Champagne Flashcards
What are all the grapes permitted in Champagne?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris
Name the regions of Champagne.
Montagne de Reims (wooded plateau between Reims and Epernay, 60% Pinot Noir,
powerful and structured wines, 11 Grand Cru Villages), Cote des Blancs (15 kilometers south of
Epernay, 95% Chardonnay, delicate-fresh-elegant-wines, 6 Grand Cru Villages), Vallee de la
Marne (2 Grand Cru Villages, by Marne River, clay/sandy soil, mainly Pinot Meunier but great
examples of Chardonnay), Cote des Bar (south of Cote des Blancs, marl soil, Pinot Noir only,
complex full body wines).
What is the most planted grape grown in Champagne?
38% Pinot Noir, then 33% Pinot Meunier, then 28% Chardonnay
How many Grand Cru communes are in Champagne?
17
Name the Grand Cru communes of Montagne de Reims.
Ambonnay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Puisieulx, Sillery, Verzenay
and Verzy.
Name the Grand Cru communes of Cote des Blancs.
Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oiry and Oger
Name the Grand Cru communes of Vallee de la Marne.
Ay, Tours-sur-Marne
How many Premier Cru communes are in Champagne?
44
Which Grand Cru is 100% Pinot Noir?
Tours-sur-Marne
Which Grand Crus and 1er Crus are 100% Chardonnay?
1er Cru Etrechy, 1er Cru Coligny and Grand Cru Chouilly
What is DOSAGE?
A mixture of sugarcane dissolved in wine aka “liqueur de dosage or liqueur d’ expedition”
that is added to champagne before corking to help balance the acidity and sweetness.
Name the levels of dosage from sweetest to driest.
Doux (50grams +/liter), Demi-Sec (32-50grams/liter), Sec (17-32grams/liter), Extra Dry
(12-17grams/liter), Brut (less than 12 grams/liter), Extra Brut (0-6grams/liter) and Brut Nature (0-
3grams/liter).
What is Tirage?
Wines are bottled blended with a small mixture of yeast and sugar/must, to initiate the 2 nd
fermentation. This mixture is called Liqueur de Tirage.
How long must vintage Champagnes age on its lees?
a minimum of 3 years
How long must non-vintage Champagne age on its lees?
minimum of 12 months
How long must non-vintage Champagne age in the cellar before release to market?
minimum of 15 months total, 12 months on lees
Name 5 Tete de Cuvee’s and the houses that produce them.
Dom Perignon – Moet & Chandon, La Grande Dame - Veuve Cliquot, Rare – Piper
Heidsieck, Cuvee Sir Winston Churchill – Pol Roger, Cuvee Louise – Pommery, Dom Ruinart
– Ruinart, La Grande Annee – Bollinger, Cristal – Roederer, Grand Cuvee de Mumm – Mumm,
Grande Siecle – Laurent Perrier and Comtes de Champagne - Tattinger
What is a cuvee in Champagne?
In Champagne, the cuvee is the first gently pressed 2,050 litres of grape juice from 4,000
kilograms (marc) of grapes.
What is Sur Latte?
Storing bottles stacked on their sides, which is the most space-efficient way to store
Champagne in the cellar.
What is disgorgement?
The process of removing dead yeast cells (yeast lees), from a bottle of champagne
before the cork is replaced.
What is Millesime?
is a Champagne made from a cuvee of a specific exceptional harvest year. Direct
translation is “Vintage”. At least 85% of the grapes must come from the same vintage year. Must
be aged for 3 years before release to market.
What have been the warmest vintages in the last 10 years?
2018, 2020, and 2022 produced ripe, fruit-forward wines with softer acidity.
What have been the coolest/coldest vintages in the last 10 years?
2013, 2014, and 2019 delivered high-acid, mineral-driven wines with strong aging potential.
What have been the most challenging vintages in the last 10 years?
2017 and 2021 faced significant climatic challenges, resulting in leaner wines better suited for blending.
How long must Special Club champagnes be aged on the lees before release?
36 months
Arrange the following steps of the Méthode Champenoise in the correct order:
A. Prise de mousse
B. Tirage
C. Dégorgement
D. Remuage
E. Liqueur d’expédition
B. Tirage
The addition of the liqueur de tirage (a mixture of sugar, yeast, and wine) to the base wine, followed by bottling and sealing to initiate secondary fermentation.
A. Prise de mousse
The secondary fermentation in the bottle, during which carbon dioxide is produced, creating the wine’s signature bubbles.
D. Remuage
The gradual riddling of the bottles to collect the yeast sediment (lees) in the neck of the bottle.
C. Dégorgement
The removal of the sediment by freezing the neck of the bottle and ejecting the frozen plug of lees.
E. Liqueur d’expédition
The addition of the dosage (a mixture of wine and sugar) to adjust the sweetness level before final corking and labeling.
Identify the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs from the following list:
a) Verzy
b) Avize
c) Bouzy
d) Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
e) Oger
b) Avize
d) Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
e) Oger
Compare the 2018 and 2013 Champagne vintages in terms of climatic conditions, acidity levels, and aging potential. Which vintage would you recommend for a collector seeking long-term cellaring, and why?
For a collector seeking wines with long-term aging potential, the 2013 vintage is the clear choice. Its high acidity, cool-climate precision, and classic structure ensure that the wines will evolve beautifully over time, gaining complexity and depth. The 2018 vintage, while excellent in its own right, is better suited for earlier enjoyment due to its riper fruit profile and softer acidity.
The Clos du Mesnil is a single-vineyard Blanc de Blancs Champagne produced by Krug.
a) In which Grand Cru village is this vineyard located?
b) What is the approximate size of the vineyard?
c) How does Krug’s philosophy for Clos du Mesnil differ from their multi-vintage Grande Cuvée?
a) The Clos du Mesnil vineyard is located in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, situated in the Côte des Blancs. This village is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnay, producing wines with remarkable precision, minerality, and aging potential.
b) The Clos du Mesnil vineyard is 1.84 hectares (4.5 acres) in size. It is a walled vineyard (clos), which is rare in Champagne, and its small size allows for meticulous care and attention to detail in both viticulture and winemaking.
c) Terroir Expression:
Clos du Mesnil: Focuses on the pure expression of a single vineyard, single grape variety (Chardonnay), and single vintage. It is a terroir-driven wine that reflects the unique characteristics of the Le Mesnil-sur-Oger Grand Cru vineyard in a specific year.
Grande Cuvée: Represents the art of blending, combining wines from over 120 parcels, multiple vintages (up to 20+ years), and all three Champagne grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier). It aims to achieve a consistent, complex, and harmonious style year after year.
Production Philosophy:
Clos du Mesnil: Produced in extremely limited quantities, often fewer than 15,000 bottles per vintage, due to the vineyard’s small size and the strict selection process.
Grande Cuvée: Produced on a much larger scale, showcasing Krug’s blending expertise and house style.
Style and Profile:
Clos du Mesnil: Offers a laser-focused, mineral-driven profile, with exceptional precision, tension, and aging potential. It is a wine of singularity and purity.
Grande Cuvée: Rich, layered, and complex, with a broader flavor profile that combines freshness, richness, and depth from the blend of multiple components.
Aging Potential:
Both wines have extraordinary aging potential, but Clos du Mesnil is often regarded as a collector’s wine, capable of evolving for decades due to its high acidity and terroir-driven structure.
How many Special Club producers are there?
28 (as of 2023)
Which original Special Club producers are still in the club?
4:
Paul Bara. Gaston Chiquet. Henri Goutorbe. Salmon
What is Pinot Blanc locally known as?
Fromenteau
Soil structure of Montagne de Reims
The Montagne de Reims is a plateau with vineyards planted on its slopes and foothills, benefiting from excellent exposure to sunlight.
The chalk subsoil is a defining feature, particularly on the mid-slopes, where it is most concentrated.
The topsoil varies across the region, with a mix of clay, sand, and marl depending on the vineyard’s location and elevation.
Soil structure of Cote des Blancs
The Côte des Blancs is a south-facing escarpment, providing optimal sunlight exposure for ripening Chardonnay.
The chalk subsoil dominates the region, particularly on the mid-slopes, where it is most concentrated.
The topsoil is thin, allowing the vines to penetrate deep into the chalk layers, which enhances the expression of terroir.
Soil structure of Vallee de la
Marne
The Marne River plays a significant role in shaping the region’s soils, with alluvial deposits dominating the valley floor and clay-limestone more prevalent on the slopes.
The diverse topography creates microclimates that influence ripening and grape variety suitability.
The chalk subsoil is present in some areas, particularly on the higher slopes, but is less dominant compared to other Champagne sub-regions.
Describe the soil type: Belemnite Chalk
Composition:
Derived from marine fossil deposits, particularly the remains of extinct squid-like creatures called belemnites.
Rich in calcium carbonate and highly porous.
Characteristics:
Excellent drainage: Prevents waterlogging while retaining sufficient moisture for vines during dry periods.
Heat retention: Reflects sunlight and stores warmth, aiding ripening in the cool Champagne climate.
Promotes deep root penetration, allowing vines to access water and nutrients from lower layers.
Impact on Wine:
Contributes to the signature minerality, precision, and finesse of Côte des Blancs wines.
Enhances acidity, which is crucial for the aging potential of Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
Describe the soil type: Micraster Chalk
Composition:
Formed from fossilized sea urchins called micrasters, found in deeper subsoil layers.
Similar to belemnite chalk but slightly less porous.
Characteristics:
Provides consistent water supply to the vines, even in dry conditions.
Found in lower-lying areas of the Côte des Blancs.
Impact on Wine:
Adds roundness and subtle richness to the wines, complementing the minerality of belemnite chalk.
Describe the soil type: Clay-Limestone (Marl)
Composition:
A mix of clay and limestone, often found in patches or at the base of slopes.
Characteristics:
Retains more water than chalk, providing a steady supply of moisture.
Rich in nutrients, supporting healthy vine growth.
Impact on Wine:
Adds structure and body to the wines, balancing the high acidity of Chardonnay.
Describe the soil type: Sandy Soils
Composition:
Found in certain areas, particularly on the valley floor and near the riverbanks.
Characteristics:
Drains quickly, preventing waterlogging in wetter areas.
Warms up faster, promoting early ripening of grapes.
Impact on Wine:
Produces lighter, more aromatic wines with less structure.
Particularly beneficial for Pinot Meunier, which ripens earlier than Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Describe the soil type: Fluvial Soils (Alluvial Deposits)
Composition:
A mix of sand, silt, and clay deposited by the Marne River over time.
Characteristics:
Found primarily on the valley floor, these soils are fertile and retain moisture.
Impact on Wine:
Produces fruit-forward, approachable wines, often with less complexity but great drinkability.
Notable Grape Varieties and Their Soil Preferences:
Chardonnay
Percentage of Plantings: ~30% of Champagne vineyards.
Primary Role: Adds elegance, finesse, and acidity to blends; the sole grape in Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.
Soil Preferences:
Chalk (Belemnite and Micraster):
Found in the Côte des Blancs (e.g., Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize).
Chalk provides excellent drainage, retains moisture during dry periods, and reflects sunlight, aiding ripening.
Enhances minerality, precision, and high acidity, hallmarks of Chardonnay in Champagne.
Clay-Limestone (Marl):
Found in some areas of the Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne.
Adds roundness and richness to Chardonnay, balancing its natural acidity.
Notable Grape Varieties and Their Soil Preferences: Pinot Noir
Percentage of Plantings: ~38% of Champagne vineyards.
Primary Role: Provides structure, body, and red fruit flavors; the dominant grape in Blanc de Noirs Champagnes.
Soil Preferences:
Chalk (Belemnite):
Found in the Montagne de Reims (e.g., Bouzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay) and Aube (Côte des Bar).
Chalk enhances drainage and promotes deep root penetration, resulting in wines with structure, minerality, and aging potential.
Clay-Limestone (Marl):
Found in the Aube and parts of the Montagne de Reims.
Retains moisture and nutrients, producing richer, fuller-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe fruit flavors.
Notable Grape Varieties and Their Soil Preferences: Meunier
Percentage of Plantings: ~32% of Champagne vineyards.
Primary Role: Adds fruitiness, softness, and approachability to blends; thrives in cooler, wetter areas.
Soil Preferences:
Clay-Limestone (Marl):
Found in the Vallée de la Marne (e.g., Châtillon-sur-Marne, Cumières).
Retains water, which is beneficial for Meunier in wetter climates, producing fruit-forward, approachable wines.
Sandy Soils:
Found near riverbanks and lower slopes in the Vallée de la Marne.
Warms quickly, promoting early ripening, which is ideal for Meunier’s shorter growing cycle.
Produces lighter, aromatic wines with less structure.
Match the following terms to their definitions:
A. Remuage
B. Dégorgement
C. Liqueur d’expédition
D. Prise de mousse
1) The removal of sediment from the bottle.
2) The addition of sugar and wine to adjust sweetness 3) before final corking.
4) The secondary fermentation that creates bubbles.
The process of riddling bottles to collect sediment in the neck.
A. 4 (Remuage: Riddling bottles to collect sediment in the neck).
B. 1 (Dégorgement: Removal of sediment from the bottle).
C. 2 (Liqueur d’expédition: Sugar and wine added to adjust sweetness).
D. 3 (Prise de mousse: Secondary fermentation that creates bubbles).
What is the purpose of cold stabilization in Champagne production, and at what stage is it typically performed?
Purpose: To prevent tartrate crystals from forming in the bottle.
Stage: Typically performed after the first fermentation, before bottling for secondary fermentation.
What is Autolysis?
Autolysis is a critical process in Champagne production that occurs during the lees aging phase, following the secondary fermentation in the bottle. It refers to the breakdown of dead yeast cells (lees) over time, releasing compounds that significantly influence the wine’s texture, flavor, and complexity.
What is Négociant Manipulant (NM)?
A Champagne house or producer that purchases grapes, must, or base wine from growers to produce Champagne.
NMs may also use grapes from their own vineyards, but they rely heavily on sourcing fruit from multiple growers.
What is Récoltant Manipulant (RM)?
A grower-producer who grows their own grapes and produces Champagne exclusively from their own vineyards.
The producer must use at least 95% of their own grapes, with only a small allowance for purchased fruit (if needed).
What is the oldest (still operating) house in Champagne?
Ruinart (1729)
What is the oldest producer in Champagne?
The oldest producer in Champagne is Gosset, founded in 1584. It is widely recognized as the oldest wine house in Champagne, though it originally produced still wines (both red and white) before the region became famous for sparkling wine.
