Champagne

Question 1

Which important sub region has: Forested high plateau with limestone slopes and steep valleys. 40% PN, 33% PM, 26% Chard and 10 Grand Cru villages?

Answer 1

Montagne de Reims.

Question 2

Which important sub region has: Clayey soils - Pinot Meunier (59%) 23% PN, 18% Chard. Vineyards slope gently down towards the river. 1 Grand Cru village.

Answer 2

Vallee de la marne.

Question 3

Which important sub region has: Chalky soils, rich in minerals -best Chardonnay in region. 85% Chard, 8% PM, 7% PN 6. Grand Cru villages?

Answer 3

Cotes des Blanc.

Question 4

There are 7 levels of sweetness. Name them in order from driest to sweetest.

Answer 4

Brut Nature - no added sugar < 3g/L RS.
Extra Brut - 0-6g/L RS
Brut - > 12g/L RS
Extra Sec - 12-17g/L RS
Sec - 17-32g/L RS
Demi Sec - 32-50g/L RS
Doux - 50g/L+ RS

Question 5

What is the difference between Tirage de Liquor and Dosage?

Answer 5

Tirage de Liquor is mixture of wine, sugar and yeast which is added to kick start the secondary fermentation in bottle. Dosage is a wine and sugar blend which is added after disgorgement to top up what is lost and balance acidity and define final sweetness level.

Question 6

Starting with ‘pressing’ list the 10 stages of traditional method production step by step.

Answer 6

1) Pressing, gentle and gradual, whole bunches.
2) Settling
3) Alcoholic fermentation and MLF (optional but most do in order to soften acidity)
4) Blending
5) Tirage (Tirage de Liquor)
6) Secondary Fermentation and bottle ageing
7) Riddling
8) Disgorgement
9) Dosage
10) Bottling and wiring

Question 7

What are the minimum cellar ageing requirements for New Vintage Champagne and Vintage Champagne in total? Both must spend a minimum of 12 months on the lees.

Answer 7

Minimum ageing requirements:

NV: 15 months in cellar
Vintage: 3 years in cellar

Many age for longer NV 2-3 years and Vintage 4-10 years.

Question 8

What are the differences of a Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs?

Answer 8

Blanc de Blancs are made from white grapes only whereas Blanc de Noirs are black only. Blanc de Blancs are leaner and more austere in youth but have ageing potential. Blanc de Noirs are fuller bodied and mature faster.

Question 9

Answer the following climate questions:
Climate:
Average Temp:
Annual Rainfall:

Answer 9

Climate: Cool continental, with some maritime influence

Average temp: 11°C in most years, it would be too cold to produce drinkable still wine. Very cold winters, spring frost a common threat.

Annual Rainfall: around 700 mm per year, spread throughout the year, can disrupt growing season/harvest, also increases disease risk.