Class 2 - Bordeaux & Champagne Flashcards
1
Q
What is the world’s largest wine producer?
A
Italy - but this can change year to year (usually between france and italy!)
France is the second largest wine producer.
2
Q
What are the two concepts central to higher-end French wines?
A
- Terroir
- Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
3
Q
What does the term ‘terroir’ refer to?
A
The specific locations where the grapes are grown and the wine is made
4
Q
What year was the AOC system established?
A
1935
5
Q
What does AOC stand for?
A
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée
6
Q
What organization governs the AOC system?
A
Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO)
7
Q
Name the four main wine categories in France that it used to have before 2012.
A
- Vin de Table
- Vin de Pays
- Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure
- Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée
8
Q
What is the highest designation of wine in France?
A
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC)
9
Q
What percentage of French wine falls under the AOC category?
A
53.4%
10
Q
What is the purpose of the AOC system?
A
To guarantee quality and consistency in wine production
11
Q
What is the new classification system for French wines created in 2012?
A
- Vin de France (replaces Vin de Table)
- Indication Geographique Protegee (replaces Vin de Pays)
- Appellation d’Origine Protegee (replaces AOC)
12
Q
What is the classification for the top tier vineyards in Burgundy?
A
Grand Cru
13
Q
What is the primary grape variety used in Bordeaux wine?
A
Merlot
14
Q
True or False: The AOC system allows for creativity in winemaking.
A
False
15
Q
What are the six red grape varieties allowed in Bordeaux?
A
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Carmenere
- Petite Verdot
- Malbec
16
Q
What is the famous sweet wine from Bordeaux known for its high sugar levels?
A
Sauternes
17
Q
What are the primary grapes used in Sauternes?
A
- Semillon (80%)
- Sauvignon Blanc (20%)
18
Q
What is the role of a ‘Coutier’ in Bordeaux wine production?
A
Middleman between the chateaux and the merchants
19
Q
Fill in the blank: The AOC concept is based on the concept of _______.
A
[terroir]
20
Q
What are the two levels of classification in Alsace?
A
- Grand Cru
- Alsace AOC/AOP
21
Q
What is the approximate area of Bordeaux vineyards?
A
300,000 acres
22
Q
What is the main wine fair held in Bordeaux?
A
Vinexpo
23
Q
What is the smallest commune in Haut-Médoc known for its wines?
A
Saint-Julien AOC
24
Q
What is the main grape variety used in Alsace wines that faces classification issues?
A
Chardonnay
25
What is the appellation for red and dry white wines in the Graves region?
Graves & Pessac-Léognan
## Footnote
Pessac-Léognan AOC was created in 1987 in the northern Graves.
26
When was the Graves Classification AOC established?
1953 (revised in 1959)
## Footnote
It includes 15 châteaux and all wines are designated as Cru Classé.
27
Which château is included in the Graves classification for its red wines while retaining its 1855 classification?
Château Haut-Brion
28
What are the main grape varieties used in Sauternes dessert wines?
* Sémillon
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Muscadelle
29
What is Botrytis Cinerea commonly known as?
Pourriture Noble (Noble Rot). Botrytis cinerea wine - also known as "noble rot" wine, is a rare, sweet dessert wine made from grapes infected by the Botrytis cinerea fungus.
30
What is the effect of Botrytis Cinerea on grapes?
* Dehydrates the grapes
* Concentrates sugars
* Changes flavor profile to honey and mushroom
31
How many properties were ranked in the Medoc Classification of 1855?
61 properties
32
How many first growths (1er Crus) are there in the Medoc Classification?
5
33
What significant change occurred in the Medoc Classification in 1973?
Mouton-Rothschild was moved from a second to a first growth.
34
What are the permitted grape varieties for red Bordeaux?
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Cabernet Franc
* Merlot
* Petit Verdot
* Malbec
* Carménère
35
Which grape variety dominates the red wine blends from the left bank?
Cabernet Sauvignon
36
What is the typical blend composition for top-quality left bank Château wines?
* 70% Cabernet Sauvignon
* 15% Cabernet Franc
* 15% Merlot
37
What is the typical blend composition for top-quality right bank Château wines?
* 70% Merlot
* 15% Cabernet Franc
* 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
38
Name the five premier cru (first growth) red wines established by the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
* Château Lafite-Rothschild
* Château Margaux
* Château Latour
* Château Haut-Brion
* Château Mouton-Rothschild
39
What does 'Entre-deux-mers' mean?
Between two waters
40
What type of wines dominate the Saint-Émilion AOC?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominated wines
41
How often is the Saint-Émilion classification updated?
Approximately once a decade
42
What are the tiers in the Saint-Émilion classification?
* Premier Grand Cru Classé A
* Premier Grand Cru Classé B
* Grand Cru Classé
43
What is the principal AOC for red wines in Pomerol?
Pomerol AOC
44
What is the typical blend composition for red wines in Pomerol?
* 75% Merlot
* 25% Cabernet Franc
45
What is unique about the vineyards in Bourg & Blaye?
They are the oldest vineyards in Bordeaux.
46
What new appellation was established in 2008 in the Bourg & Blaye region?
Côtes de Bordeaux
47
What are the sub-zones included in the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation?
* Blaye
* Cadillac
* Castillon
* Francs
48
What is Saint-Emilion recognized as by UNESCO?
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
49
Who is Saint-Emilion named after?
An 8th century monk named Emilion
50
What type of streets characterize the village of Saint-Emilion?
Tiny cobblestone streets
51
What is the primary grape variety used in Saint-Emilion wine?
80% Merlot grapes
52
What are the other grape varieties that can make up the remaining 20% in Saint-Emilion?
Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon
53
What is the soil composition in Saint-Emilion?
A combination of limestone, clay, and sand
54
How are grapevines pruned in Saint-Emilion?
To have just two bunches of grapes per branch
55
Where do the grapes hang on the vine in Saint-Emilion?
Low on the vine
56
What is the purpose of hanging grapes low on the vine?
To get more sun and warmth from the soil
57
What is the brix level of the grapes tasted in Saint-Emilion compared to those in the Rhone Valley?
20 brix in Saint-Emilion and 25 brix in the Rhone Valley
58
What is the cost of a new wine barrel in Euros?
600-900 Euros/barrel
59
How long are barrels used before they are sold on the secondary market?
Two years
60
What percentage of wine is absorbed into the wood of the barrel?
6%
61
What is the role of the Master of the Cellar?
In charge of turning the barrels and checking if they need to be topped off
62
True or False: All grapes in Saint-Emilion are suitable for making wine.
False
63
Fill in the blank: The hammer is used to put the ______ back in the barrel.
cork
64
What weather conditions in July and August affected the grapes before harvesting?
Cold and rainy
65
What is the benefit of the warm Indian Summer weather in September for the grapes?
It helps bring the grapes up to par
66
What is the geographical significance of Saint-Emilion?
The vineyards start literally across the street from the village.
67
What is the classification hierarchy of Saint-Emilion wines according to the 2012 reclassification?
1. Grand Cru Classé Premier A (4 chateaus)
2. Grand Cru Classé Premier B (14 chateaus)
3. Grand Cru Classé (64 chateaus)
4. Grand Cru
68
What historical structure is located in Saint-Emilion?
The Cordeliers Cloister, established by Franciscan monks in the 14th century.
69
Which Chateau is the first on the edge of the village of Saint-Emilion?
Clos Fourtet, a Premiere Grand Cru Classé (B).
REminder:
1. Grand Cru Classé Premier A (4 chateaus)
2. Grand Cru Classé Premier B (14 chateaus)
3. Grand Cru Classé (64 chateaus)
4. Grand Cru
70
What was the outcome of the 2012 reclassification of Saint-Emilion wines?
Litigation resulted due to winemakers seeking judicial remedies for demotions or dissatisfaction with their classification.
71
Name the four top class wines in Saint-Emilion.
* Chateau Angelus
* Chateau Ausone
* Chateau Cheval Blanc
* Chateau Pavie
72
What percentage of the basis for a better ranking in Saint-Emilion is attributed to wine quality?
30% is wine quality and 70% is marketing.
73
What was discovered by the family at Chateau Chatelet in the 1950s?
A 200 year-old relic, a carving of Saint Valéry, the patron saint of winemakers.
74
What is the significance of Chateau Pavie in the context of Saint-Emilion?
It is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, recently promoted to this highest level in 2012.
75
What is unique about Chateau Cheval Blanc?
It is a Premier Grand Cru Classé A and perhaps the most famous and expensive wine in Saint-Emilion.
76
What is the main grape variety in Pomerol?
Merlot.
77
What is the classification system in Pomerol?
There is no classification system in Pomerol.
78
What type of soil is found at Chateau L’Evangile in Pomerol?
Soil composed of sand, clay, gravel, stones, and iron oxide.
79
Fill in the blank: The main red grapes in Bordeaux are Merlot 65%, Cabernet Sauvignon 23%, Cabernet Franc 10%, Petit Verdot 2%, Malbec 2%, and _______.
Carmenere 2%
80
What are the main white grapes used in Bordeaux?
* Semillon 49%
* Sauvignon Blanc 43%
* Muscadelle 6%
* Sauvignon Gris 2%
81
What does the term 'bank' refer to in conversations about Bordeaux?
The banks of the rivers that run through the region: Dordogne, Garonne, and Gironde.
82
True or False: The Bordeaux classification system is over 150 years old.
True.
83
What are the four biggest Cognac brands?
* Hennessy
* Martell
* Rémy Martin
* Courvoisier
84
What are the classic grape varieties used in Champagne production?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Noir
* Pinot Meunier
85
What is the sweetness level of Brut Zero Champagne?
Bone Dry.
86
What is the process of removing yeast from the bottle called?
Disgorging or Dégorgement.
87
What is the aging requirement for Non-Vintage Champagne on the lees?
A minimum of 18 months.
88
What does sur-lie aging refer to?
Aging or resting on the spent yeast cells (lees).
89
What is the term for the gradual movement of expired yeast cells to the neck of the bottle?
Riddling or Remuage.
90
What is added to Champagne after disgorgement to balance acidity?
Dosage, a solution of sugar and wine.
91
What is the maximum amount of juice that can be pressed from 4000 kg of fruit for Champagne production?
25.5 hectoliters.
92
What is the first press of grapes called in Champagne production?
Cuvée.
93
What are the two main methods of sparkling wine production?
* Classic Method
* Charmat Method
94
Fill in the blank: All Champagne is sparkling wine, but not all _______ is Champagne.
sparkling wine
95
What is the minimum storage duration for bottles of champagne in underground caves?
3 years
96
What is the optimal storage duration for the best champagne in underground caves?
6-10 years
97
What is added during the secondary fermentation to balance out the sourness?
Sugar (4 grams essential)
98
What type of champagne is made from a blend of different years?
Non-vintage champagne
99
What grape varieties are typically used in Extra Brut Vintage 2005 Blanc et Noir?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Noir
100
What is the primary reason for the white color of champagne made from Pinot grapes?
The juice from a Pinot grape is still white if the grapes are gently pressed
101
What is the significance of lees aging in champagne production?
Autolysis is critical to great flavor; cannot fake 10 years on the lees
102
What happens to the wine after the grapes are pressed?
Stored in stainless steel vats for several months
103
What factor influences the price and desirability of the Ace of Spades champagne?
Promotion by JZ and its luxurious packaging
104
Where is Veuve Clicquot located?
Downtown Reims
105
True or False: Veuve Clicquot's caves were used as shelters during World War I.
True
106
What are the two types of caves in Veuve Clicquot?
* Hand-carved crayeres
* Modern machine-carved rectangular caves
107
What grape varieties can be grown next to each other in the Champagne region?
* Chardonnay
* Pinot Noir
108
What is the other grape allowed in Champagne that grows mainly in the east and northeast of Reims?
Meunier grape
109
Fill in the blank: All grapes in the Champagne region must be _______.
hand-picked
110
What is the soil type that is beneficial for grapevines in the Champagne region?
Chalky soil
111
What designation does the village of Épernay hold?
World UNESCO site
112
Which two hillsides are known for producing predominantly Chardonnay grapes?
* Cote de Blanc
* Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
113
What are the prominent producers in the Cote de Blanc region?
* Agrapart
* Franck Bonville
* De Sousa
* Jacques Selosse
* Varnier-Fanniere
114
What are the good and bad vintage years for champagne?
Good: *1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2008*
Bad: *2001*
115
What is the primary grape variety in the Montagne de Reims region?
Pinot Noir
116
Name one famous champagne house located in Reims.
* Krug
* Charles Heidsieck
* Henriot
* Louis Roederer
117
What are some alternatives to Champagne that focus on exceptional sparkling wines?
* Cava from Spain
* Prosecco from Valdobiaddene, Italy
* Crémant from France
* Metodo Classico from Italy
* American Sparkling Wines
118
What is a notable feature of Prestige Cuvees?
They use the best grapes and processes for high-quality blends
119
Which type of food pairs well with Extra Brut champagne?
Oysters, ceviche, canapes
120
What type of champagne is recommended for pairing with duck or game?
Blanc de Noirs
121
What is the unique aspect of the La Grande Dame champagne by Veuve Clicquot?
It is a Prestige Cuvee
122
Fill in the blank: Aged champagne pairs well with _______.
cream sauces, cheeses, mushrooms
