Module 6: Chapter 9 - France (after Bordeaux) Flashcards
(297 cards)
1
Q
Grape variety of the Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC.*
A
Folle Blanche
2
Q
The Reuilly AOC is located on the River _______.*
A
Cher
3
Q
Red grape variety of Chinon.*
A
Cabernet Franc
4
Q
Two regional appellations for rose in the Anjou area.*
A
Rose d’Anjou
Cabernet d’Anjou
5
Q
Type of wine produced in the Saumur-Champigny AOC.*
A
Red wines only; minimum of 85% Cabernet Franc
6
Q
Five main zones of the Champagne region.*
A
Montagne de Reims Vallee da le Marne Cote des Blancs Cote de Sezanne Cote des Bar
7
Q
Two types of juice (in terms of two sets of pressings) used in the production of Champagne.*
A
Cuvee (first pressing) and taille (second pressing)
8
Q
Term used for the third pressing of grapes, as used in the Champagne region.*
A
Rebeche (not used for sparkling wine production)
9
Q
Regional name for Chenin Blanc used in the Loire.*
A
Pineau de la Loire
10
Q
Grape variety used in Muscadet.*
A
Melon de Bourgogne
11
Q
Regional name for Cabernet Franc used in the Loire.*
A
Breton
12
Q
Two subregions of Coteaux du Layon.*
A
Bonnezeaux
Quarts du Chaume
13
Q
The Loire Valley’s only Grand Cru.*
A
Quarts du Chaume
14
Q
Grape variety of Vouvray.*
A
Chenin Blanc
15
Q
Three red wine appellations of Touraine.*
A
Chinon
Bourgeuil
St-Nicolas-de-Bourgeuil
16
Q
Grape variety of Sancerre.*
A
Sauvignon Blanc (white), Pinot Noir (red)
17
Q
Three leading grape varieties of Champagne.*
A
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier (formerly Pinot Meunier)
18
Q
Four minor grape varieties of Champagne.*
A
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, Arbane
19
Q
Minimum total aging for vintage Champagne.*
A
3 years
20
Q
Number of Grand Cru villages in Champagne.*
A
17
21
Q
RM*
A
Recoltant-Manipulant (“Grower Champagne”)
22
Q
AOC for still wines that covers most of the land within the Champagne region.*
A
Coteaux Champenois
23
Q
Two main regions of Alsace.*
A
Bas-Rhin
Haut-Rhin
24
Q
Three types of AOCs in Alsace.*
A
Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru
Cremant d’Alsace
25
Four "noble grapes" of Alsace.*
Riesling
Gewurztraminer
Muscat
Pinot Gris
26
Late-harvest wine made in Alsace.*
Vendage Tardive
27
Two main grapes of Burgundy.*
Pinot Noir
| Chardonnay
28
Number of Burgundy Grand Crus.*
33
29
The seven parcels of Chablis Grand Cru.*
```
Les Clos
Vaudesir
Valmur
Blanchot
Bougros
Les Preuses
Grenouilles
```
30
Minor white grape of Burgundy, grown mostly in the Cote Challonaise.*
Aligote'
31
Largest communal appellation of the Cote Challonaise.*
Mercurey
32
The three appellations of Chablis.*
Chablis AOC, Chablis Grand Cru AOC, Petit Chablis AOC
33
Number of Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote de Nuits.*
24
34
Number of Grand Cru vineyards in the Cote de Beaune.*
8
35
The only Grand Cru of the Cote de Beaune to produce red wine.*
Corton (approved for both red and white)
36
Two largest communcal AOCs in the Maconnais; approved only for white wine.*
Pouilly-Fuisse', St-Veran
37
Term used in Burgundy to describe plots of land whose boundaries have been defined by terroir.*
Climat
38
Main grape variety of the Cahors AOC.*
Malbec (the "black wine of Cahors")
39
Grape variety on Condrieu.*
Viognier
40
Main grape variety of the Madiran AOC.*
Tannat
41
Leading grape variety of Beaujolais.*
Gamay
42
Grape variety (varieties) allowed in Cornas AOC.*
Syrah (must be 100%)
43
Fortified wine of the Rousillon produced in a "Christmas style."*
Muscat de Rivesaltes
44
The ten Beaujolais Cru.*
Brouilly, Cote de Brouilly, Julienas, Regnie, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Morgon, Chiroubles, Fleurie,St.-Amour
45
Grape variety (varieties) allowed in Saint-Peray AOC.*
Marsanne and Rousanne
46
Main grape variety of the Blanquette de Limoux AOC.*
Mauzac
47
Top grape variety of the Rhone Valley.*
Grenache (Noir)
48
Two Rhone AOC the produce vin doux naturel.*
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venice
| Rasteau
49
IGP that covers the Languedoc-Rousillon region.*
Vin de Pay d'Oc (Pays d'Oc IGP)
50
Leading red grape variety of the NORTHERN Rhone valley.*
Syrah
51
Rhone appellation that produces 100% rose' wine.*
Tavel
52
Type of wine produced in the Banyuls AOC.*
Vin doux naturel (fortified) - mainly sweet, red wines using Grenache, but white wines (based on Grenache blanc and/or Muscat) and amber styles are produced as well.
53
Type of wine produced in Bandol.*
Red (but some rose') made from a Mourvedre-based blend.
54
What is the longest river in France?
The Loire.
55
As a whole, what is the Loire Valley known for?
Primarily for crisp white wines, light reds, roses, and some fine sweet and sparkling wines.
56
How much of the length of the Loire is covered by vineyards?
Only about half as much as Bordeaux, producing only 45 million cases, 3/4 of which is at the AOC level. (33.75 million cases)
57
Where does the Loire originate?
In the Massif Central, before flowing north through Sancerre, and then heading west to the Atlantic, south of Brittany.
58
How many distinct winegrowing regions comprise the Loire valley?
```
4. (From west to east)
Pays Nantais (Nantes County)
Anjou-Saumur
Touraine, to the east of Anjou-Saumur
Upper Loire (eastern Loire) the area around Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume
```
59
Given the large span of territory, the regions of the Loire don't have a lot in common. What DO they have in common?
Same northerly latitude and therefore cool-climate.
60
What are the three climatic zones of the Loire Valley?
Pays Nantais- Low-lying terrain, chilly maritime climate.
Middle section: More sunshine, decreased maritime influence. Humidity remains high, providing ideal botrytis conditions.
Upper Loire- Far enough inland to have continental climate, moderated by sea breezes up the valley.
61
The Loire is perhaps the most diverse producer of wine styles in France. What does it produce?
Dry whites, sweet whites. dry and off-dry roses, sparkling wines, dry reds.
62
What are the key white varieties of the Loire Valley?
Melon de Bourgogne Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc
| Small amounts of Arbois, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Folle Blanche are planted as well.
63
Describe Melon de Bourgogne.
Originally from Burgundy though very little remains there. Fairly neutral, produces a light-bodied, very crisp white wine. It is limited in the Loire to the Pays Nantais area, where it makes the well known wines of the Muscadet AOC.
64
What is the other name for Chenin Blanc in Loire Valley?
Pineau de la Loire. It is very versatile, making dry whites, sweet whites, and delightful sparkling wines.
65
What are the best known Chenin-based wines of the Loire?
Vouvray and Savennieres. They are markedly different despite their shared heritage.
66
Why is Chenin the base for Loire's highly acclaimed dessert wines?
It's thin skins make it highly susceptible to botrytis, which is instrumental to the quality of the dessert wines.
67
Sauvignon Blanc is planted throughout what region? What is best known for?
It is planted throughout Anjou and Touraine, but is best known for the wines of the Upper Loire.
It produces its most classic flavor profiles with vibrant acidity and fine aromatics in Pouilly-Fume and Sancerre.
68
What are the well known roses (both dry and off-dry) of the Loire made from?
Generally a blend of grapes that can include Cabernet Franc, Cab Sauv, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grolleau, and Malbec.
69
What is the local Loire name for Cabernet Franc?
Breton
70
What is the local Loire name for Malbec?
Cot.
71
What are the general characteristics of Loire Valley dry reds?
Using the same grapes as those in rose, the wines are nicely acidic, light reds. Specific examples include Cabernet Franc from Chinon and the Pinot Noir of Sancerre.
72
How are the sparkling wines of the Loire made?
By Traditional Method, under the name Fines Bulles (fine bubbles). They are generally based on Chenin Blanc with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay sometimes used as minority components.
Red grapes are allowed, but not common, including Pinot Noir, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Grolleau, and Gamay.
A variety of sparkling styles are produced, including white and rose of varying sweetness.
73
Why is there no Loire Valley appellation similar to Bordeaux AOC, covering the entire geographical region?
There is significant dissimilarity in terroir and grape varieties. The general geographical role is played at the IGP level by IGP Val de Loire, one of the seven regional vins de pays, since 2009 (when it replaced the old Vin de Pays du Jardin).
74
What is Melon de Bourgogne known locally as in Pays Nantais?
Muscadet. It makes up 3/4 of the Nantais vineyards.
75
Muscadet (Melon de Bourgogne) is the ONLY grape allowed in four appellations, name them.
Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC, Muscadet AOC, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC, Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu
76
Can sur lie be applied to the labels of Muscadet?
Yes. Many producers do this to allow for a fuller bodied version of what is otherwise a fairly neutral, high acid wine to be consumed young.
77
Three news AOCs were approved in Pays Nantais in 2011. What were they?
Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC: for whites based on Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)
Coteaux d'Ancenis AOC: for whites (100% Pinot Gris, locally Malvoisie), for rose (100% Gamay), for red (100% Gamay)
Fiefs Vendeens AOC: for whites (Chenin with small Chard and others), rose (Gamay/PN blends), and red (Blends of CF, PN, and Negrette.
78
Anjou-Saumur and Touraine together are considered what?
The Central Loire
79
What does Anjou produce?
A red wine from primarily Cab Franc or Cab Sauv, and a white from Chenin Blanc with up to 20% Sauvignon Blanc of Chardonnay.
There are also basic appellations for sparkling (mousseux) and lightly sparkling (petillant) wines, and for red wines made from Gamay.
80
Where is Savennieres?
On the north bank of the Loire. Produces whites from 100% Chenin Blanc, typically dry, and called "the most cerebral wine in the world."
81
There are two regional rose appellations in Anjou. Name them, and what they're made from.
Rose d'Anjou: Typically off-dry, from the Grolleau grape.
Cabernet d'Anjou: from Cab Franc and Cab Sauv, somewhat sweeter.
Dry roses are likely to use the Rose de Loire appellation, which covers Touraine, Anjou, and Saumur.
82
Sweet dessert wines are a specialty of Anjou. What is the primary sweet wine area of Anjou?
The Coteaux du Layon AOC
83
There are two subregions to Coteaux du Layon AOC. What are they?
Bonnezeaux and Quarts du Chaume. They produce 100% Chenin based dessert wines.
84
What is special about Quarts du Chaume?
As of 2011, it became the first Grand Cru of the Loire, prompting the creation of a secondary appellation, Coteaux du Layon Premier Cru Chaume.
85
What AOC is much of the wine in Saumur produced under?
Saumur AOC, which allows for white, red, and rose still wines, along with white and rose sparkling wines.
86
There is one small red wine only appellation in Saumur. What is it?
Saumur-Champigny, which makes a unique, spicy red based of Cabernet Franc, up to 15% of which can be Cab Sauv or Pineau d'Aunis (aka Chenin Noir)
87
Saumur is particularly known for sparkling wines. What is the main appellation for sparkling?
Saumur Mousseux (sometimes seen simply as Saumur).
Made in Traditional method, can be white or rose.
Saumur is also the chief source of grapes for Cremant de Loire, sparkling that can be produced anywhere in the Central Loire.
88
What must be contained in Saumur Mousseux?
In whites, must be at least 60% Chenin Blanc. In Rose, must be at least 60% Cab Franc. Both versions may contain ay other permitted grapes of the region in the remainder.
89
Touraine is also part of the Central Loire, where is it located?
To the east of Anjou-Saumur. It is home to Vouvray, one of the best known of the Loire appellations.
90
What is just across the river from Vouvray, producing wines of very similar style?
Montlouis-sur-Loire.
91
Touraine is home to three well-respected appellations for red wines, mostly based on Cabernet Franc. Name them.
Chinon, Bourgueil, St.-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil. All must be made with a majority of Cab Franc, and Chinon is considered the most elegant.
92
Do any of the three red appellations in Touraine produce anything else?
Yes. Chinon produces a small amount of 100% Chenin Blanc whites, while Bourgueil and St.-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil produce rose.
93
Touraine AOC covers the entire area. What does it allow production of?
Red, white, rose, as well as sparkling white and rose. The majority of the vineyards that produce wine for the regional AOC are east of Vouvray, and more closely mirror the wines of the Upper Loire.
94
What are the majority of Touraine AOC wines made of?
As they mirror Upper Loire, the whites are predominantly Sauvignon Blanc, while reds and roses are a blend based on Cab Franc and Malbec (Cot)
95
What are the easternmost vineyards of Touraine?
Cheverny AOC, producing whites from a blend based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, and reds from Pinot Noir blended with Gamay (Malbec optional).
96
Two of the most famous appellations of the Loire are in the Upper Loire. What are they, and here are they located?
Sancerre, on the west bank of the Loire, and Pouilly Fume on the east bank.
Both are famous for 100% Sauvignon Blanc.
97
What is the distinction between Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume?
Chalky soils give Sancerre its crisp acidity, while the flint of Pouilly-Fume imparts a smokiness.
98
What is the only red produced in Sancerre?
A small amount of Pinot Noir.
99
There are three other smaller appellations in the Upper Loire. What are they and what do they produce?
All three produce Sauvignon Blanc
| Menetou-Salon and Reuilly produce small amounts of Pinot Noir. Quincy does not.
100
What accounted for the early demand for the wines of Champagne?
Proximity to Paris and the English market, which at the time were light white wines and Pinot Noir.
101
What caused suspended fermentation in the early wines of Champagne?
The region's cold climate would lend a few bubbles.
102
Who were the first to intentionally create bubbles in the bottle?
The English, after noticing the Champagne wine merchant's habit of adding sugar to the bottle to balance the wine's natural acidity.
103
Who led the improvement following the discovery of secondary fermentation?
Dom Perignon and his contemporaries in the early years, later Veuve Clicquot, Louis Roederer, and other leading houses of Champagne.
104
How much wine is made in Champagne?
32 million cases per year, roughly 18% of the world production of sparkling wines.
105
Describe the climate of Champagne.
It is one of the coldest and most northerly wine regions in the world. Summers are cool, and winters can be quite cold and snowy, with no protection from storms out of the north.
106
What are the five main zones of Champagne?
Montagne de Reims: A plateau between the Marne River and city of Reims.
Vallee de Marne: Stretches more than 40 miles along the Marne River west of the town of Epernay.
Côte des Blancs: a ridge running south and southwest from Epernay.
Cote de Sezanne: A region southwest of the Cote des Blancs, stretching in a long, thin line beyond the town of Sezanne.
Cote des Bar: An isolated area in the Aube department, 60 miles southeast of Epernay.
107
What are the two particular subsoils that make the unique terroir of Champagne?
Chalk, and limestone-rich marl.
These allow the roots to dig freely, while retaining moisture and allowing excess moisture to drain away.
They also keep the soil at a somewhat constant temperature throughout the year.
108
What is historical about the chalk in Champagne?
Most of the Grand Cru vineyards are on the two subsoils, but the Romans mined the chalk, creating miles of subterranean cellars that still exist to this day. These cellars are used to store millions of bottles of Champagne at the perfect temp and humidity level.
109
What does the Cote des Bar lay on?
A ridge of Kimmeridgian marl. This is limestone rich, from fossilized marine deposits mixed with clay. This soil extends to the White Cliffs of Dover and Salisbury Plain.
110
What are the characteristics of Kimmeridgian marl?
Excellent water retention, heat retention, and heat reflection; when heat is reflected back onto the vine, it helps the vine's ability to reach phenolic ripeness in less than ideal conditions.
111
Where else is Kimmeridgian marl found?
Loire Valley and Burgundy.
112
What are the four secondary grape varieties of Champagne?
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane.
| They are somewhat obscure, but appreciated by some producers.
113
Give an example of a wine that emphasizes the uniqueness of the secondary grapes of Champagne.
House of Aubry - Le Nombre d'Or (The Golden Number)
114
Which Champagne zones are dominated by Chardonnay plantings?
Cote des Sezanne and Cote des Blancs.
115
Which Champagne zones are dominated by Pinot Noir plantings?
Cote des Bar. Montagne de Reims is largely planted, but also supports a good deal of Chardonnay and Meunier.
116
Which zone is dominated by Meunier?
Vallee de la Marne; Meunier buds late and ripens early, perfect for a place that is frost-prone.
117
Why are Champagne producers very careful in their handling of the high-acid, low-sugar grapes at harvest?
Most are intended to be white, even despite the use of red grapes. Most press houses are located in or near the vineyards, and small boxes are used during the harvest to ensure the grapes don't break open and expose the juice to skin contact.
118
True or false: There are not many criteria to follow once Champagne grapes are ready to press.
False. There are more than 20, including press types, and pressing and racking capacity.
119
What is a 'marc?'
The traditional measurement for the quantity of grapes allowed in the press (from the old French 'marchier' to trample). Equivalent to 4000kg (8800 pounds)
120
What is the maximum amount of juice per marc?
675 gallons, or 25.5 hL.
The cuvee is 20.5hL of this total, from the free run and first light pressings. Used for premium Champagne production, rich in sugars and acids.
The taille is the 5hL of juice from second pressings. It is lower in acid and sugar, and primarily used for demi-sec or extra dry wines, as the extra sugar will cover the coarseness of this juice.
121
What is the rebeche?
Juice from a third pressing. Can be used for still wine, including a local vin de liqueur called Ratafia de Champagne PGI, and for spirits or vinegar.
122
What are vins clairs?
The fermented and clarified neutral base wines from permitted pressings.
Often many separate batches will be made from different varieties, zones, and vineyards before being assembled by the cellarmaster into various cuvees.
123
Why does NV Champagne often contain considerable reserve wine?
In order to create a consistent house style from year to year.
124
Is the base wine for vintage Champagne ever reserve wine?
No, it is intended to reflect a single year's harvest.
125
What is the earliest the cuvee, along with the liqueur de tirage, can be bottled?
By regional law, it cannot be bottled until January 1 following the harvest.
126
Where does the secondary fermentation take place?
In the subterranean caves.
127
How long does nonvintage Champagne have to stay bottled in the cellar, by law?
A minimum of 15 months, with at least 12 of those on lees.
128
How long does vintage (millesime) Champagne have to age, by law?
A minimum of 3 years, with at last 12 months on lees. In practice, most producers exceed these minimums.
129
Is hand-riddling still used in Champagne?
Yes, but almost exclusively by small production houses and for the highest-end prestige wines.
Most Frequently riddling is done by gyropalettes.
130
What is the term for dosage?
Liqueur d'expedition.
131
How much of Champagne production is accounted for by NV?
3/4
132
What is tete de cuvee (or Prestige cuvee, cuvee speciale)
The top of the line Champagne produce by a Champagne house, using the best grapes and most careful production techniques.
133
How much red wine can be blended into the cuvee of Rose Champagne?
Up to 20%. Base wines may also be allowed to macerate for a short time on skins.
134
Do the wines of Champagne have a classification system?
No. But the villages do, called the echelle des crus.
135
What is the echelle des crus based on?
Grape quality. Echelle means scale, and the grapes are rated on a scale of 1-100.
136
What are Grand Cru villages?
Those that received a 100 score on the Echelle des crus. There are 17 grand cru villages.
137
What is the second tier of of scores in the echelle des crus called?
Premier Cru. They received scores from 90-99. There are currently 42 of these.
138
What is the CIVC?
Le Comite Interprofessional du vin de Champagne.
Initially the echelle system was a true percentage system to set the portion of a maximum price a vineyard could receive for it grapes. Grand Cru received the full price, everyone else their corresponding percentage as scored in echelle by the CIVC.
139
When was the echelle percentage rating system abolished?
In the early 2000's, but the existing Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages were allowed to keep their titles.
140
Why are Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines not common?
In order to use the term on the label, all the grapes in the wine must come from GC or PC grapes. Because Champagne typically blends from several small areas, it is uncommon to see GC or PC except from small, independent producers.
141
What are the traditional winemaking properties in Champagne called?
Houses. There are roughly 300 of them, and they produce more than 2/3 of the regions wine while owning less than 1/10 of the vineyards.
They buy the grapes of small independent growers.
142
What are grower Champagnes, and how much of the market do they account for?
Growers who make and sell their own Champagne. They include both small, artisanal wine products and the top-tier wines from larger houses (Krug's Clos du Mesnil and Bollinger's Vielles Vignes Francaises) and can be recognized by the initials RM (Recoltant Manipulant) on the label.
Grower Champagne is roughly 1/4 of the market.
143
What makes up the remaining portion of the Champagne market, after Houses and RM?
Cooperatives who don't own any vineyards, but sell vins clairs to the bigger houses, produce champagne for their grower-members, or produce Champagne to sell directly.
144
How many appellations are there for sparkling wine in Champagne?
Just the Champagne AOC. All of the variations are distinct styles, but not specific appellations.
145
How many appellations are there for nonsparkling wines in Champagne?
Two, but they are made in very small quantities.
- Rose de Riceys covers still rose from Pinot Noir in the commune of Riceys at the south end of Champagne
- Coteaux Champenois AOC covers most of the area of Champagne for still wines and may be white, red, or rose.
146
How much wine is sold from Alsace?
12.3 million cases per year.
| The average vineyard holding in Alsace is small, with 38,300 acres spread amongst 4,930 growers.
147
Where is Alsace?
Northeast France, in a north-south band 75 miles long sandwiched between the Vosges Mountain on the west and the Rhine on the east.
148
What lies across the Rhine from Alsace?
The German wine region of Baden. The German wine region of Pfalz lies to the north.
149
What are the two departments of Alsace?
Bas-Rhin: To the north, but at lower elevation.
| Haut-Rhin: Area to the south, but higher elevation.
150
What is the climate of Alsace?
A cold continental climate, due to its northerly location and distance from the ocean.
The rain shield created by the Vosges Mts. make it one of the driest areas of France, and very sunny. This allows the grapes to ripen much more fully than those in Chablis or Champagne to the west of the mountains.
151
What is the only red grape allowed in Alsace?
Pinot Noir. That's it.
152
What are the noble grapes of Alsace?
Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Muscat
Grand Cru vineyards are only allowed to use these grapes (there are a couple individual exceptions allowed to blend with Sylvaner)
153
What are the primary, non-noble grapes of Alsace?
Pinot Blanc.
| Chasselas, Sylvaner, Chardonnay, Auxerrois, and Klevener de Heiligenstein are allowed, but not significant.
154
How many appellation types are there in Alsace?
3. Alsace AOC, Alsace Grand Cru AOC, and Crémant d'Alsace AOC.
155
Under appellation rules, if a winery labels the wine with a variety, how much of the wine must be from that grape?
100% (Klevener de Heiligenstein can only come from the village of Heiligenstein and a few other specific communes).
Chardonnay may only be used in Cremant d'Alsace.
156
How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Alsace as of 2011?
51, and all have their own appellation in their own right.
Grand Cru wines have slightly higher standards for yield size and minimum ripeness levels. Majority of these are in Haut-Rhin (to the south higher elevation).
157
Is chaptalization allowed in Alsace Grand Cru wines?
No.
158
What is allowed in Cremant d'Alsace, and how much of wine produced in Alsace is Cremant?
Cremant d'Alsace is approved for sparkling wine made from Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and/or Auxerrois. All must use Traditional Method.
Cremant accounts for 23% of wine produced in Alsace.
159
If wines do not adhere to appellation rules, how are they classified in Alsace?
As Wine. There is no IGP covering the Alsace region.
160
What is the typical Alsace white wine style?
Single-variety, with aromatic, fresh-fruit driven profiles and moderate acidity. There is little to no oak use, even in the red Pinot Noir.
161
Is blending of permitted white wines allowed in Alsace?
Yes, but it is uncommon. The blended wines are labeled as Edelzwicker, and if they are made of 50% or more juice of the noble grapes, they may include the word 'Gentil' on the label.
162
What is a wine labeled "Pinot" in Alsace?
A wine labeled that way, or as Pinot d'Alsace, may contain any quantity of Pinot Blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot Noir, or Auxerrois.
163
How are the majority of Alsatian wines fermented?
Dry. Though a series of recent warm summers have produced vintages with concentrated sugars that often do not ferment completely dry.
Recent young Alsatian whites have noticeable RS and higher alcohol.
164
Alsace is highly regarded for dessert wines as well. What are the two styles of dessert wines?
Vendange Tardive: Produced from late-harvest grapes, which may or may not be botrytized.
Selection de grains nobles: Sweet wines from botrytized grapes.
165
What is permitted as Muscat in Alsace?
Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, Muscat Rose a Petits Grains, and Muscat Ottonel.
166
Compared to Bordeaux, how large is Burgundy?
Burgundy has only about 1/4 the acreage, and produces roughly 1/4 the volume (71,500 acres, 17 million cases).
167
Why is the ownership of land in Burgundy so subdivided?
The church lands were expropriated during the French Revolution, and given to peasant owners. Following that, the Napoleonic Code for inheritance decreed that land had to be divided equally amongst all heirs, resulting in smaller and smaller plots being held by more and more people.
168
What was the result of the subdivision of land in Burgundy?
Many growers cannot make enough of their own wine to be profitable, so they sell their grapes to negociants. Even named vineyards often have multiple owners, leading to many different producers making competing wines from the same vineyard.
169
Where is Burgundy?
Eastern central France, south of Champagne, east of the Loire, and southwest of Alsace.
170
How many distinct winegrowing areas is Burgundy divided into?
4. Chablis, Cote d'Or, Cote Chalonnaise, and the Maconnais
171
Where is Chablis?
About 80 miles away from the Cote d'Or, and is closer to the Aube district of Champagne than the rest of Burgundy.
172
What is the weather in Chablis?
Essentially the same as Champagne, with cold winters and cool summers, making it difficult to fully ripen the grapes.
173
What advantage does Chablis have over Champagne?
The vineyards are slightly farther south, and located around a south facing slope of Kimmeridgian marl. It has better sun exposure, some protection from northern storms, and an excellent mineral base to draw from.
174
Where is the Cote d'Or?
Southwest of the city of Dijon, along a narrow limestone ridge that parallels the west bank of the Saone River.
175
How is the Cote d'Or divided?
Into two segments.
Côte de Nuits: To the north, based on the town of Nuits-St.-Georges
Côte de Beaune: to the south, named for the town of Beaune. The town is the commercial hub of Burgundy's wine trade.
176
What is the climate of Burgundy?
Due to the protection of belt of hills to the north and west of Cote d'Or, Burgundy is much more continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The hills block the chilly influence of the Atlantic, making summer hailstorms a bigger concern than winter gales.
177
What is different about the climate of the Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais?
They are farther south, and are influenced by the Mediterranean, keeping winter temps more moderate.
It is also of note that the limestone that is so distinctive in Burgundy is less prevalent here.
178
What are the two primary grapes of Burgundy?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
179
What accounts for 60% of Burgundy production?
Chardonnay.
180
Where is Pinot Noir dominant?
Côte de Nuits, becoming less prevalent as one moves south. It is NOT grown in Chablis.
181
What is the secondary white grape of Burgundy?
Aligote.
182
What are the other approved grapes in Burgundy?
Gamay is grown in small amounts, and small amounts are approved in certain appellations of the following:
Cesar, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris
183
How much of the wine exported from Burgundy is still and dry?
90%. The remainder is Cremant.
184
What are the hallmarks of the Burgundy style?
Moderate alcohol, acidity and tannin; complex aromas and flavors; earthiness.
While other grapes are allowed, most reds are 100% Pinot Noir, and most whites are 100% Chardonnay.
185
What is unique about the Chardonnay of Chablis?
There is a distinctive flinty character with pronounced minerality not found elsewhere, along with considerable acidity.
South of Chablis, the Chardonnays get richer and less sharply acidic.
186
What is the typical profile of Cote d'Or wines?
Both whites and reds have multilayered aromas profiles suggesting wet earth, the outdoors, forest floor, or farmyard, alongside the typical varietal characteristics of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Both whites and reds can continue to improve and increase in complexity for decades.
187
What is the difference in profile between Cote d'Or and Cote Chalonnaise/Maconnais?
The latter display some of the same complexity, but in a lighter style.
188
What are the plots of land called in Burgundy?
Climats. They have very precise boundaries based on terroir.
189
How are the climats of Burgundy classified?
Highest ranking are Grand Cru (Great growth), with the next tier being Premier Cru (First Growth).
This is distinct from Bordeaux as it is the vineyard land that is classified in Burgundy, not the Chateaux themselves.
190
How many Grand Cru are there in Burgundy?
33. Each are granted their own AOC, named after the vineyard.
191
How many Premiers Crus in Burgundy?
More than 600. They are NOT given their own AOC, they fall under the appellation of their commune. They are allowed to include vineyard name and 1er Cru (or Premier Cru) on the label.
192
How are Premier Cru labels easy to spot?
The label will usually state 1er Cru, or Premier Cru, along with the commune name first (usually in larger print) and hen the vineyard name.
193
Why are Grand Cru labels confusing in Burgundy?
The 33 appellation names and their communes tend to look quite similar. Many times Grand Cru will appear, but does not have to.
Several communes decided years ago to add the name of a grand cru vineyards to their own name. So:
Griotte-Chambertin is a grand cru vineyard
Gevrey-Chambertin is a commune- or village- level wine.
194
How many separate appellations does Burgundy contain, as of December 2019?
More than 80, with smaller vineyard AOC's nested within commune levels which are themselves within regional ones.
195
How many appellations cover the entire Burgundy region?
6, the most important of which is AOC Bourgogne, the generic AOC for red, white, and rose wines.
Others include Cremant de Bourgogne for trad method sparklers, and Bourgogne Aligote for whites from the Aligote grape.
196
How many sub-appellations are there for Bourgogne AOC?
14.
197
Does Chablis produce reds?
No, white wines exclusively.
198
What is the only permitted grape in Chablis?
Chardonnay.
199
What does the majority of the prime land in Chablis fall under?
Chablis Grand Cru AOC. The majority of the land around that and the town of Chablis itself qualifies for Chablis AOC status.
200
How big is Chablis Grand Cru vineyard, and how is it divided?
```
254 acres, divided into 7 parcels. From largest to smallest:
Les Clos
Vaudésir
Bougros
Blanchot
Les Preuses
Valmur
Grenouilles
```
201
How many Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis?
40, from 79 eligible climats within Chablis AOC.
They are generally grouped in 17 "principal" premier crus.
Some of the best known are Fourchaume, Montee de Tonnerre, Vaillons, Mont de Milieu, and Vosgros.
202
Where are the vineyards of the Petit Chablis appellation concentrated?
Between and around some of the more prestigious vineyards, where soil and sun exposure are less desirable.
203
How many Grand Cru vineyards are in Cote d'Or?
32 of the 33. The other is Chablis Grand Cru.
204
What is it that differentiates the Cote de Nuits from Cote de Beaune?
Subtle variations in soil, topography, and climate. Cote de Nuits is perfect for Pinot Noir, and Côte de Beaune for Chardonnay.
205
How many grand cru vineyards in Cote de Nuits?
24, all for red wine, with the exception of Musigny (it makes a tiny amount of Chardonnay.
206
What are the commune appellations of Cote de Nuits?
Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St.-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee, and Nuits-St.-Georges.
207
What are four of the best known grand crus of Cote de Nuits?
Chambertin, Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Romanee-Conti.
208
Cote de Beaune is known as a white wine region. how much of its production is red?
Just over half.
209
How many of the grand crus in Cote de Beaune produce only white wine?
7 of the 8. Corton is the other, producing mostly red, and just a small amount of white wine.
210
What are the primary communes of the Cote de Beaune?
Aloxe-Corton, Pernand-Vergelesses, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet, and Ladoix-Serrigny
211
Where is the Cote Challonaise?
Just south of the Cote d'Or, west of the town of Chalon-sur-Saone.
212
What is produced in Cote Challonaise?
A good amount of commune level wine, and regional-level wine, especially Aligote and sparkling wines.
213
How many communal AOCs in Cote Challonaise?
5, the largest of which is Mercurey.
| There are no grand crus, but many premier crus.
214
What is made in Bouzeron AOC?
A unique white wine of 100% Aligote.
215
Where is the Maconnais
The southernmost part of Burgundy proper, just north of Beaujolais.
216
What is the Maconnais known for?
It's Chardonnay-based whites.It does produce some reds and roses, but more than 90% of Maconnais is planted to Chardonnay, with the rest split between Pinot Noir and Gamay.
217
What is the district-wide appellation in the Maconnais?
Macon AOC. It has 27 specific villages that have earned the right to append their name to the region's (Macon-Lugny, Macon-Verze, etc).
218
What does most of the wine produced in the Maconnais fall under?
Macon-Villages, approved for only 100% Chardonnay based wines.
219
There are five specific white-wine only AOCs in the Maconnais. Name them.
Pouilly-Fuissé, St.-Veran, Pouilly-Loche, Pouilly-Vinzelles, and Vire-Clesse
220
How many domaines has the fragmentation of vineyard ownership resulted in?
More than 4000.
The best example is the 125-acre Clos de Vougeot. Used to belong to the to Church, now has more than 80 owners, producing more than a 100 different Clos de Vougeot wines in in any given vintage.
221
How large is the average grower's holding in Burgundy?
15 acres, usually scattered among many appellations.
222
What are negociants-eleveurs?
Those who buy grapes from the small growers, blend it under the negociants own label.
223
How much of Burgundy's annual wine output is negociants trade?
About 3/4, but a growing number of small domaines (especially in Cote d'Or) have begun bottling and marketing a portion of their own wines.
224
Where are there growers cooperatives in Burgundy?
Mostly in the Maconnais.
225
Where is Beaujolais?
Technically, the southern part of Burgundy, but outside of some blurry boundaries with Maconnais, the two do not have much in common.
It is directly south of the Maconnais, along the Saone River.
226
What about Beaujolais is distinct from Burgundy?
Different terroir, unique style of wine, devoted to the Gamay grape. Beaujolais also has granitic soils, rather than the limestone dominant soils that mark Burgundy.
227
How much wine does Beaujolais produce?
Harvests have been declining, down to 9.4 million cases annually.
228
What is the climate of Beaujolais?
It is somewhat warmer than Burgundy, being more southerly and nearer to the Mediterranean, which moderates the Continental climate.
229
How much of Beaujolais is planted to Gamay?
95% of its 50,000 acres.
The remainder are Chardonnay, Aligote, and Pinot Noir, along with very small amounts of Melon de Bourgogne and Pinot Gris.
230
When are the wines of Beaujolais meant to be drunk?
Generally, they are meant for early consumption, rather than extended aging.
231
What is the typical profile of Beaujolais reds?
Bright red fruit aromas and tropical fruit notes characteristic of the carbonic maceration commonly used for at least a portion of fermentation.
Wines are exceptionally fruit, purple-ruby in color, and ready to drink almost as soon as fermentation is complete.
232
When is Nouveau Day?
The third Thursday in November. It is always one of the first French wines of the new vintage.
Mostly grown in the southern half of the region, roughly half of the wine sold under the Beaujolais AOC is sold as Nouveau.
233
Where is the granite soil most prevalent in Beaujolais? What effect does this have?
Granitic soil is most prevalent in the northernmost part of the district. This leads to very substantial Gamay, closer to Pinot Noir, and can improve with a couple years of aging. (Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Morgon)
234
How many appellations in Beaujolais?
11. Beaujolais AOC and a group of 10 villages designated as Beaujolais Crus.
235
How many village qualify for Beaujolais-Villages designation?
38. They must adhere to higher minimum alcohol, lower yields, and riper grapes at harvest. They are found in the middle of the region, south of the Crus, but north of the 'basic' Beaujolais AOC.
236
How much of Beaujolais' production is produced by the Crus?
One third.
From north to south: St. Amour, Julienas, Chenas, Moulin-a-Vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Regnie, Côte de Brouilly, Brouilly
237
The Rhone is made up of two distinct districts, what are they?
Northern Rhone, and Southern Rhone. Both make big red wines, but have significant differences in style and terroir.
238
True or false: The Rhone is one of the oldest winegrowing regions in France.
True. Syrah and Grenache are the most prevalent, but there are a number of indigenous varieties grown alongside them.
239
How much wine is produced in the Rhone?
More than 37 million cases, second only to Bordeaux in terms of AOC level wine production.
240
Where are the prime growing areas of the Rhone?
On either side of the Rhone river, starting 20 miles south of Lyon and ending 120 miles south of there at Avignon.
241
How big is the gap separating northern and southern Rhone?
30 miles.
242
Where are the northern Rhone vineyards?
In a narrow strip 45 miles long down both banks of the Rhone.
243
What has to be done to the ground in northern Rhone to allow planting?
The sides of the valley are very steep and must be terraced. Cote-Rotie is farthest north, and has some of the steepest vineyards, with gradients as high as 55 degrees.
244
What is the climate of the northern Rhone?
More continental than Mediterranean, with hot summers and cold winters, as the river splits the gap between the Massif Central and the French Alps.
245
Where are the vineyards of the southern Rhone?
Below the point where the Rhone breaks out of the mountains into a lowland area that runs to the Mediterranean.
246
What is the climate of the southern Rhone?
Mediterranean, as in the rest of the South of France. Lots of sunshine, warm temps, minimal precipitation during growing season (though there can e sudden, violent rainstorms).
247
What are the large rounded stones called that are a well-known feature of the southern Rhone terroir?
Galets. They have washed down from the mountains, and cover the ground in many places, especially around CdP.
248
What is the mistral?
A strong, cold wind from the north that can impact the local climate and damage grapevines, more intensely in the southern than northern Rhone.
249
What varieties are grown in the northern Rhone?
4. Syrah is the only red, with Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne as whites.
250
How many grapes are allowed in the southern Rhone?
More than two dozen, and wines are typically a blend of at least three or four.
251
What are the most important red grapes of the southern Rhone?
Grenache (more than 2/3 of red production)
| Syrah, Carignan, Mourvedre, and Cinsault are among the others permitted.
252
What are the important white grapes of the southern Rhone?
```
Grenache Blanc (white mutation of Grenache)
Smaller amounts of Clairette (aromatic white), Viognier, Ugni Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Muscat, and others.
```
253
What are they typical styles of the respective parts of the Rhone?
The Syrahs of the north are typically deeply colored, tannic, powerful, and long-lived.
In the south, the Grenache based wines are less pigmented and tannic, but still high in alcohol. They tend to be lower in acidity, and often are quite concentrated.
254
How much of Rhone production does rose account for?
9%, but it is a particular area of expertise.Grenache is often the key component due to its low tannin and attractive color. The style is generally hearty, deeply colored, and full flavored.
255
How much of Rhone production is white wine?
5% overall. Viognier is the specialty of the northern Rhone (full bodied, viscous, very aromatic), and a few other areas are well regarded for dry, fortified, or sparkling wines.
256
What is the only northern Rhone AOC that requires 100% Syrah?
Cornas.
The remainder allow for a small proportion of whites to be mixed in with Syrah (Viognier in Cote Rotie, Marsanne and Roussanne in for the others)
257
What are the larger northern Rhone AOCs with more variability in terms of wine quality?
- St.-Joseph and Crozes-Hermitage.
- Cornas, Hermitage, and Cote-Rotie are commune-size AOCs known for their excellent, long aging wines.
- Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet make 100% Viognier, while Saint-Peray produces still and sparkling from Marsanne and Roussanne.
258
How much of Rhone's total production is from the southern Rhone?
95%.
259
How much of the Rhone is covered by the CdR regional appellation?
Most, including the north. Though the northern Rhone rarely sacrifices a more prestigious appellation for Cotes du Rhone designation).
260
What is Cotes du Rhone approved for?
White, red, and rose. Most of the wine is produced at cooperatives.
261
How many villages in the southern Rhone are allowed to use the Cotes du Rhone-Villages appellation?
More than 90, 21 of which are allowed to append their name to the end of the CdR-Villages designation.
CdR-Villages has stricter standards for yields, vine density, minimum alcohol, and other factors than basic CdR.
262
How many grapes are approved for Chateauneuf-du-Pape
13 (by category) 18 (if you get into specifics; i.e. blanc, rose, etc), including the white varieties.
263
What other AOCs near CdP are also known for hearty reds (and a small amount of white and rose production)?
Gigondas, Lirac, Rasteau, Cairanne, Vacqueyras.
264
What are the two primary vins doux naturels made i the southern Rhone?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise: Made from Muscat, with a minimum alcohol of 15% and a minimum of 10% RS. Typically white, but red and rose do exist.
Rasteau vin doux naturel: Generally red, those white, tawny, and rose exist.
265
What does Tavel produce?
Exclusively Rose, considered to be one of the finest dr roses in France. Made primarily from Grenache and Cinsaut.
266
Wat are the 4 appellations 25 miles southeast of Cornas on the Drome River?
- Clairette de Die: Produces Traditional Method sparkling wines and a historically important sweet sparkling white wine made using the Methode Ancestrale Dioise.
- Cremant de Die: dry, Trad Method sparkling wines from Clairette, Muscat, and Aligote.
- Coteaux de Die AOC: Dry, still whites from 100% Clairette.
- Chatillon-en-Diois AOC: Dry, still whites from Chardonnay and Aligote, with roses and reds from Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Gamay.
267
There are six regions in southern Rhone that fall outside the Cotes du Rhone AOC. What are they, and what do they produce?
Five of them produce reds, whites, and rose: Ventoux AOC, Costieres de Nimes AOC, Luberon AOC, Duche d'Uzes AOC, Cotes de Vivarais AOC.
The sixth is Clairette de Bellegarde AOC, and produces a small amount of white wine from 100% Clairette.
268
Where is the Sud-Ouest growing region?
Between Bordeaux and north of Languedoc.
269
How far back does winemaking in the Sud-Ouest go?
125 BCE (thanks Romans!)
270
What are primary red varieties?
Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Gamay
271
What are some of the less familiar varieties of Sud-Ouest?
White: Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Mauzac, Arrufiac
Red: Fer Servadou, Prunelard, Negrette
The styles include tannic reds, asy drinking reds, dry whites, sweet whites, and sparkling made by Methode Ancient.
272
What are the two best known reds of Sud-Ouest?
The malbec based "black wine of Cahors" and powerful reds from Tannat in the Madiran AOC.
273
What makes up the winegrowing area of the South of France?
```
Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Corsica.
Mediterranean climate (lots of sun, low humidity, little rainfall, moderate temps; winters are chilly, but never severe)
```
274
What are the thriving red grapes of Southern France?
Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, Cab Sauv, Merlot.
| Secondary reds include Cinsaut, Carignan and Terret Noir
275
What are the primary white varieties of Southern France?
Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Viognier, Clairette, Muscat
276
What is the majority of southern French output?
Still, dry reds. Though whites and roses are also prevalent, some sweet dessert wines, and even some sparkling.
Most are made in a fruit forward style designed to compete directly with new World wines.
277
A large amount of IGP wine comes from the SOuth of France. Which IGP covers the area?
Pays d'Oc IGP. More than 50 million cases annually, much of it from int'l varieties.
278
When was Languedoc AOC created?
2007. In 2012 it replaced the AOC Coteaux de Languedoc, and now covers the entire area from the Spanish border to Nimes.
279
How does a grower move from Pays d'Oc IGp to AOC status?
By using the grapes traditional to the region, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Carignan, and various whites.
280
How many growers are already using the Laguedoc AOC?
More than 2,000, making more than a million cases a year.
The largest of the traditional AOC's of Lang-Rous is Corbieres, by production, followed by Minervois and Cotes de Roussillon. All three focus on reds, but allow whites and roses.
281
2 subzones of the former AOC Coteaux de Languedoc have been recently promoted. What are they?
Terrases du Larzac AOC (2014) - Producing red only
| La Clape AOC (2015) - Reds and whites
282
Lang-Rous is also known for vins doux naturels and sweet fortified wines. What are the two best known?
Banyuls AOC and Maury AOC for red vins doux naturels based on Grenache (both produce amber versions based on Grenache Blanc)
Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC produces white VdN from both Muscat a Petit Grains and Muscat of Alexandria. It also makes a Christmas version (Muscat de Noel) bottled no later than Dec 1 of the vintage year.
283
Where are sparkling wines in the south of France produced?
Particularly around the town of Limoux.
Cremant de Limoux - Trad Method, based on Chardonnay.
Blanquette de Limoux - Produced under Limoux AOC, from Marzac grape.
284
What is the oldest purposefully produced sparkling wine in France?
Limoux Methode Ancestrale, also produced from the Marzac grape, under the Limoux AOC.
285
When does winemaking in Provence date to?
600 BCE.
286
What is the regional IGP area for Provence?
Mediterranee IGP, but Provence produces much more AOC level wine than IGP.
287
What is the largest AOC in Provence?
Cotes de Provence AOC (with its five subzones) that produces a great deal of the regions well known roses.
288
How much non-rose wine is produced in Provence?
Red wine (9%) and white wine (3.5%)
289
What is Provencal rose generally made from?
A blend of grapes; Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Tibouren.
290
How much of French rose production is Provence responsible for?
40% of all AOC level rose, helping France be the number one producer of rose worldwide.
291
65,000 acres of rose in Provence are centered on three appellations. What are they?
- Cotes de Provence: Largest, and possessed of five sub-appellations, 75% of all overall production.
- Coteaux Aix-en-Provence: 15%
- Coteaux Varois en Provence: Remaining 10%
292
What is the best known communal AOC in Provence?
Bandol, known for its rich, aromatic reds and fine dry roses. Focuses on Mourvedre, rounded out with Grenache and Cinsaut.
Tibouren, Carignan, and Cab Sauv are planted, but less widely used.
293
Where is Corsica?
In the Mediterranean, 110 miles off the coast of Provence. Technically it is closer to Tuscany than France, and has only been French since 1769.
294
Italian influence is seen in the grapes of Corsica. Which in particular?
Vermentino (known in French as Rolle) and Sangiovese (locally, Nielluccio).
The typical Southern French grape varieties are plentiful as well; Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Muscat.
295
How much of Corsican production is AOC level?
25%, with 50% bottled under the L'Ile de Beaute IGP.
296
What's the main AOC of Corsica?
Vin de Corse AOC, allowing for white, red, and rose wines vinified dry, off-dry, or semi-sweet.
White Vin de Corse requires 75% Rolle (Vermentino), while red and rose must be minimum 50% (combined) Grenache, Sangiovese, and Sciaccarello (Mammolo, historically significant in Tuscany)
297
What is Cap Corse?
The mountainous peninsula extending north from the island, home to some of the highest-quality Corsican wines; dry red, rose, and white bottled under Coteaux du Cap Corse (subregion of Vin de Corse AOC).
A white VdN, Muscat du Cap Corse AOC, is produced from 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains, at least partially sun-dried.
