Champagne/Victoria, Australia Flashcards
1
Q
What is the area covered by the Champagne region?
A
35,208 hectares
Champagne is situated 145 kilometers east of Paris.
2
Q
How many bottles of sparkling wine does Champagne produce annually?
A
Over 300 million bottles
3
Q
What percentage of France’s wine revenue does Champagne account for?
A
20%
4
Q
What percentage of all French vineyard land does Champagne occupy?
A
4%
5
Q
What are the primary grape varieties grown in Champagne?
A
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Meunier
6
Q
What is the climate of the Champagne region primarily characterized by?
A
Cool climate
7
Q
What is the significance of Champagne’s low alcohol and high acid in its base wines?
A
Ideal for bottle fermentation
8
Q
What are the three zones of the Champagne appellation?
A
- zone de l’élaboration
- zone de production
- zone parcellaire de production de raisins
9
Q
What is the zone de l’élaboration?
A
The outer limits of the region where it is legal to vinify Champagne
10
Q
How many communes are in the zone de l’élaboration?
A
637 communes
11
Q
What type of soil is Champagne best known for?
A
Chalk
12
Q
What is the average percentage of vineyards destroyed by frost or hail each year in Champagne?
A
5%
13
Q
What is the diurnal shift in Champagne?
A
Difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures
14
Q
How much has the growing season daily mean temperature risen from the 1950s to the new millennium?
A
From 14.3 degrees Celsius to 16.6 degrees Celsius
15
Q
What is Gouais Blanc known for in relation to Champagne?
A
Parent of more than 80 different European grape varieties
16
Q
What purpose did the Comité interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) have in the 1960s?
A
To develop a clone of Pinot Noir resistant to frosts in the Marne Valley
17
Q
What is the law of July 27, 1927, significant for?
A
Authorized specific grape varieties for Champagne production
18
Q
What percentage of Chardonnay clones are allowed in Champagne?
A
31 clones
19
Q
What is the historical significance of the name ‘Plant Doré’ in Champagne?
A
Another name for Pinot Noir
20
Q
What is the maximum percentage of Pinot Noir clones allowed in Champagne?
A
43 clones
21
Q
What is the main characteristic of Meunier grape variety?
A
Easily recognized by its white undersides of leaves
22
Q
How many Meunier clones are permitted in Champagne?
A
14 clones
23
Q
Fill in the blank: Champagne is located approximately 300 kilometers southeast of _______.
A
the United Kingdom
24
Q
True or False: Chardonnay was first listed as an authorized variety in Champagne legislation in 2010.
A
True
25
What effect does the Atlantic Ocean have on Champagne's climate?
Moderating effect
26
What is the significance of the diurnal shift in Champagne for sparkling wine production?
Ensures acid preservation
27
What is the classic area for Chardonnay in Champagne?
Côte des Blancs
28
What is the significance of Meunier in Champagne?
Meunier can be outstanding in villages like Sainte-Gemme, Leuvrigny, and Hautvillers
## Footnote
Few blanc de noirs are pure Meunier. There are 14 Meunier clones allowed in Champagne.
29
Which four varieties account for a tiny proportion of all the vines in Champagne?
Arbanne, Fromenteau, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc
## Footnote
These grapes account for 103 planted hectares, or just 0.3% of the Champagne vineyard.
30
When was Arbanne first referenced, and by whom?
In the 14th century by Les Riceys, mentioned by Jean-Antoine Chaptal in 1801
## Footnote
Arbanne has a distinctive aroma that is easily recognizable in blends.
31
Who were the key figures in the revival of Arbanne?
Lucien Moutard and Henry Maréchaux
## Footnote
Moutard replanted Arbanne in 1952, while Maréchaux maintained it since 1900.
32
Where is Fromenteau primarily grown?
Chamery, Chavot-Courcourt, Crouttes-sur-Marne, Jouy-lès-Reims, Les Riceys, Urville, Verzy
## Footnote
Fromenteau is a direct mutation of Pinot Noir.
33
What is the origin of Petit Meslier?
A spontaneous cross of Gouais Blanc and Savagnin Blanc
## Footnote
It traditionally thrived in the Aube region.
34
Which grape variety is known for its low yields and struggles to ripen in Champagne's climate?
Petit Meslier
## Footnote
It was revived in Dizy by the Chiquet family in 1959.
35
What is the historical significance of Pinot Blanc in Champagne?
Cultivation was historically concentrated in the Côte des Blancs
## Footnote
Producers have struggled to work successfully with Pinot Blanc.
36
What are the eight districts of Champagne?
Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Marne Valley, Côte des Bar, Coteaux du Morin, Côte de Sézanne, Vitryat, Montgueux
## Footnote
Each district has its own aspect and dominant grape variety.
37
How many hectares and villages were part of the Champagne AOC in 2018?
7,989 hectares and 94 villages
## Footnote
This reflects the growth and change in the Champagne region over time.
38
What are the subdistricts of Montagne de Reims?
Grande Montagne, Massif de Saint-Thierry, Monts de Berru, Ardre Valley, Vesle Valley, City of Reims
## Footnote
The Montagne de Reims is synonymous with the Grande Montagne.
39
What are the key features of the Grande Montagne?
Preeminent area for Pinot Noir, contains 10 grand cru villages, three distinct microzones
## Footnote
The Northern Montagne has north-facing slopes that benefit from a thermal blanket.
40
What type of soil primarily composes the topsoil of the Grande Montagne?
Loess drift from sandy and clayey lignite, chalk rubble, clayey colluvium
## Footnote
The subsoil is mainly chalk.
41
What type of geological formation is the Massif de Saint-Thierry?
A detached cuesta with significant variation in soil types
## Footnote
It is not a continuation of the hills that define the Petite Montagne.
42
What is unique about the Monts de Berru region?
An isolated outcrop of vines planted almost entirely with Chardonnay
## Footnote
The southeast-facing slopes at Nogent-l’Abbesse have the best aspect.
43
What is the main grape variety planted in Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers?
Chardonnay
## Footnote
Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers is exclusively planted to Chardonnay.
44
Which grape variety is predominantly grown in Selles?
Meunier
## Footnote
Selles is almost entirely planted with Meunier.
45
Who is the owner of all vineyards in Selles and Pontfaverger-Moronvilliers?
Moët & Chandon
## Footnote
Moët & Chandon is the solitary owner of all vineyards in both villages.
46
What is the total area of Champagne AOC in 2018?
2,558 hectares
## Footnote
This area includes 51 villages.
47
How are the vineyards in the Ardre Valley characterized?
Meunier country with small plots
## Footnote
The vineyards are broken into small plots scattered on either side of the valley.
48
What type of exposure do the best vineyards in the Ardre Valley have?
South facing
## Footnote
The best sites are all south facing to some degree.
49
Which village is known for having the finest vineyard site in the Ardre Valley?
Courmas
## Footnote
The southwest-facing slope of Courmas is noted as the finest site.
50
What is the core area of the Petite Montagne subdistrict known for?
A significant divergence from Meunier to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
## Footnote
The center of the Petite Montagne has historically been Meunier country.
51
What defines the Vesle Valley in terms of vineyard growth?
A disparate collection of growths
## Footnote
It has always been difficult to separate these vineyards from those of the southern section of the Massif de Saint-Thierry.
52
What is the area of the Marne Valley in 2018?
12,131 hectares
## Footnote
The Marne Valley includes 104 villages.
53
What is the primary grape variety associated with the Marne Valley?
Meunier
## Footnote
The Marne Valley is generally considered to be the home of Meunier.
54
What type of soil is primarily found in the Marne Valley?
Colluvial mix of marl, lignite, sandy loam, and clay
## Footnote
The topsoil tends to be thick and heavy.
55
Which grand cru is located in the Grande Vallée?
Aÿ-Champagne
## Footnote
The Grande Vallée contains the Aÿ-Champagne grand cru.
56
What is the famous property in the Région d’Épernay?
Taittinger’s Château de la Marquetterie
## Footnote
La Marquetterie is named for the alternating plots of black and white grapes.
57
What characterizes the Terroir de Condé subdistrict?
Confusing inclusion of villages
## Footnote
It consists of villages that are kilometers apart and located on different sides of the Marne River.
58
What is the primary grape variety in the Western Marne Valley?
Meunier
## Footnote
Although Chardonnay and Pinot Noir plantings are increasing, Meunier remains dominant.
59
What is the area of the Left Bank of the Marne in 2018?
2,440 hectares
## Footnote
The left bank has twice the chalk content compared to the right bank.
60
Which region is known for its exclusive cultivation of Chardonnay grapes?
Côte des Blancs
## Footnote
The name derives from the almost exclusive cultivation of Chardonnay.
61
What are the main soil types in the Côte des Blancs?
Sandy-clay topsoil and chalk subsoil
## Footnote
The sandy-clay topsoil is thin but rich in lignite.
62
What is unique about the Côte de Sézanne's grape varieties?
Small amounts of Meunier and significant Pinot Noir minority
## Footnote
Unlike the Côte des Blancs, Meunier is planted everywhere in the Côte de Sézanne.
63
What is the area of the Coteaux du Morin in 2018?
1,030 hectares
## Footnote
The region comprises 20 villages.
64
What is the main grape variety produced in Vitryat?
Chardonnay
## Footnote
Vitryat is known for pure chalk soil and almost exclusive Chardonnay production.
65
What is the area of Montgueux in 2018?
209 hectares
## Footnote
Montgueux is located just west of Troyes.
66
What is the total area of Côte des Bar in 2018?
7,900 hectares
## Footnote
This area includes 64 villages.
67
What is the primary area of viticulture in the Aube department?
Côte des Bar
68
How many hectares of Champagne AOC were in Côte des Bar in 2018?
7,900 hectares
69
Name the two subdistricts of Côte des Bar.
* Bar-sur-Aube (Barsuraubois)
* Bar-sur-Seine (Barséquanais)
70
What is the climate like in the Aube compared to the rest of Champagne?
Warmer and sunnier
71
What type of grape is primarily planted in Côte des Bar?
Pinot Noir
72
What geological formation is found in the Aube region?
Kimmeridgian
73
What are the topsoils of the Côte des Bar primarily composed of?
Gravelly limestone scree
74
What is the smaller subdistrict of Côte des Bar?
Bar-sur-Aube
75
What is the larger subdistrict of Côte des Bar?
Bar-sur-Seine
76
What is the total area of Bar-sur-Aube in hectares?
2,422 hectares
77
What is the total area of Bar-sur-Seine in hectares?
5,479 hectares
78
What does the échelle des crus classification system refer to?
A classification of Champagne based on grape prices
79
What was the grand cru status for grapes in Chouilly prior to the INAO reform of 2010?
Grand cru for white grapes only
80
How many villages have grand cru status after the INAO reform of 2010?
17 villages
81
What is the definition of nonvintage Champagne?
Champagne that is not the finest cuvée and includes reserve wines
82
What percentage of all Champagne sold is nonvintage brut?
80%
83
What is the legal requirement for vintage Champagne regarding harvest sales?
Producers cannot sell more than 80% of any year’s harvest as vintage Champagne
84
What is the term used for fully sparkling Champagne?
Grand Mousseux
85
What is the pressure range defined for grand mousseux Champagne?
Five to six atmospheres
86
What does the term crémant mean?
Creaming
87
What is required for a Champagne to be labeled as vintage?
Must be made from base wines from the designated vintage
88
What is the significance of the prestige cuvée concept?
It targets luxury markets with exceptional quality Champagne
89
Who was the first commercially available prestige cuvée?
Dom Pérignon
90
What is the Club Trésors de Champagne?
A collection of growers marketing their wines together
91
What must Special Club wines pass to be approved?
A stringent tasting panel
92
What is a unique feature of Special Club wines?
Packaged in a uniquely shaped bottle from the 1700s
93
What does the term multivintage refer to?
A blend of two or more years that have been released as vintage
94
True or False: The term crémant is still used on Champagne labels.
False
95
What is the primary characteristic that defines a prestige cuvée?
Rigorous selection process
96
Fill in the blank: The Aube is located farther _____ than Chablis.
north
97
What does the pressure of 3.6 atmospheres define in Champagne?
Crémant
98
What is the main grape variety that was extensively planted in Côte des Bar before being replaced?
Gamay
99
What is required for a wine to be labeled as Special Club?
Must pass a stringent panel tasting twice, once as vin clair and again after three years of aging
## Footnote
Special Club wines are packaged in a uniquely shaped bottle from the 1700s.
100
What was the first single vineyard Champagne to be commercialized?
Clos de la Chapitre in the 1860s
## Footnote
It was sold by Amédée Tarin as both Clos du Chapitre and Clos du Mesnil.
101
Which producer launched its first vintage of Clos de la Chapitre after acquiring it?
Krug in 1986 with the 1979 blanc de blancs
## Footnote
Krug purchased the vineyard in 1972.
102
What is the primary grape used in blanc de blancs Champagne?
Chardonnay
## Footnote
Producers can also use Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris.
103
What are the characteristics of blanc de blancs from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger?
Greatest linearity, minerality, and longevity
## Footnote
Wines closer to Cramant exhibit more elegance and floral finesse.
104
Which style of Champagne can only be produced from black grapes?
Blanc de noirs
## Footnote
Can be made from Pinot Noir, Meunier, or both.
105
What was the first known rosé Champagne?
Ruinart’s Oeil de Perdrix Mousseux
## Footnote
Produced on March 14, 1764.
106
What is the primary method of producing rosé Champagne?
Maceration or blending with red wine
## Footnote
The former involves steeping juice on grape skins.
107
What is brut nature Champagne characterized by?
Less than three grams of residual sugar
## Footnote
Also known as brut zero, brut sauvage, ultra brut, and sans sucre.
108
What percentage of all Champagne is sold as brut?
Almost 95%
## Footnote
The popularity of brut has increased significantly since 1960.
109
What is the sweetness range for demi-sec Champagne?
32 to 50 grams of residual sugar per liter
## Footnote
Most examples today are closer to the minimum.
110
What temperature should Champagne be stored at for medium-term storage?
Between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius (54 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit)
## Footnote
Constant temperature is vital for quality.
111
What is the best glassware for serving Champagne?
Flute or all-purpose glass
## Footnote
Flutes enhance bubble display, while all-purpose glasses allow better aroma appreciation.
112
What is the effect of pouring Champagne from above?
Minimizes initial foam release and allows head to collapse slightly
## Footnote
This enhances the mouthfeel of younger Champagnes.
113
Fill in the blank: A brut style may contain up to ______ grams of residual sugar.
12 grams
## Footnote
Up to 15 grams including the margin of error.
114
What is the legal definition of the term riche in Champagne?
Currently has no legal definition
## Footnote
Previously used as an alternative designation for demi-sec.
115
What is a unique method used in producing Cristal rosé?
Hybrid maceration process
## Footnote
Involves cold-soaking Pinot Noir grapes in Chardonnay juice.
116
What happens to color pigments in rosé Champagne during aging?
They form long chains and drop out as sediment
## Footnote
This process is visible in the distinctly colored deposit.
117
What is the recommended method for pouring Champagne?
Pour from above, hitting the side of the glass about two-thirds of the way down
## Footnote
This method minimizes foam release and allows the head to collapse slightly before pouring continues.
118
What is the primary reason for pouring Champagne at an angle?
To minimize the initial release of foam
## Footnote
This technique helps maintain the wine's sparkling quality.
119
After pouring, how does CO2 loss continue in the glass?
Loss of CO2 occurs primarily through the interface between the wine’s surface and the air
## Footnote
This process is more significant than bubble release.
120
What percentage of CO2 is lost at the surface interface compared to rising bubbles?
About 80% at the surface interface and 20% through rising bubbles
## Footnote
This shows the importance of surface interaction in CO2 loss.
121
How much CO2 is typically lost during the pouring of Champagne?
Between 25% and 35% of all dissolved CO2
## Footnote
This loss depends on factors like temperature, glass shape, angle, and height of pour.
122
What factors influence the amount of CO2 lost during pouring?
Temperature, glass shape, angle, and height of pour
## Footnote
Each factor can significantly alter the amount of dissolved CO2 that escapes.
123
True or False: The mechanical action of pouring Champagne causes a greater loss of CO2 than evaporation at the surface.
False
## Footnote
The mechanical action during pouring causes a larger loss of CO2 compared to the subsequent evaporation.
