oversee the IGP system.
What do the AOC regulations entail?
Rules about method of production such as: Allowed varieties Planting density Allowed training systems Maximum yields Minimum alcohol lvl Required length of maturation Earliest date of release
The system is based on terroir
What notable changes have been made in the AOC system in 2009?
Grape varieties allowed on AOC labels
IGP wines are allowed to put grape varieties and vintage on the label.
What is the average size of a vineyard holding in france and how does it differ from italy and Spain?
About 10,5 ha which is much higher than Italy and Spain.
What role do cooperatives play in French wine business?
An important role. They stand for about 40 percent of the wine production.
What can be said about the French wine consumption?
It has steadily declined and is now about half the lvl compared to a century ago.
