Ch. 9 - France Flashcards
Who initially brought vines to France?
Wine grapes were probably first brought to France
by the Greeks and Romans, who established several
colonies along the Mediterranean coast.
Who is responsible for propagating wine grapes in France?
The Romans spread viticulture farther inland after
conquering Gaul and founding cities throughout
the area.
After the fall of Roman Empire in the 5th Century who were responsible for tending to the vineyards?
In the fifth century, when the Roman Empire
collapsed and France began to develop as a
nation, wine became associated with the Christian
monasteries especially the Benedictine and Cistercian Orders.
What are the bottles of Alsatian wines called?
Flute d’Alsace.
Which countries share borders with France?
The north bordering on Belgium and Luxembourg.
The eastern boundaries with Germany, Switzerland, and Italy; the Mediterranean coast to the south; and the natural boundary with Spain at the Pyrenees.
Name the most planted white grapes of France.
- Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano): 200,000 acres (80,000 ha)
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Melon de Bourgogne
- Semillon
- Chenin Blanc
- Muscat
Name the most planted red grapes of France.
- Merlot - 250,000 acres (101,000 ha) - 151,000 acres (61,000 ha) in Bordeaux alone.
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Grenache
- Syrah
- Pinot Noir
How many Vin de Pays designation are there in France.
74 VdP as of 2018.
Name the regional VdP’s of France.
- Pays d’Oc IGP - covering the western part of the French Mediterranean coast, including Languedoc and Roussillon.
- Val de Loire IGP - Covering the Loire Valley and
Chablis. - Comtes Rhodaniens IGP - Covering the northern
Rhone Valley and Savoie. - Mediterranee IGP - Covering southeast France,
including the Rhone Valley and Provence. - Comte Tolosan IGP: Covering southwest France.
- L’ Atlantique IGP: Covering Bordeaux, Dordogne,
and Charentais.
How much wine does Bordeaux produce annually?
Bordeaux makes about 61 million cases of wine annually. Almost all of this wine qualifies for AOC status, accounting for one-fourth of all French AOC-level production.
Which rivers flow through Bordeaux?
The rivers Garonne and the Dordogne, meet to form the Gironde, a long estuary that flows into the Atlantic.
Name the main regions of Bordeaux.
- Left Bank, to the west of the Garonne and Gironde;
- Right Bank, east and north of the Dordogne and Gironde;
- Entre-Deux-Mers, between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Being so close to the Atlantic, Bordeaux naturally has a maritime climate with a Gulf Stream influence, but
the climate is tempered thanks to the protective barrier formed by the Landes Forest (Pine Forest) along the western coast.
Name the red varietals of Bordeaux.
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Malbec
- Petit Verdot
- Carmenere
Name the white varietals of Bordeaux.
- Semillon
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Muscadelle
List the villages of Medoc on the Left Bank.
- Medoc
- Haut-Medoc
- St.-Estephe
- Pauillac
- St-Julien
- Listrac-Medoc
- Moulis-en-Medoc
- Margaux
List the villages of Graves on the Left Bank.
- Pessac Leognan
- Graves
- Cerons
- Barsac
- Sauternes
Name the villages of the Right Bank.
- Fronsac
- Canon Fronsac
- Pomerol
- Lalande-de-Pomerol
- St.Emilion
Name the satellites of St. Emilion.
- Lussac-St.-Emilion
- Montagne-St.- Emilion
- Puisseguin-St .-Emilion
- St.-Georges-St.-Emilion.
Name the sub-zones of Cotes de Bordeaux AOC.
- Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux
- Cadillac-Cotes de Bordeaux
- Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux
- Francs-Cotes de Bordeaux
Who are negociants?
Negociants a class of middlemen which developed by buying juice or wine from numerous small farms and blending it under their own label.
What is “en primeur” system in Bordeaux?
En primeur, or “in futures is a system in which most top Bordeaux is sold several years before it is bottled and long before it is drinkable.
This provides cash flow for the chateaux, which otherwise would have to wait years to get paid for
their work, as well as a potential price break for
brokers and retailers who buy the wine early.
Why and by whom was the Bordeaux Classification of 1855 carried out?
The Bordeaux Classification of 1855 was carried out by brokers in Bordeaux city in preparation for the Universal Exhibition in Paris that year.
Name the original premier cru, or “first growth,” of the 1855 Classification.
he 1855 Classification premier cru comprised four chateaux:
- Haut-Brion
- Lafite Rothschild
- Latour
- Margaux
Which modification was made to the 1855 Classification?
A fifth, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, was moved up to the top tier in 1973- one of the few changes ever to be made in the ranking since its initial publication.
Name the Superior first growth of the sweet wine classification.
- Chateau d’Yquem.
When was the classification of the chateaux of Graves carried out?
- 1953 and again in 1959.
How many tiers does the 1959 classification of the chateaux of Graves have?
There is only one level: cru classe (classified
growth).
When was the classification of the chateaux of St.-Emilion carried out?
The only classification system on the Right Bank is
the one established in St.-Emilion in 1954.
Reclassified in 2006, implemented in 2010, with the newest list published in September 2012.
Administrative Tribunal of Bordeaux declared
it to be legal in 2016.
How many tiers does the 2012 classification of the chateaux of St.-Emilion have?
The St.-Emilion Grand Cru appellation has two
categories: grand cru classe (great classified
growths) and the higher premier grand cru classe
(first great classified growths).
Name the Grand Cru Classe A of the St.-Emilion Classification.
- Chateau Angelus
- Chateau Ausone
- Chateau Cheval Blanc
- Chateau Pavie
When was Cru Bourgeois introduced?
- 1932 - 444 estates
Name the classifications of Cru Bourgeois as of 2018.
- Cru Bourgeois
- Cru Bourgeois Superieur
- Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
To be renewable every five years.
What is Cru Artisan?
A term used in Bordeaux since the nineteenth century, for small, family-owned estates in the Medoc.
When was the Cru Artisan list updated?
2006 with a list of 44 producers who have the right to include “Cru Artisan” on their labels.
Which is the longest river in France?
The Loire is the longest river in France.
Where does the Loire originate from and where does it flow?
Loire originates from the Massif Central in the heartland of France which then flows north to the twin
towns of Sancerre and Pouilly-sur-Loire after which making a broad turn to flow west toward the Atlantic Ocean, south of Brittany.
Name the major wine regions of Loire Valley.
- The Pays Nantais
- Anjou-Saumur
- Touraine
- The Upper Loire (Central Vineyards)
What is the climate of Loire valley?
Pays Nantais - maritime climate
Upper Loire - continental climate
Name the major white grape varieties of Loire Valley.
- Melon de Bourgogne
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chenin Blanc
Small amounts of Arbois, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Folle Blanche are planted as well.
Which is the main AOC for Melon grape?
Melon de Bourgogne variety is limited to the Pays Nantais area, where it is made into the wellknown
wines of the Muscadet AOCs.
What is the name for Chenin Blanc in Loire?
- Pineau de la Loire.
Why is Chenin Blanc prefered for the dessert wines in Loire?
Chenin Blanc’s thin skins make it highly susceptible to botrytis, which is instrumental in creating the region’s highly acclaimed dessert wines.
Name the main regions in Loire for Chenin Blanc.
- Vouvray
- Savennieres
Name the main regions in Loire for Sauvignon Blanc.
- Sancerre
- Pouilly-Fume
Name the major red grape varieties of Loire Valley.
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Grolleau
- Malbec
What is the name for Cabernet Franc in Loire?
- Breton
What is the name for Malbec in Loire?
- Cot
What is “Fines Bulles”?
Sparkling wines of the Loire, marketed under the
name Fines Builes (fine bubbles), are made in the
Traditional Method.
Name the regional appellation of Loire Valley.
IGP Val de Loire - replaced the Vin de Pays du
Jardin de la France in 2009.
Name the appellations of the Pays Nantais.
- Muscadet AOC
- Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire AOC
- Muscadet Cotes de Grandlieu AOC
- Muscadet Sevre et Maine AOC
- Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC
- Coteaux d’ Ancenis AOC
- Fiefs Vendeens AOC
What are the grapes for Gros Plant du Pays Nantais AOC?
- Folle Blanche (Gros Plant)
What are the grapes for Coteaux d’ Ancenis AOC?
White - 100% Pinot Gris [Malvoisie]
Rose/Red - 100% Gamay
What are the grapes for Fiefs Vendeens AOC?
White - Chenin Blanc blended with a small amount
of Chardonnay and other white varieties.
Rose - Blends of Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Red - Blends of Cabernet Franc, Negrette, and
Pinot Noir.
What are the grapes for Anjou AOC?
Red - Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon
White - Chenin Blanc with up to 20% Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
What are the grapes for Savennieres AOC?
- 100% Chenin Blanc - dry white wine.
Name the regional rose appellations of Anjou AOC.
- Rose d’ Anjou - off-dry - Grolleau
- Cabernet d’ Anjou - off-dry - Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.
Rose de Loire AOC comes from which regions?
Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine.
Name the sub-regions of Coteaux du Layon AOC.
- Bonnezeaux
- Quarts de Chaume Grand Cru
What style of wine is Coteaux du Layon AOC famous for?
- 100% Chenin Blanc based sweet wines.
Name a red wine only appellation of Saumur AOC.
Saumur-Champigny AOC - Cabernet Franc with up to 15% of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pineau d’ Aunis.
What is the other name for Pineau d’ Aunis?
- Chenin Noir.
Name the main sparkling wine appellation of Saumur.
- Saumur Mousseux - Traditional Method - 60% Chenin Blanc or 60% Cabernet Franc.
Which is the main region for production of Cremant de Loire?
- Saumur
Name the main white wine regions of Touraine.
- Vouvray
- Montlouis-sur-Loire
Name the main red wine regions of Touraine.
- Chinon
- Bourgueil
- St.-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
What are the main grapes for Touraine?
White - Chenin Blanc & Sauvignon Blanc
Red - Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon & Malbec.
What are the grapes for Chinon Blanc?
- 100% Chenin Blanc.
What are the grapes for Cheverny AOC?
White - Sauvignon Blanc & Sauvignon Gris
Red/Rose - Pinot Noir blended with Gamay.
What are the grapes for Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume AOC?
White - 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Red - Pinot Noir
What are the soils of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume AOC?
Sancerre - chalky limestone
Pouilly-Fume - flinty
Name the other appellations of Central vineyards.
- Menetou-Salon
- Quincy
- Reuilly
What is the annual production of Champagne?
More than 32 million cases per year, or about 18% of the entire world production of sparkling wine.
What is the acreage for Champagne region?
- 84,500 acres (34,200 ha).
Name the main regions of Champagne.
- Montagne de Reims
- Vallee de la Marne
- Cote des Blancs
- Cote de Sezanne
- Cote des Bar
What is the soil profile of Champagne?
Chalk and limestone-rich marl.
What role does the soil play in Champagne?
- These soils allow the vine roots to dig freely and deeply.
- They have the ability to retain moisture.
- Also allowing the excess water to drain away.
- Maintain temperature.
What soil is particular to Cote des Bar?
Kimmeridgian marl - limestone rich soil- formed by fossilized marine deposits from an ancient sea that formed the Paris Basin mixed with clay.
What are the grapes for Champagne?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane.
What is the blend for Champagne Le Nombre d’Or by the House of Aubry?
- Chardonnay, Arbane, Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc.
In which regions is Chardonnay mainly planted?
- Cote de Sezanne
- Cote des Blanc
- Montagne de Reims
In which regions is Pinot Noir mainly planted?
- Cote des Bar
- Montagne de Reims
In which regions is Pinot Meunier mainly planted?
- Vallee de la Marne
What is the quantity of a “marc”?
Marc (from the Old French marchier, meaning “to trample”)
- 4,000 kilograms
How much must can be extracted from a marc?
- 2550 L/ 4000 Kg.
What is Vin de cuvee?
The free run and the first light pressings - 2050L
What is Vin de taille?
The juice from the next set of pressings - 500L
What is rebeche?
Juice from a third pressing, known as the rebeche, may be used to produce still wine (including a local
vin de liqueur known as Ratafia de Champagne PGI),
spirits, or vinegar.
What term is used for base wines in Champagne?
- Vins clairs.
What is the ageing requirement for Champagne?
NV - 12 months on less (15 months total)
Millesime - 12 months on less (36 months total)
What is echelle des crus?
The wines of Champagne do not have a classification
scheme, but the villages do knows as echelle des crus.
How many Grand Cru & Premier Cru villages are there in Champagne?
Grand Cru - 17
Premier Cru - 40
Who regulates the echelle des crus?
Le Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC).
In which year was echelle des crus abolished?
Early 2000’s
Name a few grower Champagnes.
- Krug’s Clos du Mesnil
- Bollinger’s Vieilles Vignes Francaises
Name the non sparkling AOC’s of Champagne.
- Rose des Riceys AOC
- Coteaux Champenois AOC
Who are negociants?
Negociants a class of middlemen which developed by buying juice or wine from numerous small farms and blending it under their own label.
What is “en primeur” system in Bordeaux?
En primeur, or “in futures is a system in which most top Bordeaux is sold several years before it is bottled and long before it is drinkable.
This provides cash flow for the chateaux, which otherwise would have to wait years to get paid for
their work, as well as a potential price break for
brokers and retailers who buy the wine early.
Why and by whom was the Bordeaux Classification of 1855 carried out?
The Bordeaux Classification of 1855 was carried out by brokers in Bordeaux city in preparation for the Universal Exhibition in Paris that year.
Name the original premier cru, or “first growth,” of the 1855 Classification.
he 1855 Classification premier cru comprised four chateaux:
- Haut-Brion
- Lafite Rothschild
- Latour
- Margaux
Which modification was made to the 1855 Classification?
A fifth, Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, was moved up to the top tier in 1973- one of the few changes ever to be made in the ranking since its initial publication.
Name the Superior first growth of the sweet wine classification.
- Chateau d’Yquem.