1. Introduction to France

Question 1

What is the latitude range of France’s wine regions?

Answer 1

42-49 degrees north

Question 2

What percentage of France’s total vineyard area is certified organic?

Answer 2

14%

Question 3

What is the most common training and trellising system used across France?

Answer 3

1) Guyot
2) VSP

Question 4

What are the seven most planted black grape varieties in Frnace?

Answer 4

1) Merlot
2) Grenache
3) Syrah
4) Cabernet Sauvignon
5) Cabernet Franc
6) Carignan
7) Pinot Noir

Question 5

What are the three most planted white grape varieties in France?

Answer 5

1) Ugni Blanc
2) Chardonnay
3) Sauvignon Blanc

Question 6

Why is Ugni Blanc the most widely planted white grape variety?

Answer 6

Due to its use in Cognac and Armagnac

Question 7

Give two reasons why chaptalisation is becoming less common in France.

Answer 7

1) Warmer growing conditions
2) Improved canopy management

Question 8

What does the INAO stand for?

Answer 8

Institut national de l’origine et de la qualite

Question 9

What does the INAO oversee?

Answer 9

1) French AOC system
2) French IGP system

Question 10

What are the three levels of IGP?

Answer 10

1) Regional IGPs (Pays d’Oc)
2) Departmental IGPs (Pays d’Herault)
3) Small zone IGPs (Collines Rhodaniennes)

Question 11

In what year did France allow the grape variety on the label alongside the name of the appellation?

Answer 11

2009

Question 12

What is the trend of wine consumption per capita in France?

Answer 12

A long term, steep decline to less than half that of a century ago

Question 13

France is the world leader in which export category?

Answer 13

Exports by value (57% more exported by value than Italy, 4x that of Spain)