Champagne Flashcards
Where is Champagne located?
Northwestern France about 90 miles from Paris
What is the climate of Champagne?
Cool continental.
Has no protection from the Atlantic. Often cloudy, unpredictable weather, it is one of the coolest, most northerly, wine growing regions in the world.
What is the soil type of Champagne?
Limestone and Chalk
Vine roots dig deep allowing good drainage while also retaining moisture.
Soil remains at a relatively constant temperature
What are the grape varieties of Champagne?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier
Viticultural threats of Champagne
The northern location means that growers face persistent threats of rain, frost, and hail.
Vinification practices of Champagne
Blends! Mostly blends of grapes, sub-regions, villages, vineyards, and vintages. Wines are made using the methode champenoise. All wines labeled Champagne must be sparkling and must use this method.
What is the Methode Champenoise?
- Making the base still wine
- Assemblage of the Cuvee
- Secondary Fermentation - Creating Bubbles
- Sur Lie Aging
- Riddling - Removal of Sediment Pt. 1
- Disgorging - Removal of Sediment Pt. 2
- Dosage
What are the sub-regions of Champagne?
Vallee de la Marne
Cote des Blancs
Montagne de Reims
How long is NV Champagne aged?
It is aged for 15 months with at least 12 months spend on the lees. Most exceed these minimums.
How long is Vintage Champagne aged for?
Aged for a minimum of 36 months. Many producers exceed this minimum
What are 3 different Champagne styles?
Rose
Blanc de Blancunder
Blanc de Noir
What does Clos or Mono parcel mean?
A noted single parcel in a vineyard under a single ownership
What is a Cuvee Prestige or Tete de Cuvee?
It is the top end bottling of a particular champagne house or producer
What type of Champagne producers are their?
Negociants
Growers
Cremant
