France Flashcards
(236 cards)
What city did the Romans conquer that facilitated the spread of viticulture?
Gaul
What role did Christian monasteries play in the development of wine-making in Burgundy?
Rich patrons donated vineyards to monasteries seeking divine favor; monks such as the Benedictines and Cistercians took a scientific approach growing grapes and making wine.
What watershed event occurred in the 12th century that elevated the Bordeaux region to prominence?
The marriage of Eleanor of Acquitaine to Henry II.
What factor originally spurred significant wine production in the Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley was the home of French Nobility in the Middle Ages.
What type of wines were Champagne known for in the 1600?
Still Pinot Noirs.
What historical/political factor makes Alsace unique?
Alsace alternated between German and French control.
What is the major topographical feature within the country of France?
The Massif Central (central highlands)
What is the most widely planted white grape in France?
Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano Toscano)
200,000 acres in vine
Used almost exclusively for making brandy.
What is the most widely planted red grape in France?
Merlot
250,000 acres under vine.
What are the three quality levels of wine in France?
1) Vin (Vin de table)
2) Vin de Pays (IGP)
3) Appellation d’Origine Controllee (AOP)
What percentage of grapes in a French IGP wine must come from the delimited region on the label?
85%
Approximately how much French wine is AOC level?
Just under 50%
What is the best known IGP in France?
Pays d’Oc (Langedoc-Roussillon)
Others include Val de Loire (Loire Valle and Chablis), Mediterranee (Provence, Southeast) and Comte Tolosan (Southwest)
Describe the climate of Bordeaux?
Cool Maritime
Name two influences that moderate the climate of Bordeaux?
The Landes forest and the Gulf Stream.
Name two important rivers in Bordeaux.
The Garonne and the Dordogne, both of which flow into the Gironde Estuary.
What is the region North of the city of Bordeaux called?
Medoc
What is the region South of the city of Bordeaux called?
Graves
What is the major city on the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
Libourne
What are the main red grapes of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenere
What are the main white grapes of Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Also Sauvignon Gris, Colombard, Ugni Blanc and Merlot Blanc
In April of 2021, which 6 grapes were approved for limited use in Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
Touriga Nationial, Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Albarino and Lilorila.
Why is Cabernet more suit to the Left Bank of Bordeaux?
The Left Bank has gravel soils, which help with drainage but also heat retention, which Cabernet needs in order to fully ripen.
What sub-regions of Bordeaux are known for the following styles of wine?
a) Cabernet-based blends
b) Merlot-based blends
c) Dry white wines
d) Sweet white wines
a) Left Bank (Medoc, Graves)
b) Right Bank (St. Emilion, Pomerol)
c) Entre-Deux-Mers, Grave)
d) Sauterne (also Cadillac, Loupiac)