Champagne

Question 1

What are the 5 main regions of Champagne?

Answer 1

1. Montagne de Riems
2. Vallee de la Marne
3. Cote de Blancs
4. Cote de Sezanne
5. Aube

Question 2

What are some characteristics of Pinot Meunier?

Answer 2

A clone of Pinot Noir, it contributes aromatics and fruity flavors to wines. Considered less age-worthy than Chard or Noir based Champagne, with the notable exception of Krug’s liberal use of Meunier in their prestige cuvees.

Question 3

Describe Vallee de la Marne

Answer 3

Just southwest of Montagne de Riems, this region grows mostly Pinot Meunier in its cooler, north-facing vineyards.

Question 4

Describe Cote de Blancs

Answer 4

Just southeast of Valee de la Marne, grows mostly Chardonnay. Chalky soils here produce elegant, higher acidity wines.

Question 5

Describe Cote de Sezanne

Answer 5

Southwest of Cote de Blancs, grows mostly Chardonnay. Soils of chalk and marl produce aromatic wines with less acidity than Cote de Blancs.

Question 6

Describe Aube

Answer 6

aka Cote des Bar, southernmost region of Champagne, southeast of the Cote de Sezanne. Grows mostly Pinot Noir in marl soils, aromatic wines with lower acidity.

Question 7

What are the 6 different styles of Champagne?

Answer 7

1. Non Vintage
2. Vintage
3. Prestige Cuvee
4. Blanc de Blancs
5. Blanc de Noirs
6. Rose

Question 8

What are the 6 different styles of Champagne?

Answer 8

1. Non Vintage - a blend of varieties and vintages, aiming for yearly consistency. Most traditional method of Champagne, minimum 1.5 years aging.
2. Vintage - minimum 3 years aging.
3. Prestige Cuvee - the “tete de cuvee” or “grand cuvee” of a Champagne house, the best a house produces. Minimum 7 years aging.
4. Blanc de Blancs - Champagne made completely from white grapes.
5. Blanc de Noirs - Champagne made completely from red grapes.
6. Rose - A blend of red and white grapes.

Question 9

What is the average temperature in Champagne?

Answer 9

50 F (10 C)

Question 10

What is a Special Club Champagne?

Answer 10

An exclusive club open only to Recoltant Manipulants (producers of grower Champagne). These Champagnes are estate produced, bottled, and aged, and are blind-tasted for approval both before and after secondary fermentation.

Question 11

What is a Negociant Manipulant?

Answer 11

A producer who buys all or some of their grapes from other growers. Anything less than 94% estate fruit must be labeled NM

Question 12

What is a Recoltant Manipulant?

Answer 12

A grower-producer who uses a minimum of 95% estate fruit. This is classically considered the grower Champagne producer type

Question 13

Name 4 notable, recent Vintages of Champagne

Answer 13

1996

2002

2004

2008

Question 14

Explain Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Answer 14

Champagne made only from white grapes, usually 100% chardonnay. They are generally light, bright, and dry.

Question 15

Explain Blanc de Noir Champagne

Answer 15

Champagne made only from red grapes, usually a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. They are generally more fuller-bodied and fruity.