Champagne

Question 1

Which grapes are currently allowed under the Champagne AOC?

Answer 1

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Pinot Meunier
(less common below)
Pinot Gris (Fromenteau)
Pinot Blanc
Arbanne
Petit Meslier

Question 2

Which where the three principal grape varieties grown in Champagne from 9th-16th century?

Answer 2

Gouais Blanc
Gouais Noir
Fromenteau (Pinot Gris)

Question 3

Describe the contributions of each principal grape variety used in Champagne today

Answer 3

Chardonnay: most acidity, most alcohol
Pinot Noir: least acidity, moderate alcohol
Pinot Meunier: moderate acidity, least alcohol

Question 4

List key grape varieties + soil types of the 4 terroirs of the Montagne & Val de Reims sub-region

Answer 4

Massif de Saint-Thierry: Pinot Meunier, sand/clay/marl

Vesle and Ardre Valleys: Pinot Meunier, sand/clay/marl

Monts de Berru: Chardonnay, chalk

Grande Montagne de Reims: Pinot Noir, limestone-rich marl or chalk (varies by village)

Question 5

List the four principle sub-regions of Champagne

Answer 5

Montagne & Val de Reims
Vallee de la Marne
Cote des Blancs (and surroundings)
Cote des Bar

Question 6

List key grape varieties + soil types of 6 terroirs of Vallee de la Marne sub-region

Answer 6

Grande Vallee de la Marne: Pinot Noir, sands/clays/marls

Coteaux Sud d’Epernay: Chardonnay/Pinot Meunier, chalk/sand/clay/marl

Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauche: Pinot Meunier, sands/marls/clays

Vallee de la Marne Rive Droite: Pinot Meunier, sands/marls/clays

Conde: Pinot Meunier, limestone

Vallee de la Marne Ouest: Pinot Meunier, sands/marls/clay

Question 7

List key grape varieties + soil types of 5 terroirs of Cote des Blancs sub-region

Answer 7

Cote des Blancs: Chardonnay, chalk

Val du Petit Morin: Pinot Meunier/Chardonnay, chalk/sand/marl/clay

Cote de Sezanne: Chardonnay, chalk/clay

Vitryat (Vitry-le-Francois): Chardonnay, chalk

Montgueux: Chardonnay, chalk

Question 8

List key grape varieties + soil types of 2 terroirs of Cote des Bar

Answer 8

Bar sur Aubois: Pinot Noir, Kimmeridgean marl

Barsequanais: Pinot Noir, Kimmeridgean marl