France Intro Flashcards

1
Q

Name the most planted varieties (10) in France, in order.

A

Merlot, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc.

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2
Q

When did large scale grape growing begin in France?

A

1 BC to 5 AD; for 600 years - the period of Roman Gaul (today France)

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3
Q

Where did large scale grape growing begin in France?

A

The south; Rhône valley and Bordeaux (easy access to transportation).

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4
Q

Major expansion of Burgundy happened during two periods, which?

A

The period of Charlemagne (crowned 800 CE) and after 1000 CE, the period of the monasteries.

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5
Q

During Middle Ages, important export markets opened, name a few.

A

England, Scotland, Flanders, Holland.

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6
Q

The wine in Paris came from where, and why?

A

Auxerre and Chablis, close to the capital (now abandoned). And from major rivers such as Loire. Because of closeness and possibility of transportation.

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7
Q

When did exports explode, and from where?

A

17th to 19th century, mainly from Bordeaux.

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8
Q

When did Dutch merchants drain the marshes of Bordeaux?

A

17th century.

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9
Q

Name vineyard challenges that took place in the second half of the 19th century.

A

Downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot and phylloxera.

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10
Q

Where did French winemakers go because of phylloxera to produce and export wine for France?

A

Algeria (French colony at the time)

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11
Q

Total area under vine in France has decreased between 1970’s to 2010’s by how much?

A

One third (includes table grapes too though)

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12
Q

Between what latitudes are French grape growing regions?

A

42* - 49* North

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13
Q

Name the most common trellising system in France?

A

Replacement cane pruned Guyot with VSP (vertical shoot positioning).

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14
Q

Organic and in conversion increased by 71% between 2011 and 2019, but how many per cent in total is organic (2019)?

A

14%

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15
Q

Explain the domination of Merlot.

A

Widely planted in Bordeaux and for IGP wines in Languedoc.

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16
Q

Why is Ugni Blanc the second most planted variety?

A

It is used for Cognac and Armagnac.

17
Q

What idea is the AOC based on?

A

Terroir

18
Q

What is France’s regulating body called and when was it founded?

A

INAO (Institut National de l’origine et de la qualite), 1935

19
Q

What does AOC stand for and what does it embed?

A

Appellation d’origine contrôlée. Defined geographic areas and detailed methods of production.

20
Q

What is defined by the AOC?

A

Permitted varieties, planting density, maximum yields, training systems, length of maturation, date of release, minimum alcohol level.

21
Q

What does IGP stand for and when did INAO started overseeing those wines too?

A

Indication Géographique Protégée. 2009

22
Q

Name the 3 levels of IGP.

A

Regional (IGP Pays d’Oc)
Departmental (IGP Pays d’Hérault)
Small zone (IGP Collines Rhodaniennes)

23
Q

What year did it become legal to put variety name on labels? Why?

A
  1. New world wines have had great success doing so.
24
Q

Co-operations are still very important in France, how much wine is made through Co-ops for AOC and IGP respectively?

A

AOC 50% IGP 70%

25
Q

France export less volume than Spain and Italy, but are world leaders in value. By how much compared to Spain and Italy?

A

57% higher than Italy, 400% higher than Spain.

26
Q

France is a large importer of wine too. From where and at what price point?

A

Spain, inexpensive wine. This causes much tension.