Chapter 14: Regional Wines of France: Flashcards
What are the main red grape varieties of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
What are the two main regions of Bordeaux for red wine production?
Left Bank (Médoc and Graves) and Right Bank (Pomerol and Saint-Émilion).
What are the key white grape varieties of Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
What is Sauternes, and what makes it unique?
A sweet wine from Bordeaux made using botrytized grapes, primarily Sémillon.
What are the two main grape varieties of Burgundy?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What is the key white wine region in Burgundy known for unoaked styles?
Chablis.
What are the highest quality classifications of vineyards in Burgundy?
Grand Cru and Premier Cru.
What region in Burgundy is famous for full-bodied Chardonnays?
Côte de Beaune (e.g., Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet).
What grape variety is used in Beaujolais wines?
Gamay.
What is the most prestigious classification of Beaujolais wines?
Beaujolais Cru (e.g., Morgon, Fleurie).
What is the main red grape variety of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah.
What are the main white grape varieties of the Northern Rhône?
Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne.
What are the key wines of the Northern Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Condrieu (Viognier).
What are the key red grape varieties of the Southern Rhône?
Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
What is the most famous wine from the Southern Rhône?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
What are the key white grape varieties of Alsace?
Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
What is the climate of Alsace, and how does it affect the wines?
Cool continental, with dry conditions due to the Vosges mountains, producing aromatic, high-acid wines.
What are the key white grape varieties of the Loire Valley?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Melon de Bourgogne.
What region in the Loire Valley is famous for Sauvignon Blanc wines?
Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé.
What styles of wine are made from Chenin Blanc in the Loire Valley?
Dry, sweet, and sparkling wines, especially in Vouvray.
What is Muscadet, and where is it produced?
A dry white wine made from Melon de Bourgogne, produced in the Muscadet region near the Atlantic coast.
What is Provence best known for?
Pale, dry rosé wines.
What are the key grape varieties used in Provence rosé?
Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
What are the main grape varieties used in Champagne?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.
What method is used to produce Champagne?
The traditional method (secondary fermentation in the bottle).
What is the typical blend for Left Bank red Bordeaux wines?
Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc.
What is the key soil type in the Left Bank of Bordeaux?
Gravel soils that retain heat and provide good drainage.