France/Champagne: Day 16 Flashcards
(14 cards)
What are the three main grapes permitted in producing Champagne?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
List the five main regions of Champagne
- Montagne de Reims
- Vallée de la Marne
- Côte de Sézanne
- The Aube (aka Côte des Bar)
- Côte des Blancs
Name two Grand Cru villages of Champagne
- Ambonnay - MdR
- Avize - CdB
Define: prise de mousse
2nd fermentation (in bottle)
Define: remuage
(riddling) slowly rotating and tilting bottles to move the sediment of dead yeast cells (lees) towards the neck of the bottle, preparing it for disgorgement.
Define: liqueur de tirage
liqueur de tirage is a solution of wine, yeast, and sugar that is added to the base wine before it’s bottled to initiate secondary fermentation, creating the bubbles
State the difference between Extra Brut and Extra Dry
“Extra Brut” is the driest, meaning it has the least amount of sugar, while “Extra Dry” is slightly sweeter.
How much residual sugar does Extra Brut Champagne have?
0-6 grams of sugar per liter (0-6 g/L)
How much residual sugar does Brut Champagne have?
Brut has 0-12 grams of sugar per liter (0-12 g/L)
Explain to a guest the term Tête de Cuvée and cite an example
“Tête de cuvée,” which translates to “head of the blend” or “top of the cuvée,” refers to the highest quality, top-tier wine or Champagne a producer makes, often using the best grapes and base wines.
Louis Roederer: Cristal 2015
State the minimum sur lie and total aging for NV Champagne
12 months minimum sur lie aging
15 months minimum for NV (total aging)
State the minimum sur lie and total aging for vintage Champagne
3 years minimum for vintage (total aging)
Explain the difference between Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs
Blanc de Noirs are made from only black grapes, typically Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, while Blanc de Blancs are made from only white grapes, most commonly Chardonnay.
Name a producer of Champagne Special Club
Champagne Paul Bara
