Champagne intro

Question 1

Describe the location of the Champagne region

Answer 1

NE France, near 50th parallel, 150 Km N>S, 120 km E>W East of Paris

Question 2

Describe the climate of the Champagne region

Answer 2

Cool Continental, some oceanic influence, 700 mm rain per annum, low (11C) average annual temperature

Question 3

Why is the climate of the Champagne region conducive to the production of sparkling wines

Answer 3

The low (11C) average annual temperature results in just ripe high acidic wines ideal for the production of sparkling wines

Question 4

What are the key topographical features of the Champagne region

Answer 4

The most common soils are chalky soils with limestone subsoil and chalk. Well drained slopes avoid waterlogging. Chalk stores water available to the vine id dry periods

Question 5

Name the nine principal Champagne styles

Answer 5

NV, Vintage, Rose, Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Prestige Cuvee, Late release

Question 6

In alphabetical order, name the seven grape varieties allowed in Champagne production

Answer 6

Albarne, , Chardonnay, Fromenteau, Meunier, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir

Question 7

Name the five regions of Champagne from North to South

Answer 7

Montagne de Reims, Valle de la Marne, Cote des Blancs, Cote de Sezanne, Cote de Bar

Question 8

What are the characteristics of Meunier

Answer 8

Black grape, late budding (so less prone to spring frosts) does well on heavier (clay) soils, ripens earlier than Pinot Noir, brings fruity notes and softness and adds body to early drinking wines

Question 9

Describe the key characteristics of the Montagne de Reims?

Answer 9

Wide plateau, Clay soils for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay on chalk, 10 Grand Cru villages, some North facing, frost prone

Question 10

Name three of the ten Grand Cru villages in the Montagne de Reims

Answer 10

Ambonnay, Beaumont-ser-Vesle, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly-Champagne, Poiseiux, Sillery, Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay, Verzy

Question 11

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Montagne de Reims?

Answer 11

Clay Limestone Chalk - Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Question 12

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Vallee de la Marne?

Answer 12

Clay, marl & sandy soils - Meunieur for blending in early drinking wines

Question 13

Name the only Grand Cru village in the Vallee de la Marne

Answer 13

Ay-Champagne

Question 14

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote des Blancs?

Answer 14

Primarily Chalk for high quality 95% of plantings Chardonnay

Question 15

Name three of the seven Grand Cru villages in the Cote des Blancs

Answer 15

Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Ogre, Oger, Oiry

Question 16

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote de Sezanne?

Answer 16

Clay , clay & silt, some chalk primarily Pinot Noir

Question 17

What are the principal soil types and grape varieties of the Cote de Bar?

Answer 17

Kimmeridgian calcareous marls, full flavoured, ripe Pinot Noir