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French Wine Scholar V7.1 > Champagne > Flashcards

Champagne Flashcards

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1
Q

True or False

Champaigne is home to more co-operatives than any other French wine region.

A

True

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2
Q

What are two types of chalk found in Champagne?

A

Belemnite and Micrster Chalk

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3
Q

Describe “Solera” or “Perpetual Reserve”

A

Champagne made from a single stainless steel tank or foudre that is kept perpetually.

A portion may be put into bottle to undergo “prise de mousse” while the resk is kept to assimilate new wine when added, thus forming a perpetual reserve.

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4
Q

What is “Echelle des Crus”?

A

Scale of Growths

It ranks the wine producing villages from 80% to 100%.

Only villages with 80% or more can produce Champagne.

Best Villages have 100% rating and Grand Cru.

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5
Q

Define NM and RM:

A
  1. NM - Negociant.Manipulant - term describes a champagne producer that incorporates grape purchased from others in the vinification process. He may be using also his own fruits. All the big champagne houses are NMs.
  2. RM: Recoltant-Manipulant - describes a Champagne producer vinifying only his or her own estate-grown grapes. All RM do not purchase grapes from others.
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6
Q

True or False

Champaigne region lies within Paris Basin.

A

True

Of large downward depression of sedimentary rock strata

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7
Q

Why was unrest occured after the zone of production was delineated in Champaigne in 1908?

A

Region of Aube (Cote de Bar) was not included initially and then once they were allowed, those in Marne rioted.

The dispute was finally setteld in 1927 when Aube was recognized and included as part of the official Champaigne region.

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8
Q

Why is Belminite chalk is preferred over Micraster chalk?

A

The Belmnite chalk is at the upper to mid-slope levels…which happens to be the best place for optimal sun exposure, air circulation and water drainage for the growing of vines. In contrast the Miscraster chalk is located where the slope begins to flatten.

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9
Q

Name the four principal sub regions of Champaign growing area.

A
  1. The Montagne and Val de Reims
  2. Vallee de lar Marne
  3. Cote des Blancs and Surroundings
  4. Cote de Bar
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10
Q

What is Crayeres?

A

Ancient underground quarries, now used as wine cellars, made of Chalk (calcium carbonate), porous sedementary rock.

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11
Q

What landscape characterizes Champagne wine region?

A

Mostly flat landscape, easier to be invaded historically.

Thin top soils, hardly any tall trees to be supported.

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12
Q

What grape variety is primarilly grown in Montagne de Reims?

A

Pinot Noir

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13
Q

What is “retroussage”?

A

Retroussage is a process:

After the grapes are pressed for the first time the top of the champagne press (called the MOUTON) is opened and the grapes are shovelled toward the centre of the press with wooden shovels (PELLES).

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14
Q

Define Non Vintage Champagne with Aging requirement

A

Reflects the ongoing vision of the hourse style.

Multi vintage champagne more accurately describes the product in the glass, a blend of several vintages.

Minimum of 12 months on its lees with additional three months in the cellar before release.

Non Vintage Brut makes the majority of exports by volume (78.5% in 2019).

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15
Q

What significant decree was made by the king in 1728 for Champeonis to capitalize on the sparkle?

A

For the transport and trade of champaigne in bottle.

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16
Q

Describe “Blanc de Noirs”

A

A white sparkling wine made from black grapes (Pinot Noir) and/or Meunier) It often carries a bit of tannin and a more overt and expressive aroma. Likely to be powerful and fruity,

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17
Q

True or False

Wines made from Fromenteau were called “Vins do la Montagne” while wines made from Gouais Noire was known as “Vins de la Riviere” historically.

A

False:

Fromenteau - Vins de la Riviere

Gouais Noir - Vins de la Montagne

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18
Q

This grape variety is considered to be the most importatnt white grape variety in Champagne.

Blanc de Blancs Champagne is almost always exclusively made from this grape.

A

Chardonnay

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19
Q

Define “Special Club”

A

Peer rivewed prestige cuvee from members of the Club Tresors de Champagne.

The Champagne must be made entirely in the member’s own premises with their own grapes and only in outstanding vintages.

The wines must undergo two blind tastings to earn to be labeled as “Special Club” and be sold in the club’s signature bottles.

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20
Q

List Residual Sugar Level for the following:

  • Brut Nature
  • Extra Brut
  • Brut
  • Extra Dry (Extra Sec)
  • Dry (Sec)
  • Semi Dry (Demi Sec)
  • Sweet (Doux) )
A
  • Brut Nature: 0-0.3% No dosage added
  • Extra Brut: 0-0.6%
  • Brut: 0-1.2%
  • Extra Dry (Extra Sec) 1.2-1.7%
  • Dry (Sec): 1.7-3.2%
  • Semi Dry (Demi Sec) 3.2-5%
  • Sweet (Doux) Over 5%

0.1% = 1 g/l

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21
Q

True or False

Champaigne represents the most northerly of all the French wine region.

A

True

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22
Q

What was the name of the first Champaign house established in 1729?

A

Ruinart

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23
Q

Describe “Rose” Champagne

A

Structured with a noticible tanninc grip.

Most are made by adding 8-20% top quality red wine (Pinot Noir) to the base wine although some houses make a Rose de Saignee.

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24
Q

List of Champagne process

A
  1. Harvest (hand in bunches) at between 9-11.5% potential alcohol and then Pressed quickly
  2. Chilled and Rest
  3. First alcohol fermentation of the clear and particulate free juice and converted to as BASE WINE (Vin Clair)
  4. Maloactive Conversion to lower acid levels (Optional)
  5. Assemblage: Base wines (vin clairs) are now blended together(vs grapes) to make the CUVEE. Rose champange made with adding a small amount of Pinot Noir.
  6. Tirage and Prise de Mousse: Tirage is French for the act of bottling. Yeast and Sugar are mixed into the blended wine or cuvee to initiate a second fermentation and then the product is bottled. Prise de Mousse translates literally “seizing of foam”. Refers to the second fermntation which creates 4.9=6 atm.
  7. Elevage sur lattes: The bottle is sealed with a crown cap or cork and staple and placed on its side on the wine cellar in rows separated by thin strips of wood called LATTES. Storage method is called SUR LATTES.
  8. Remuage/Riddling: The bottles are turned rapidly and bruseqely in a series of one eight rotations in order to loosen the lees and move them to the neck of the bottle (in A shaped racks - Pupitres). Gyropalettes used today.
  9. Degoregment/Disgorging (A la Valee - traditional method): the bottles are turned upright the crown cap is removed and the bottle ejects the ice plug containing the yeast. Transverge: for small and large bottles, filled from disgorged 750 ml bottles)
  10. Liquer de Dosage (Liquer d’expedition/Dosage): Bottled topped up. Brut Nature finished with no sugar. Any wine lost is replaced with a sugar and still reserved wine mixture known as Liquesr de dosage.
  11. Bottle closure: Cork inserted and bottle cage dropped and returned to Crayere (cellar)
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25
Q

What is “Remuage”?

A

Riddling (process to gradually collect dead yeasts at the bottle neck)

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26
Q

Name an example of Mono-Parcelle bottling since 1935.

A

Clos des Goisses by Philipponnat

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27
Q

What modern grape variety is believed to be traditional variety Frometeau?

A

Pinot Gris

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28
Q

Describe “Blanc de Blancs”

A

A white sparkling wine made from authorized white grapes (largely Chardonnay). It can be delicate and lace-like with its finesse or rich and powerful depending on terroir and various winemaking variables

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29
Q

What is “Rebèche”?

A

Refeche is Deuxième taille, the last piéce used in sparkling wine production. It is comprised of juice closest to the skin. Following 1992 the use of Deuxième taille in Champagne was banned.

And the very last piéce, which by the way is not used in any sparkling wine production but rather is distilled as spirits or is made into vinegar,

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30
Q

Describe “Premier Cru” Champagne

A

Made with grapes from the 42 Premier Cru villages and may also include from the 17 Grand Cru villages

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31
Q

Who is credited with creating a blend by mixing different proportion of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier clusters at the press?

A

Dom Perignon

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32
Q

Which areas (2) limestone marl are found?

Which grape variety prefers the soil type?

A
  • Montagne de Reims and the Cote de Bar
  • Pinot Noir
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33
Q

What is “Belemnite chalk”?

A

Belemnite chalk refers to the fossilized remains of ancient arrow or dart-like relatives or today’s squid

34
Q

True or False

There is no significant mineral or physical differences between two types of chalk - Belemnite and Micraster Chalk

A

True

35
Q

What were two wine names Champaigne was known for as early as 9th century?

A
  1. Vins de la Riviere
  2. Vins de la Montagne

They were mostly red wines.

36
Q

What Echelle de Cru ratings Premier Crus in Champaing have?

A

90-99%

42 Premier Villages

37
Q

What is Micraster chalk?

A

Micraster chalk is composed of fossilized sea-urchins, a member of the starfish family.

38
Q

Define “Prestige Cuvees”

A

Champagne house’s highest quality bottlings made from special parcels, old vines, Grand Cru sites or with prolonged less contact, oak treatment or extensive cellar aging.

Veuve Clicquot’s “La Grande Dame” and Champagne Louis Roedere’s “Crystal” are the examples.

39
Q

What is the most widely planted grape variety in Champaigne?

A

Pinot Noir

40
Q

Define Vintage Champagne and its aging requirement,

A

Vintage Champagne tells the story of the grape during one growing season, it is a snapshot in time and is only crafted in good vintages.

Ir carries the vintage year on both cork and label.

Vintage champagne must only be crafted from the fruit grown during the stated vintage with the EXCEPTION of LIQUEUR DE DOSAGE.

At least 12 months on its lees and a minimum of 3 years in the cellar from Tirage to release.

41
Q

What is the aging requirement of Vintage Champaigne?

A

At least 12 months on its less and a minmum of 3 years in the cellar from tirage to release.

42
Q

Describe “Jupone” and “Cheville”

A
  1. Jupone is mushroom shaped cork once released from Champagne bottle
  2. Cheville is the older cork when released, it will be “peg-shaped”
43
Q

What is the aging requirement of Non Vintage Champaigne?

A

A minimum of 12 months on its lees and an additional three months in the cellar before release.

44
Q

What are two traditional grapes in Champaigne areas from the 9th to 16th century?

A
  1. Gouiais (Blanc and Noir)
  2. Fromenteau (believed to be Pinot Noir/Gris)
45
Q

True or False

Champaigne represents the largest AOC in France by value as of 2019.

A

True

Approximately 300 million bottles per year produced.

46
Q

What are three AOCs in Champaigne region?

A
  1. Rose des Riceys (for still red wine, made exclusively from Pinot Noir)
  2. Coteaux Champeonis (red, white and rose STILL wines only)
  3. Champagne (only sparkling)
47
Q

What typical characteristics (up to 3) do grapes grown on chalk in Champagne?

A

High in acid

Lean wines

Reserved aromatics

48
Q

What is CIVC?

A

Comite Interprofessionell du Vin de Champagne

Interprofessional orgarnization can block or authorize the release of a producers’s reservers

49
Q

True or False

Virgulien marl also known as Kimmeridgean marl are also found in Chablis, Sancerre and Menetou-Salon, Quincy and Reully as well as Cote des Bar.

A

True

50
Q

Name an example of Mono-Crus bottling since 1921.

A

Cuvee “S” Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs by Salon

100% Chardonnay

51
Q

What is “Sur Lattes”?

A

Translates as “on the lattes”.

Lattes are the thin strips of wood used to separate one row of champagne bottles from antoeher in a stack. The legal but questionable practice of selling wine SUR LATTES refers to the sale of finished sparkling wines to another party who will put their own lable on it.

52
Q

How many villages are rated 100% - Grand Cru in Champaign by Echelle de Crus?

A

17 Villages

53
Q

What does “Cuvee” mean as relate to Champagne production?

A

Cuvee means “Free run First Press”

The first pressing of juice to come from the Champagne press. It is used in the best of the best Champagnes. This amounts to the first ten pieces (1 piece = 45 gallons) so the first 450 gallons) of juice pressed from each Marc (the amount of grapes it takes to fill the press)

54
Q

Define Grand Cru Champagne

A

Made from grapes soruced from exclusively from the 17 Grand Cru villages

55
Q

What three advancements in the 17th century greatly faciliated vignerons to master the process of physical control for sparkling wines?

A
  1. Advent of stronger glass bottles
  2. Uniform bottle neck openings
  3. Mainstream use of cork to maintain an air tight seal
56
Q

What type of soil is found in Cote des Blancs, Monteguex, Vitry-le-Francois areas?

A

Chalk

Type of porous limestone, a sedimentary rock composed of calcium carbonate)

57
Q

What category makes up the majority of champagne exports by volume?

A

Non Vintage Brut (78.5% in 2019)

58
Q

What is Single-Vineyard Champagne?

A

Champagne comers from grapes in a mono-parcelle (single parcel).

Embrace vintage variations and signature flavors of a specific terroi.

An example os a mono-parcelle is Philipponnat’s Clos des Goisses.

59
Q

Which Champagne area Kimmeridgian marl is found?

A

Cote de Bar

60
Q

Define “Late Disgorged” Champagne.

A

Champagne spent many years on the lees before disgorgement and are quite youthful when sent to market despite their extended time in cellar.

61
Q

What soil type is found in Valle de la Marne?

A

Sand and Clay

62
Q

What is “Crayeres”?

A

They are ancient underground quarries, now used as wine cellars.

63
Q

What is “Single Cru” Champagne?

A

The fruit from one village or cru.

An example is Salon’s Cuvee “S” Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs, crafted entirely from Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.

64
Q

True or False

A producer with several Grand Cru vineyards can blend the fruit from those vineyards and label it Grand Cru

A

True

Grand Cru does not signify a single vineyard.

65
Q

What describes Champaigne climate?

A

Continental with maritime influene

66
Q

What are “mono-parcelle” and “mono-cru”?

A
  1. Single vineyard
  2. Single Village
67
Q

What grape variety is primarilly grown in Cote de Sezanne and Vitryat?

A

Chardonnay

68
Q

What grape variety has 80% of planting in Cote des Bar?

A

Pinot Noir

69
Q

True or False

Meunier is frost and freeze resistant and acts as an insurance in Champagne.

A

True

70
Q

Name AOC in Champagne that produces Rose wines only and its only primary grape variety

A
  • Rose des Riceys AOC
  • Pinot Noir
71
Q

What is the AOC in Champagne that produces still wines only and are its primary white grape and two primary red grapes?

A
  • Coteaux Champenois AOC
  • White: Chardonnay
  • Red: Pinot Noir, Meunier
72
Q

What grape variety favours Vallee de la Marne and the reasons?

A
  • Meunier
  • Prone to frost and is more dominated by clay and sand rather than chalk
  • Pinot Meunier works best, as it buds late and ripens early
73
Q

What grape variety dominates Aube (Cote des Bars region), closer to Chablis?

A
  • Pinot Noir less chalk in soil
74
Q

Which sub region the followngs are located:

  • Massif de Saint Thierry
  • Ardre and Vesle Valleys
  • Grande Montagne de Reims
  • Monts de Berru
A

Montagne de Reims

75
Q

Name the predominant grape variety in the following areas in the Mongagne and Val de Reims:

  • Massif de Saint-Thierry (northern most)
  • Vesle and Ardre Valleys (Val de Reims)
  • Grande Montagne de Reims
  • Monts de Berru (northeast)
A
  • Massif de Saint-Thierry (northern most) - Along the Vesle River of sand, clay and marl: Meurnier
  • Vesle and Ardre Valleys (Val de Reims) - sand, clay and marl: Meunier
  • Grande Montagne de Reims - limestone rich marls : Pinot Noir
  • Monts de Berru (northeast) - soil and chalk: Chardonnay
76
Q

In the folloiwng Vallee de la Marne areas, identify the predominant grape variety:

  • Grande Vallee de la Marne
  • Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauceh (left bank), Rive Droite (right bank) and Ouest (west)
  • Conde (limestone uplift between Chateau Thierry and Dormans)
  • Coteaux Sud d’Espernay
A
  • Grande Vallee de la Marne - sand, clay and marls - Pinot Noir
  • Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauceh (left bank), Rive Droite (right bank) and Ouest (west) - sand, marl and clay - Meunier
  • Conde (limestone uplift between Chateau Thierry and Dormans) - Meunier
  • Coteaux Sud d’Espernay - evenly between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
77
Q

Idenitfy the following areas in Cotes de Blancs with predominant grape variety:

  • Cotes de Blancs
  • Val de Petit Morin
  • Cote de Sezannne / Vitryat (Vitry-le-Freancois) / Montgueeux
A
  • Cotes de Blancs -Chardonnay
  • Val de Petit Morin - Chardonnay / Meunier
  • Cote de Sezannne / Vitryat (Vitry-le-Freancois) / Montgueux (Aube) -Chardonnay
78
Q

Which grape variety is predominant to the following areas in Cote des Bars:

  • Bar-sur-Aubois
  • Barsequanais
A

Pinot Noir

79
Q
  • Val de Petit Morin
  • Coteaux Sud d’Espernay

Identify grape varieties that the above two terroirs feature.

A

Chardonnay and Meunier

80
Q

List the wine styles of three AOCs in Les Riceys wine growing area:

A
  • Champagne AOC - Sparkling wine
  • Côteaux Champenois - Red wine (Pinot Noir, Meunier), White (Chardonnay)
  • Rose de Riceys - Rose (Pinot Noir)

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