Champagne

Question 1

Define Champagne

Answer 1

Sparkling wines made from grapes grown within a legally defined area in Northern France.

Unoque French AOP that does not have to indicate AOP on its labels. “Champagne” is enough.

Question 2

“Grandes Marques” in English

Answer 2

Great Houses or Super Brands.

Question 3

Name 3 key Champagne houses

Answer 3

1. The LMV Group. - Moet et Chandon, Krug, Pommery, Chandon, Veive Cliquot,
2. Taittinger Group - Taittinger, Irroy.
3. Vranken Group - Vranken, Charles Lafitte.

Question 4

Where is Champagne?

Answer 4

Most northerly wine region. 49 degrees

145 km N of Paris

Marginal climate (difficult to ripen Grapes)

Question 5

Champagne History

Answer 5

Probably accidental second fermentation.

Legend. Dom Perignon and “tasting stars”

English Paradox - First French intentinal sparkling wine documented in 1718 and made in 1698.

First English doumentation re intentional in 1676. George Etherridge. Superior closure and bottles.

Early 19th C. Verve Cliquot invented remuage and disgorgement.

Question 6

Sumarise Champagne climate

Answer 6

Cold, wet northern climate.

Severe winters

Spring and autumn frosts.

Short rimening season

Question 7

Sumarise Champagne soils

Answer 7

Deep, porous Chalk.

Low vigour. needs fertilizers

Has good drainage

Good water retention

Deep root penitration

High lome content - gives high fruit acid in grapes.

Question 8

Sumarise Champagne viticulture

Answer 8

High vine density. 10 000 viners/ha

Low trellises (Cordon de Royat)

Max yield 10,4 tones or 65hl per ha.

Hand harvesting

Minimum alcohol set annually.