42. Sparkling Wines of the World Flashcards
What are the appellations in Champagne region?
Only one appellation- Champagne AC
Why is the cru status unique for Champagne region?
Because the whole village is rated instead of specific vineyard sites and the growers in these villages are not required to meet stricter production requirements such as lower yields
How many cru villages are there in Champagne region?
- 44 premiere cru
- 17 grand cru
Name the subregions in Champagne region
- Montagne de Reims
- Vallee de la Marne
- Cote des Blancs
- Cote de Sezanne
- Cote des Bar
What is the climate of Champagne region?
Cool continental
What are the climatic hazard risks in Champagne region?
- Winter freeze
- Spring frost
- Rainy cloudy weather
What is the soil type in Champagne region?
Chalk
What do the growers do to minimize the risk of frost in Champagne region?
Most of the vineyards are planted on the slopes
Name the 3 main grape varieties to produce Champagne
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
Chardonnay is produced in which subregions of Champagne and what does it provide to the wine?
- Cote des Blanc
- Cote de Sezanne
It gives high acidity and floral and citrus fruit character
Pinot Noir is produced in which subregions of Champagne and what does it provide to the wine?
- Montagne de Reims
- Cote des Bar
It gives body and red fruit character
Meunier is produced in which subregions of Champagne and what does it provide to the wine?
- Vallee de la Marne
It gives fruity flavours
The first fluid to come off the press is called… and the remainder is called….
Cuvee and taille
What are the aging requirements for non vintage and vintage Champagnes?
Non vintage: Minimum 15 months/Minimum12 months on lees
Vintage: 36 Months/Minimum 12 months on lees
What are the two characteristics common to all Champagnes?
- High acidity
- Autolytic flavours
Compare the characteristics of Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs
Blanc de Blancs: Light to medium body, citrus primary fruit
Blanc de Noirs: Fuller in body, more red fruit flavours
According to the sugar level, which style of Champagne is most popular?
Brut
Name the most important Cremants
- Cremant de Alsace
- Cremant de Loire
- Cremant Bourgogne
In which region, local varieties are not permitted but Chardonnay is allowed to make Cremant
Alsace
What are the 3 sparkling wine appellations in Loire?
- Cremant de Loire
- Sparkling Saumur (Saumur Mousseuex)
- Sparkling Vouvray
What is the next biggest wine growing areas for sparkling wine production after Champagne region in France?
Loire Valley
In which area sparkling red wine is produced in Loire Valley? What is the grape?
Saumur, Cabernet Franc
Which grapes are used to make sparkling Vouvray?
Majority from solely Chenin Blanc
What are the aging requirements for sparkling wines of Loire region?
Minimum of 9 months on lees
Where in Spain, the Cava is produced?
It is produced in many different regions (Catalunya, Navarra, Rioja, Valencia) but majority comes from Catalan vineyards around Sant Sadumi d’Anoia
What are the traditional grape varieties to produce white and rose Cava?
White: Macabeo (Viura), Xarel-lo, Parelleda
Rose: Garnacha, Monastrell
Which method is used for producing Cava?
Traditional method
Tasting notes for Cava
Dry
Medium acidity
Some character from autolysis
ASTI DOCG is made from which grape?
Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
Tasting notes for ASTI DOCG
- Sweet
- Fruity aromas of peach and grape overlaid with floral notes
- Low in alcohol (7%)
- No autolytic characters
- No benefit from aging
What are the two appellations for production of Prosecco?
- Prosecco DOC (Veneto, Friuli)
- Conegliano-Valdobbiadene DOCG (Grapes should come from the steep limestone hills between towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene)
Name the quality levels of Prosecco in ascending order (E)
- Prosecco DOC
- Prosecco Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG
- Asolo Prosecco Superiore DOCG
- Prosecco Conegliano-Valdobbiadene Superiore Riva
DOCG - Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze
Compare Prosecco with Champagne in terms of production and tasting notes
- Prosecco is produced with tank method
- Medium acidity
- Fresh aromas of green apple and melon
- Slightly higher levels of residual sugar
- Do not benefit from aging
What is the difference between Sekt and Deutscher Sekt?
Sekt: Base wines come from Italy or France
Deutscher Sekt: Use only the grapes grown in Germany
The best Deutscher Sekt is made with which grape?
Riesling
Which method is used to produce Sekt?
Tank method
What are the requirements for a Deutscher Sekt to be labeled “Deutscher Sekt bA”?
If all the grapes come from one of the quality wine regions (e.g. Mosel)
Best sparkling wines of Australia come from which regions?
- Cool regions like Tasmania, Yarra Valley and Adelaide Hills
- Produced by traditional method
Inexpensive sparkling wines of Australia come from which regions?
- Warm regions like Riverina
- Produced by tank method
Are the red sparkling wines unique to Australia?
No, but this is the country where they have the most commercial success (however there is a significant decline in sales in recent years)
The best red sparkling wines in Australia is made from which grape?
- Shiraz (but some wineries produced excellent examples from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)
What are the typical tasting notes for red sparkling wines of Autralia?
- Full bodied
- Red berry fruit flavours
- Smooth tannins
- Some residual sugar
Grapes for sparkling wine production is grown in which wine regions of New Zealand? Which one has the highest volume?
- All regions except Auckland
- Marlborough
Which grapes and production methods are used for production of sparkling wines in New Zealand?
- Classical Champagne varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier) and traditional method
- Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc is also produced with tank or carbonation method to retain the intense aromas and flavours of this variety
What is “Methode Cap Classique”?
Sparkling wines made by traditional method in South Africa
Which grape varieties are used to produce best sparkling wines is South Africa?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
What is the minimum aging on lees requirement for Cap Classique wines?
- 9 months (12 months for the producers if they are the members Cap Classique Producers Association)
What are the characteristics of the best sparkling wines produced in California?
Best wines:
- Grapes from cooler regions (Los Carneros AVA, Anderson Valley AVA)
- Traditional method
- From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Extended aging on lees (5 years is not uncommon)
- Concentrated complex flavours balanced by high acidity
What are the characteristics of the inexpensive sparkling wines produced in California?
- Grapes from warmer, high yielding regions like Central Valley
- Tank or carbonation method
- From a range of grape varieties
- Fruity and medium sweet to sweet in style
