Champagne & Sparkling Wine Flashcards
1
Q
How much of a stated vintage must vintage dated wines in Champagne contain?
A
100%
2
Q
T de C: Clos Cazals
A
Claude Cazals, RM. Monoparcel, 3.5 ha Mesnil-sur-Oger, GC, Cote des Blancs. 100% Chardonnay
3
Q
How does acid content differ in the vin de cuvee vs. the vin de taille?
A
Acid content is lower in the vin de taille.
4
Q
Name two producers based in Cramant.
A
Diebolt-Vallois, Bonnaire, Libert Fils, Suenen
5
Q
What grand cru vineyard is closest to Reims?
A
Sillery
6
Q
What is extraction limited to in Champagne?
A
102 L from 160 kg or 2550 L from 4000kg (the size of the tanks used for pressing)
7
Q
Name three things that the CIVC regulates?
A
- size of harvest
- press yield
- blocage & deblocage
- protected designations of Champagne
8
Q
T. de C.: Charles de Gaulle
A
Drappier, NM
80% PN/20% Chard
Urville
9
Q
T. de C.: Dom Ruinart
A
Ruinart, NM, Reims
Blanc des Blancs and Rosé (85% Chard/15% PN)
10
Q
What is retrousse in terms of Champagne?
A
Retrousse is scooping the edges of the press cake back to the middle after each pressing with a traditional basket press.
11
Q
How long must Vintage Champagne spend in the cellar from tirage to release?
A
36 months.
12
Q
Define the following in Champagne:: CM RC SR ND MA
A
CM – Cooperative Manipulant
RC – Recoltant Cooperateur (a grower whose grapes are vinified at a cooperative)
SR – Societe de Recoltants (a firm set up by a union, of related growers who share resources and collectively market several brands)
ND – Negociant Distributeur (middleman, does not make wine)
MA – Marque d’Acheteur (a buyer’s own brand, often a supermarket chain)
13
Q
Name three producers based in Vertus.
A
Pascal Doquet, Doyard, Larmandier-Bernier, Veuve-Forny, Duval-Leroy
14
Q
Where is A. Margaine based?
A
Villers-Marmery, Montagne de Reims
15
Q
What is transvasage and when is it allowed?
A
“Transfer method” – allowed for bottle sizes larger than a Jeraboam and smaller than a half bottle. Remuage is unnecessary, the wine is disgorged into a pressurized tank & filtered.
16
Q
Where would the terms “sur latte” and “sur pointe” be applied?
A
The Methode Champenoise – during secondary fermentation bottles rest on their sides (sur latte), and when riddling is finished, they rest on their heads (sur pointe)
17
Q
What major houses are known for blocking MLF in their Champagne?
A
Lanson, Gosset, and Salon
18
Q
Name three initiatives the CIVC has taken to improve sustainability.
A
- reducing pesticide use by 50%
- avoiding insecticides with sexual confusion
- water recycling
- crown cap & bidule recycling
- lighter bottles to reduce carbon emissions
19
Q
What is the maximum residual sugar for Champagne AOP base wine?
A
10 g/L
20
Q
Which two prominent Ay houses age their champagne under cork? What is the alternative? Why do so few big houses age their champagne under cork?
A
Bollinger and Ayala; most houses, especially big houses, use crown caps. You risk cork taint by aging Champagne under cork, which has to be checked for upon disgorgement. But Bollinger feels it provides more complexity and actually LESS risk of unnatural oxidation.
21
Q
What does the CIVC stand for?
A
Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne
22
Q
What is méthode rurale?
A
Méthode Ancestrale
23
Q
What departments does the Champagne AOP cover?
A
Aube, Aisne, Marne, Haute-Marne, and Seine-et-Marne
24
Q
T. de C.: Noble Cuvee
A
Lanson, NM, Reims
60-70% Chard/30-40% PN
25
What is the term for the Roman chalk tunnels below the streets of Epernay and Reims?
Crayers.
26
Name three Champagnes that are made with a solera system of perpetual aging?
Selosse Substance, Bereche Reflet d’Antan, Lahertes Les 7, Pierre Peters Reserve Oubliee
27
Put the three major grape of Champagne in order from first to bud to last.
Chardonnay is the first to bed, then Pinot Noir, then Pinot Meunier.
28
Name the Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims, from north to south?
Sillery, Puisieulx, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Verzenay, Mailly, Verzy, Louvois, Bouzy, Ambonnay
29
What phases is the extracted juice for Champagne production divided into?
1) Vin de Cuvée (the first 2050 L)
2) Vin de Taille (the last 500 L) -- richer in pigment and tannin. Usually sold off/used in minor part
3) Rebêche -- third extraction is required by law, used to make distillate, not Champagne. Must comprise 1-10% of the total.
30
In what year was SPARKLING wine first made in Champagne?
The first record of sparkling wine being made in Champagne is in 1718.
31
Is chaptalization allowed in Champagne?
Yes, it is quite common.
32
T de C: Les Echansons
Mailly Grand Cru, CM. Mailly-Champagne, GC, Montagne de Reims. Brut, 75% PN/25% Chard.
33
T. de C.: La Grand Année
Bollinger, NM
| Aÿ, Grand Cru, Vallée de la Marne
34
Name two producers based in Oger.
Jose Dhondt, Jean Milan
35
What is Veuve Clicquot’s “Comet Vintage”?
1811
36
What is the only AOP that does not need to put "Appellation Controlee (Protegee)" on the bottle?
Champagne
37
Which are the better premier crus of the Montagne de Reims, and where do they lie? Name a producer based in each.
Ludes, Chigny-les-Roses, and Rilly-la-Montagne are considered three of the better 1er crus of Montagne de Reims -- they are basically a western extension of the grand cru slope that includes Mailly, Verzy, and Verzenay. Bereche and Ployez-Jacquemart are based in Ludes; Cattier and J. Lassalle are based in Chigny-les-Roses; and Vilmart & Cie is based in Rilly-la-Montagne.
38
T de C: Clos du Moulin
Cattier, NM. Monoparcel, 2.2 ha, Ludes, 1er cru (94%), Montagne de Reims. 50% PN/50% Chard.
39
What is another term for the wire cage on a bottle of Champagne?
Muselet
40
What is autopressurage in Champagne?
The first 100 liters or so of juice that comes off a press. Normally discarded.
41
What is Winzersekt?
In Germany, a sparkling wine usually made by a grower, from one of the 13 anbaugebiete, above 3.5 of pressure
42
What are the 5 most recent vintages of Salon?
2006, 2004, 2002, 1999, 1997
43
Where is the highest point in the Montagne de Reims located?
900ft above sea level between Verzenay & Verzy, it is a national park.
44
The Butte de Saran marks the border between which two Grand Cru sites?
Chouilly and Cramant
45
What two regions in Champagne do not have any Grand Crus?
Cote de Sezanne and Cotes des Bars (the Aube)
46
What are three requirements for Special Club wine?
- must be a RM producer
- vinification and bottling must occur on the estate
- special club must be top cuvee
- tasting panel must approve base wines and finished wine
- identical label and bottle shape
47
Who makes La Folies de la Marquetterie? Where is it from?
Taittinger; single vineyard in Pierry (1er cru on the border of Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne)
48
Where do the “Rive Droite” and the “Rive Gauche” fall in respect to the Marne river? What aspects do each have? Name one wine made from each.
Rive Droite — right bank — north bank of river, with vineyards facing south. Moussé Fils Special Club & Special Club Rosé.
Rive Gauche — left bank — south bank of the river, with vineyards facing north. Bérêche Rive Gauche.
49
T. de C.: Dom Perignon/Dom Perignon Oenotheque
Moet & Chandon, NM, Epernay
Brut & Brut Rosé
Chard & PN
50
T. de C.: Comtes de Champagne
Tattinger, NM
Reims
Blanc des Blancs & Rosé (70% PN/30% Chard)
51
Name five wines made entirely from Avize fruit.
- Agrapart L’Avizoise
- Agrapart Venus
- Selosse vintage
- Selosse Substance
- Selosse Chantereines lieu-dit
- Larmandier-Bernier Chemins d’Avize
52
T. de C.: Cuvee des Enchanteleurs
Henriot, NM, Reims
| Chard & PN
53
Name the 5 districts of Champagne and what grapes each is particularly known for.
```
Cote des Blancs -- Chardonnay
Montagne de Reims -- Pinot Noir
Vallée de la Marne -- Pinot Meunier
Cote de Sézanne -- Chardonnay
Cote des Bars (The Aube) -- Pinot Noir
```
54
Give three commonalities in AOP requirements between the Cremant appellations of France?
- 9 months of lees prior to disgorgement and 12 months total elevage
- Manual harvesting in mandatory
- Traditional method secondary fermentation
- Min. 3.5-4 atmospheres (varies depends on AOP)
55
T. de C.: Belle Époque/Fleur de Champagne
Perrier-Jouët, NM, Epernay
| Brut (50% Chard/45% PN/5% PM), Brut Rosé, Blanc des Blancs
56
What is liqueur de tirage?
The mixture of still wine, yeast, sugar, and fining agents added to a Champagne base wine to ignite secondary fermentation
57
When was Champagne first demarcated? What region was famously left out and when was this adjusted?
1911; The Aube; 1924
58
When was the gyropalette invented?
1968
59
What is the southernmost village in Champagne?
Les Riceys, Côte des Bar
60
Name three Champagne houses founded in the 18th century.
Moet, Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Delamotte, Heidsieck, Bollinger, Jacquesson, Ruinart
61
What are the best vintage of the 1980's in Champagne?
1982, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1989
62
Name three wines entirely made from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger fruit?
Pierre Peters Les Chetillons, Salon, Selosse “Les Carelles”
63
What are the two spur-pruned methods of vine training allowed in Champagne? Which is most commonly used for Pinot Noir and which for Chardonnay?
Chablis & Cordon de Royat; Chablis is used for most Chardonnay vines and Cordon de Royat for Pinot Noir.
64
What is “boues de ville”?
The practice of fertilising Champagne vineyards with trash from Paris. The practice declined by the mid-80s and was abolished in 1999.
65
T. de C.: Elisabeth Salmon Rosé
Billecart-Salmon, NM
| Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, 1er Cru, Vallée de la Marne
66
What is MCR?
MCR stands for moût concentré rectifié, or concentrated and rectified grape must. The majority of MCR comes from the Languedoc. It is used in Champagne as alternative to liqueur d'expedition.
Arguments FOR: Neutrality, less oxidation
Arguments AGAINST: Terroir, Syrupy
67
What is another term for dosage?
Liqueur d'Expedition
68
Why is there a majority Pinot Meunier planted in the Vallee de la Marne?
Pinot Meunier is more frost resistant -- it buds late and ripens early -- and the Vallee de la Marne -- especially as one moves west -- is much more prone to frost. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay also have a hard time ripening in clay, which is why the Pinot Noir that is grown in the Vallee de la Marne is mostly in the limestone rich soils east of Epernay.
69
Name three 1er crus of the Cote de Blancs.
There are nine total: Bergeres-les-Vertus, Cuis, Etrechy, Grauves, Pierry (often considered part of the Vallee de la Marne), Val de Marais (Coligny), Vertus, Villeneuve, Voipreux
70
What is the maximum percentage of a year's harvest that may be sold as vintage Champagne?
80%
71
What is the most planted grape in Champagne? Second? Third?
Pinot Noir (39%), Pinot Meunier (32%), Chardonnay (29%)
72
What was the first tete de cuvee? In what year?
1921; Moet et Chadon's Dom Perignon
73
Name three biodynamic producers in Champagne.
Larmandier Bernier, David Leclepart, Vouette and Sorbee, Roederer (the largest bio-d landowner in Champagne).
74
Name two producers based in Verzenay.
Michel Arnould, Godme Pere et Fils, Jean Lallement, Pehu Simmonet
75
How many liters/bottles are in a Solomon?
18L/24 bottles
76
T de C: L'Intemporelle
Mailly Grand Cru, CM. Mailly Champagne, GC, Montagne de Reims. Brut (60% PN/40% Chard) & Brut rose.
77
Where is Chartogne-Taillet based?
Merfy, Massif du Saint-Thierry, Montagne de Reims
78
T de C: Grand Sendree
Drappier, NM. Urville, the Aube, Monoparcel. 55% PN/45% Chard.
79
T. de C.: Brut de Nominée
Jacquart, NM, Reims
NV (vintages declared from 85-90)
Chard & PN
80
T de C: Clos d'Ambonnay
Krug, NM. Ambonnay, GC, Montagne de Reims. Monoparcel. 100% Pinot Noir, FV: 1995
81
What is remuage?
Riddling.
82
T. de C.: "La Grande Dame"
Veuve Clicquot, NM
Reims
Brut: 60-65% PN/30-35% Chard
Brut Rose
83
Where is Kimmeridgean Marl found in the Champagne region? What is another name of Kimmeridgean Marl?
This is found in Cote des Bar (The Aube). AKA Virgulien Marl.
84
Name the grand crus of the Cote des Blancs, from north to south?
Chouilly, Oiry, Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger.
85
```
Give for these producers their location and the main grape they grow
Egly-Ouriet
Pierre Moncuit
Drappier
Jerome Prevost
```
Egly-Ouriet - Ambonnay, Pinot Noir
Pierre Moncuit - Le Mesnil, Chardonnay
Drappier - Urville, Aube, Pinot Noir
Jerome Prevost - Gueux, Montagne de Reims, Pinot Meunier
86
What changed in sweetness levels for Champagne pre-2010 and post-2010?
Brut went from 0-15 g/L to 0-12 g/L. Extra dry went from 12-20 g/L to 12-17 g/L. Sec went from 17-35 g/L to 17-32 g/L. Demi-sec went from 33-50 g/L to 32-5o g/L. Extra brut and doux stayed the same.
87
Where is Cristal Rosé sourced from?
Aÿ
88
Single Cru: Chemin des Châlons
Jacques Selosse, Cramant, NV, Blanc des Blancs
89
T. de C.: Cuvee Prestige
Bonnaire, RM
Cramant, GC, Cote des Blancs
100% Chardonnay
90
What region is defined by the Ardre and the Vesle rivers?
Montagne de Reims
91
What two years have seen an October (late) harvest in Champagne since 1988?
1991 and 2013
92
T. de C.: Cuvee William Deutz
Deutz, NM
Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
Blanc/Rosé: PN/Chard/PM
93
What styles of wine are made in Coteaux Champenois?
Dry red, white, and rose
94
Define Méthode Ancestrale
Defined by a single fermentation -- starts in tank, and then is transferred to bottle mid fermentation. No liqueur de tirage. Dosage is not allowed.
95
T. de C.: Grand Siècle
Laurent Perrier, NM
Typically NV
Tours-sur-Marne (GC for red grapes), Vallée de la Marne
Approx. 50% Chard/50% PN
96
How many liters/bottles are in a Nebuchadnezzar?
15L/20 bottles
97
What side of the slopes are the better vineyards planted btwn Mailly and Villers-Allerand? Btwn Verzenay and Verzy?
Northern slopes and north-eastern slopes respectively
98
What is the min. potential alcohol for Rose de Riceys and Coteaux Champenois?
10%/9%
99
T. de C.: Blanc des Millénaires
Charles Heidsieck, NM, Reims
| 100% Chardonnay
100
Where is Jerome Prevost based?
Gueux, Petit Montagne, Montagne de Reims
101
What is the difference between Agrapart’s L’Avizoise and Venus?
Both are blanc des blancs from Avize; L’Avizoise is on clay soils, Venus is on chalk
102
What is the name for the base wine in Champagne?
Vin clair
103
What does Bollinger's "RD" stand for?
Recently Disgorged (Récemment Dégorgé). RD is kept in an upside down, vertical position (sur point) for several years, and is disgorged upon being ordered.
104
In what decade was sugar first added to control the amount of carbonation in Champagne?
1820-1830
105
Name two producers based in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger:
Guy Charlemagne, Delamotte, Salon, Launois, Pierre Moncuit, Pierre Peters
106
What were the standard presses in Champagne until the 1980s and what is more dominant now?
Manual, vertical presses were standard until the 1980s when mechanized, horizantal presses became more popular. Manual, vertical presses now only account for about 28%.
107
T de C: Les Crayeres
Egly-Ouriet, RM. Monoparcel, Ambonnay, GC, Montagne de Remis. 100% PN.
108
Name three influences that Dom Perignon had on Champagne.
- quality of grapes in the vineyard
- sturdier glass
- cork enclosures
- blending across Champagne for uniform quality
- white wine being made from red grapes
109
T. de C.: Grand Vin Signature
Jacquesson, NM
Dizy, 1er Cru, Vallée de la Marne
Discontinued after the 2002 vintage
110
What vintages has Clos du Ambonnay been made in?
1995, 1996, 1998, 2000
111
What is the blend for these cuvees and their first vintage
Clos des Goisses
Winston Churchill
Clos St Hilaire
Clos des Goisses - 65% PN 35% C - 1935
Winston Churchill - PN > C - 1984
Clos St Hilaire - PN - 1995
112
T. de C.: Sir Winston Churchill
Pol Roger, NM, Epernay
| PN & Chard
113
T de C: Clos de Bouveries
Duval-Leroy, NM. Vertus, Cote des Blancs, 1er Cru (95%), Monoparcel. 100% Chardonnay.
114
How many liters/bottles are in a Balthazar?
12L/16 bottles
115
What is another term for dosage? What is it?
Liqueur d'expedition; a liquid mixture of sugar syrup & wine that defines the sweetness/dryness level of the final product
116
What are the bottle aging requirements for vintage and NV Champagne?
NV -- 15 months (including 12 months on lees) from date of tirage
Vintage -- 36 months (12 months lees) from date of tirage
117
How many liters/bottles are in a Methuselah?
6L/8 bottles
118
Single cru: Sous Le Mont
Jacques Selosse, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ
119
What two villages in Montagne de Reims are known for Chardonnay?
Villers-Marmery and Trépail
120
T. de C.: Cuvee Fiarce
Chartogne-Taillet, RM
Merfy
60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
121
What is the minimum potential alcohol for Champagne AOP base wine?
9%
122
What is remuage?
Riddling.
123
When was Mytik Diam introduced in Champagne?
2005
124
T. de C.: "RD"
Bollinger, NM
| Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
125
Name three producers of Rose de Riceys?
Name three producers of Rose de Riceys? Guy de Forez, Morel Pere et Fils, Jacques Defrance, Horiot
126
What is the CIVC and when was it founded?
Comite Interprofessional du Vin de Champagne -- organized by Count Robert-Jean de Vogue of Moet et Chandon in 1941 to organize Champagne producers against the Nazis
127
Name the Grand Crus of the Côte de Blancs from north to south.
```
Chouilly
Oiry
Cramant
Avize
Oger
Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
```
128
What three harvests have seen August picking (early) in the 2000s in Champagne?
2003, 2007, and 2011
129
What common geological feature do the best grand cru sites of Montagne de Reims have in common?
They are on east/southeast facing cliffs of belemnite chalk (lesser sites in the north face north/northeast)
130
At what latitude does Champagne lie?
48th parallel
131
Name the Grand Crus of Montagne de Reims.
Sillery, Puisieulx, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Verzenay, Mailly, Verzy, Louvois, Bouzy, Ambonnay
132
T. de C.: Substance
Jacques Selosse, RM
Avize, GC, Cote des Blancs
NV, 100% Chardonnay
133
Name three producers of Coteaux Champenois rouge?
Bollinger, Egly-Ouriet, Georges Vesselle, Benoit Lahaye, Paul Bara
134
When did Special Club originate? How many current members are there? Name 5.
1971; 27; Paul Bara (Bouzy), Gaston Chiquet (Dizy), Pierre Gimmonet (Cuis), Marc Hébrart (Mareuil-sur-Aÿ), Larmandier (Cramant), J. Lassalle (Chigny-les-Roses), Launois (Mesnil-sur-Oger)
135
T. de C.: Celebris
Gosset, NM
Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
Brut Rosé (vintage), Brut (vintage, 66% Chard/34% PN), NV Blanc des Blancs
136
Where is Egly-Ouriet's plot of old vine Meunier located?
Vrigny
137
T. de C.: Cuvee R. Lalou
GH Mumm, NM, Reims
| Chard & PN
138
Where is Pierre Gimmonet based?
Cuis, northern Côte des Blancs, 1er Cru
139
What is the current release of Clos du Mesnil? Clos du Ambonnay?
Mesnil — 2003
| Ambonnay — 2000
140
What is Ampeleos?
A grower organisation in Champagne that promotes sustainable viticulture.
141
How much of a producer's harvest may be released as vintage wine in Champagne?
80%
142
What is a "carnet de pressoir"?
Pressing logbook; used at the pressing centers to number and record every marc as well as the potential ABV of the grapes.
143
What are the "methode ancestrale" AOP in France? what are their grapes? their pressure? their aging time? their RS?
Bugey Cerdon - Gamay and Poulsard (the last one not 100%) - 3 atm - 2 months - min 40 g
Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestrale - 100% Mauzac - 3 atm - 2 months - no min RS (but 10% acquired min)
Gaillac Methode Ancestrale - Mauzac and Mauzac Rose - 3 atm - 2 months - no min RS (but 8% acquired min)
Montlouis-sur-Loire Petillant Originel - 100% Chenin - 3 atm - no other requirement
Clairette de Die Methode Ancestrale - min. 75% Muscat à Petits Grains plus Clairette - 3 atm - 4 month - 35 g
144
What methods are permitted to make rose Champagne?
Saignee and Blending (blending must occur prior to tirage)
145
What three grand crus of the Montagne de Reims and less esteemed than the others and why?
Sillery, Puisieulx, and Beaumont-sur-Vesle lie in alluvial flatlands to the north of the "montagne" and thus have very little in the way of elevation and aspect, as well as richer soils.
146
T. de C.: Cuvee Perle d'Ayala
Ayala, NM
Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
80% Chard/20% Pinot Noir
147
What is blocage and deblocage in reference to Champagne?
Blocage is the reserve of wine stocks and deblocage is the release of wine stocks for use in future vintage; regulated by the CIVC
148
T. de C.: Nec-Plus-Ultra
Bruno Paillard, NM, Reims
| Chard & PN
149
When is the soonest that tirage can occur following harvest?
January 1st, the year after harvest
150
What are two methods of disgorgement?
a la volée (traditional) and a la glace(modern)
151
Where is George Laval based?
Cumières, 1er cru, Vallée de la Marne
152
What is the largest grand cru of the Montagne de Reims?
Verzenay at 400+ ha.
153
T. de C.: Nicolas Louis Delamotte
Delamotte, NM
| Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, GC, Cote des Blancs
154
What are the additional 4 Champagne grapes besides the big 3?
Fromenteau (aka Pinot Gris), Petite Meslier, Arbane, Pinot Blanc
155
When was the Echelle des Crus established?
1911
156
For vintage Champagne, what percentage of grapes must come from the stated vintage?
100%
157
How many liters are in a Rehoboam? When was this size discontinued?
4.5 L, 1989
158
T. de C.: Fleur de Passion
Diebolt-Valois, NM
Cramant, GC, Cote de Blancs
100% Chardonnay
159
What was called "Club de Viticulteurs Champenois" until 1999?
Special Club
160
What is the name for secondary fermentation in Champagne?
Prise de Mousse
161
Name three reasons why the Cote de Blancs is more suited to Chardonnay than the Montagne de Reims.
More dramatic slopes are beneficial for Chardonnay; much thinner top-soils in the Cote de Blancs make the chalk more accessible; and the days tend to be a bit warmer.
162
What are the two AOPs for still wine in Champagne?
Coteaux Champenois & Rosé de Riceys
163
What vintages has Blanc de Millénaires been made in?
1983, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2004
164
T. de C.: Liesse d'Harbonville
Ployez-Jacquemart, NM
Ludes, 1er Cru, Montagne de Reims
70% Chard/30% PN
165
T. de C.: Femme de Champagne
Duval-Leroy, NM
Vertus, 1er Cru, Cote des Blancs
Chard & Pinot
166
What three grand crus of the Montagne de Reims has south/southeast facing aspects?
Bouzy, Ambonnay, and Louvois like on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims and are oriented more southward. Louvois has a slightly more east facing aspect, and is thus not quite so well-regarded.
167
What is débourbage?
After pressing for Champagne, this is the stage where the juice is allowed to settled at a cool temperature for 8-15 hours so that the remaining solids (bourbes) can settle and be removed by racking.
168
Name two producers based in Mareuil-sur-Aÿ.
Billecart, Marc Hebrart, Philipponnat, R. Pouillon
169
T. de C.: Cuvee Les Aventures
AR Lenoble, NM
Chouilly, GC, Cote des Blancs
100% Chard
170
Name the Grand Crus of Vallée de la Marne.
Aÿ, Tours-sur-Marne
171
What two grand crus are rated 100% for one grape only?
Chouilly, Cote de Blancs, for white wine only and Tours-sur-Marne, Mareuil-sur-Ay, red grapes only
172
Name two producers based in Avize.
Agrapart, Claude Corbon, De Sousa, Jacques Selosse, Varnier-Farniere
173
Describe the 2013 vintage in Champagne.
2013 pales in comparison to the stellar 2012, with a cool spring leading to uneven ripening and one of the latest harvests in 20 years. Summer hail caused widespread damage in the summer months but overall the champenois fared better than many of their compatriots. Likely a vintage year.
174
What is a PAI press?
PAI press is made by Coquard and stands for “pressoir automatique à plateau incliné” — a horizantal press with a plate tilted at an angle. The grapes fall by gravity making retrousse unnecessary.
175
How much does the alcohol of Champagne typically rise during secondary fermentation?
1.2-1.3%
176
What is the most planted grape in Aÿ?
Pinot Noir, about 80%
177
Where is David Léclepart based?
Trépail, Montagne de Reims
178
Where is Cote aux Enfants, who owns it, and what is it known for?
Cote aux Enfants is a lieu-dit in Aÿ owned by Bollinger. It is known for Pinot Noir, especially their Coteaux Champenois that shares the same name.
179
What is secondary fermentation referred to as in Champagne?
Prise de Mousse
180
What current grand crus were elevated in 1985?
Four in the Cote de Blancs: Chouilly, Oiry, Oger, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger; one in the Montagne de Reims: Verzy
181
What Champagne house was known as Forest-Forneaux until 1931?
Taittinger
182
What is another term for the wine cage on a Champagne bottle?
Muselet
183
What are the seven AOPs for crémant in France?
Crémant de Bordeaux, de Bourgogne, de Loire, de Limoux, de Die, du Jura, d'Alsace
184
T de C: Palmes d'Or
Nicolas Feuillatte, CM. Chouilly, GC, Cote des Blancs. Brut & Brut rose: 50 Chard/50 PN.
185
Name three producers based in Aÿ.
Ayala, Bollinger, Deutz, Rene Geoffroy, Henri Goutorbe
186
What is Coquard known best for producing?
Basket press
187
What is Rosé de Riceys?
An AOP in the Aube, Champagne for 100% Pinot Noir rosés produced in the village of Les Riceys.
188
What direction does the Clos des Goisses face? Where is it located?
South, the eastern end of Mareuil
189
Name the 1er crus of the Vallee de la Marne? Which are based NE of Epernay, and which between Ay and Tours-sur-Marne?
There are 7 total: Bisseul, Champillon, Cumieres, Dizy, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Ay, Mutigny. Champillon, Cumieres, Dizy, and Hautvillers are based just NE of Epernay, and to the east, Bisseul, Mutigny, and Mareuil-sur-Ay are located between Ay and Tours-sur-Marne.
190
Where is Vilmart et Cie based?
Rilly-la-Montagne, Montagne de Reims
191
What three grand crus of the Montagne de Reims have north/northeast facing aspects?
Mailly, Verzy, and Verzenay lie on the northern slopes of the forested plateau that is the Montagne de Reims and thus are oriented slightly more north. Verzy is slightly more east-facing, and thus not quite so well-regarded.
192
Single cru: Le Bout du Clos
Jacques Selosse
193
T. de C.: Vieilles Vignes Françaises
Bollinger, NM
Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
100% Pinot Noir
194
Though the Cote de Blancs is planted 96% to Chardonnay, where is a majority of the region's Pinot Noir planted?
Vertus, a premier cru in the southern portion of the region
195
T. de C.: "Cristal"
Louis Roederer, NM, Reims
| Brut (approx. 55% PN/45% Chard) & Brut Rosé
196
T de C: Clos du Mesnil
Krug, NM. Mesnil-sur-Oger, GC, Cote des Blancs, Monoparcel. 100% Chardonny, FV: 1979
197
What department does Rose de Riceys AOP cover?
The Aube
198
T. de C.: Rare
Piper Heidsieck, NM, Reims
| Chard & PN
199
T. de C.: Cuvee Gentilhomme
AR Lenoble, NM
Chouilly, GC, Cote de Blancs
100% Chard
200
What is pointage?
Historically in Champagne productions, riddlers would briskly shake bottles to precent lees from sticking to sides of bottle, called pointage. New strains of yeast have made this unnecessary.
201
Which strain of yeast is most often used for the 2nd fermentation in bottles?
Saccharomyces bayanus
202
```
What are the permissible residual sugar levels for the following Champagne designations:
Brut Nature
Extra Brut
Brut
Extra Dry
Sec
Demi-Sec
Doux
```
```
Brut Nature: 0-3 g/L (no added dosage)
Extra Brut: 0-6 g/L
Brut: 0-12 g/L
Extra Dry: 12-17 g/L
Sec: 17-32 g/L
Demi-Sec: 32-50 g/L
Doux: 50+ g/L
```
203
Name the Grand Crus of Vallee de la Marne.
Ay, Tours-sur-Marne (red grapes only)
204
What are the best vintages from the second decade of the 21st century in Champagne?
2013 and 2015; 2012 could be quite good as well. 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016 were difficult.
205
What are the required atmospheres of pressure and lees requirements for most methode ancenstrale AOPs of France?
3 atmospheres for all of them, most 2 months on lees (Clairette de Die is 4 months and Montlouis has no lees reqs)
206
What is the min % for vin clair in Champagne?
10 %
207
What are the only two 1er crus of Champagne that are classified at 99% on the Echelle de Crus?
Tauxieres (Montagne de Reims) and Mareuil-sur-Ay (Vallee de la Marne)
208
T. de C.: Amour de Deutz
Deutz, NM
Aÿ, GC, Vallée de la Marne
100% Chardonnay
209
T. de C.: Cuvee Laetitia
Henri Billiot, RM
| Ambonnay, GC, Montagne de Reims
210
Name two producers based in Ambonnay.
H. Billiot, Paul Dethune, Egly-Ouriet, Marie-Noëlle Ledru, Marguet, Éric Rodez
211
What is the western-most premier cru of the Vallee de la Marne?
Cumieres
212
Where was the gyropallete invented and how many bottles does it hold?
Spain; 504
213
What percentage of fruit must originate from a grower's vineyard for their wine to be classified as RM?
95%
214
What is the general soil type of Champagne? What soil dominates in the Aube?
Pourous belemnite chalk -- absorbs heat and provides drainage. High limestone content allows vines to dig deep and is linked to high acid; The Aube is dominated by Clay
215
What grape was planted in significant quantities in the Aube before it was outlawed with the introduction of the AOC system?
Gamay
216
T. de C.: Grand Cuvee
Billecart-Salmon, NM
Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, 1er Cru, Vallée de la Marne
60% Pinot Noir/40% Chardonnay
217
What is a bidule?
When Champagne is equipped with a crown cap to undergo fermentation, it is affixed with a bidule, a plastic capsule that will capture sediment during remuage (riddling)
218
What are the two cane-pruned methods of vine training allowed in Champagne?
Vallee de la Marne (used for Meunier mostly) and Guyot (single or double)
219
Name two examples of wines made through the Charmat method?
Prosecco, Asti DOCG (NOT Moscato d'Asti, which undergoes a single fermentation in stainless steel tanks)
220
Single cru: La Côte Faron (formerly called Contraste)
Jacques Selosse, Aÿ, 100% Pinot Noir
221
Describe two methods of disgorgement.
À la glace -- modern method where neck is frozen
| À la volée -- traditional, manual method
222
Where is Frederic Savart based?
Écueil, Petit Montagne, Montagne de Reims
223
Where is Vieilles Vignes Françaises sourced from?
Aÿ
224
Name two cooperatives in Champagne.
Nicolas Feuillatte and Jacquart
225
What two producers are famously based in Dizy?
Gaston Chicquet and Jacquesson
226
What is bouvreux?
Second generation of grapes, usually left on the vines
227
T de C: Vieille Vigne de Cramant
Larmandier-Bernier, RM. Cramant, grand cru, Cote des Blancs, monoparcel. 100% Chardonnay.
228
Where is Ulysse Collin based?
Congy; Côte de Sézanne
229
What is a "marc"?
Traditional measurement for a press-load of Champagne
230
Prior to 1985, how many Grand Crus were there in the Cote de Blancs? What were they?
Cramant and Avize, the rest were elevated in 1985
231
Who makes Gastronome and Fleuron?
Pierre Gimmonet
232
What were the traditional grapes of the Champagne region, up until the 16th century?
Gouais, Fromenteau
233
Where are the best soils of the Vallee de la Marne?
On the eastern edge. As you move further west, soils get heavier, with less limestone, and more clay, sand, and loess.
234
How much of a grower's own grapes must be contained in their Champagne to label it RM?
95%
235
T. de C.: Cuvee Josephine
Joseph Perrier, NM
Chalons-sur-Marne
Mainly Chard
236
How many liters/bottles are in a Salmanazar?
9L/12 bottles
237
What are the two different types of Chalk in Champagne? What is the difference? Which is considered superior?
Micraster Chalk, Belemnite Chalk.
Micraster chalk is comprised of fossilized sea-urchins.
Belemnite is comprised of ancient dart-like relatives of the squid.
Belemnite is preferred because it is in the upper to midslope levels, where optimal exposure and water retention is found.
238
T. de C.: Cuvee Paradis
Alfred Gratien, NM, Epernay
NV Brut & Brut Rosé
Chard & PN
239
Name two producers based in Bouzy.
Paul Bara, Paul Clouet, Benoit Lahaye, Camille Saves, Jean Vesselle, Pierre Paillard
240
Name three appellations for sparkling wines made from méthode ancestrale.
Bugey Cerdon, Clairette de Die Méthode Dioise Ancestrale & Gaillac Mousseux Méthode Gaillaçoise, Montlouis-sur-Loire Petillant Originel
241
How long must non-vintage or vintage champagne spend on its lees?
12 mos.
242
What is "Club Trésors"
Special Club
243
What is the Bordeaux name for a 18L bottle?
Melchior
244
What are most aspects in Aÿ?
South/southwest
245
T. de C.: Cuvee Louise
Pommery, NM, Reims
| Brut (60% Chard/40% PN) & Brut Rosé
246
What was the first single village Champagne to be produced? Single vineyard?
Salon, 1905; first commercial release 1921
| Clos des Goisses, 1935
247
What is the difference between a Cooperative Manipulant and a Recoltant Cooperateur?
A RC is a grower whose grapes are vinified at a cooperative, then receives the Champagne to market under its own label. A CM is a cooperative that sells wine made from its members grapes.
248
Based on the max. kg/ha yield and the max. press yields, what is the yields in hl/ha for Champagne?
10,400kg/ha is the max. kg yield and the max. press yield is 2550L/4000kg. This is equivalent to 6630L/ha or 66.3hl/ha. Pretty high yields!
249
Describe the vintages of the second decade of the 21st century in Champagne.
2010 - dry, then torrential rains in August, then dry. Rot a big issue.
2011 - Very early harvest. Irradic weather.
2012 - Low yields, exceptional vintage
2013 - Summer hail and extremely late harvest. A bit uneven, but not bad.
2014 - Dry September saved cool, rainy August. Overall promising.
2015 - Excellent vintage, especially for Pinot Noir. Richer than 2012.
2016 - Frost and hail lowered yields, but quality is high.
