Champagne Flashcards
What is “rural” or “ancestral” method?
It represents one single fermentation that undergoes a winter pause.
Who is credited with crafting the first French sparkling wine?
The monks of Saint Hilaire are located near the Languedoc town of Limoux. around 1500, rural style
When were the first vineyards appeared in the Champagne region?
4th or 5th centuries AD (ruled by Rome and Roman culture )
Which city in Champagne hosted the coronations of 27 french kings?
Reims
Why champagne is associated with wealth, royalty, celebration, and privilege?
For 600 years, 27 kings were crowned in the Cathedral of Reims. So associated with royalty and celebration. Champagne is the wine of kings and king of the wines.
When did champagne established a name for themselves?
9th century. they were known as “vins de la montagne” and “vins de la rivere” (river wine)
When did champagne develop as wine and region?
1600-1700, then beginning of the 18th cneturies, the explosion of scientific discoveries that took place - how to control the process
What does work champagne mean in Latin?
“unforested land” or “open country”
when did champagne receive the declaration of ownership?
- From Court of Appeal in Angers
When did phylloxera arrive in champagne?
1890
When did champagne enter the golden age?
the turn of 20th century. champagne was the drink of the prosperous belle epoque
What are the other terms of sparkling wine outside the Champagne region?
Cremant, petillant or mousseux
What other terms did champagne also claims ownership?
“champagne method” and “method champenoise”
True or False: Champagne represents the most northerly of all the French wine regions.
True, between 49-49.5
What is the climate of champagne?
strong continental and Atlantic (maritime) influence. A continental climate affects winter temperatures most significantly, things get cold. A maritime climate affects spring and fall with the threat of frost. There is fairly amount of rainfall.
What does vignerons use to fight frost?
sprinkler system it creates and maintains an ice capsule around the bud, protects the plant by maintaining a 32F temperature.
What are the traditional grapes?
Gounais (Noir, Blanc) and Fromenteau (gray pink berried). from 9th cnetury to 16 century)
What are the modern grapes?
Pinot Noir (38 %). Pinot Meunier (34%), Chardonnay (28%)
What is the most planned grape for champagne?
Pinot Noir
What does each grape contribute to champagne?
Chardonnay: most acidity, most alcohol, pinot noir: least acidity, moderate alcohol. Pinot Meunier: moderate alcohol, least alcohol
What are the 4 sub-regions in Champagne?
The Montagne & Val de Reims, Vallee de la Marne, Cote des Blancs and surroundings, Cote des Bar
Which subregion has no pinot noir?
cote des blancs and surroundings
Which subregion is Pinot Noir only?
Cote des Bar
What are the two primary chalk types in Champagne?
Belemnite and Micraster