Champagne intro Flashcards

Revise WSET D4

1
Q

Describe the location of the Champagne region

A

NE France, near 50th parallel, 150 Km N>S, 120 km E>W East of Paris

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2
Q

Describe the climate of the Champagne region

A

Cool Continental, some oceanic influence, 700 mm rain per annum, low (11C) average annual temperature

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3
Q

Why is the climate of the Champagne region conducive to the production of sparkling wines

A

The low (11C) average annual temperature results in just ripe high acidic wines ideal for the production of sparkling wines

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4
Q

What are the key topographical features of the Champagne region

A

The most common soils are chalky soils with limestone subsoil and chalk. Well drained slopes avoid waterlogging. Chalk stores water available to the vine id dry periods

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5
Q

Name the nine principal Champagne styles

A

NV, Vintage, Rose, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Prestige Cuvee, Late release

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6
Q

In alphabetical order, name the seven grape varieties allowed in Champagne production

A

Albarne, , Chardonnay, Fromenteau, Meunier, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir

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7
Q

Name the five regions of Champagne from North to South

A

Montagne de Reims, Valle de la Marne, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Cote de Bar

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8
Q

What are the characteristics of Meunier

A

Black grape, late budding (so less prone to spring frosts) does well on heavier (clay) soils, ripens earlier than Pinot Noir, brings fruity notes and softness and adds body to early drinking wines

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9
Q

Describe the key characteristics of the Montagne de Reims?

A

Wide plateau, Clay soils for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay on chalk, 10 Grand Cru villages, some North facing, frost prone

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10
Q

Name three of the ten Grand Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims

A

Ambonnay, Beaumont-ser-Vesle, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly-Champagne, Poiseiux, Sillery, Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay, Verzy

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11
Q

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Montagne de Reims?

A

Clay Limestone Chalk - Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

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12
Q

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Vallee de la Marne?

A

Clay, marl & sandy soils - Meunieur for blending in early drinking wines

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13
Q

Name the only Grand Cru village in the Vallee de la Marne

A

Ay-Champagne

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14
Q

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote des Blancs?

A

Primarily Chalk for high quality 95% of plantings Chardonnay

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15
Q

Name three of the seven Grand Cru villages in the Cote des Blancs

A

Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Ogre, Oger, Oiry

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16
Q

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote de Sezanne?

A

Clay , clay & silt, some chalk primarily Pinot Noir

17
Q

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote de Bar?

A

Kimmeridgian calcareous marls, full flavoured, ripe Pinot Noir