Chapter Nine: Champagne Flashcards
What are the three leading grape varieties of Champagne?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
(Pinot) Meunier
What are the four minor grape varieties of Champagne?
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris
Petit Meslier
Arbane
What are the two leading soil types of the Champagne region?
Chalk
Limestone (Limestone Marl)
What is the leading soil type of the Cotes des Bar
Kimmeridgian marl
What are the five main zones of the Champagne region?
Montagne de Reims
Vallee de la Marne
Cote des Blancs
Cote de Sezanne
Cote des Bar
What is the leading grape of the Cote des Blancs and the Cote de Sezanne?
Chardonnay
What is the leading grape of the Cote des Bar?
Pinot Noir
What is the leading grape of the Vallee de la Marne?
Meunier
What is the leading grape of the Montagne de Reims?
Pinot Noir (good deal of Chardonnay and Meunier is planted here as well)
What are the three terms for pressings of juice used in Champage?
First: Cuvée
Second: Taille
Third: Rebêche
What is the typical use for the juice from the first pressing (Cuvée)?
Production of premium Champagne
What is the typical use for the juice from the second pressing (Taille)
Primarily used for sweeter wines, such as demi-sec, or extra-dry Champagne
What are the typical uses for the juice from the third pressing (Rebêche)?
Still (non-sparkling) wines
Ratafia de Champagne PGI
Spirits
Vinegar
What is the minimum bottle aging for Champagne AOC?
15 months total, including at least 12 months on the lees
What is the minimum bottle aging for Vintage Champagne?
36 months total, including at least 12 months on the lees