D3.C1. Introduction to France Flashcards
Who were the first to plant vines in France?
Greeks are the first people to plant vines in the Greek colony today called as Marseilles.
What was the origin of the vines planted in France?
Italy
Initially e.g. in the first century CE, vines are planted in which areas of France? Why?
- Vines were only planted in the south of the country, in the Rhône valley and probably near to Bordeaux
- Because of their easy access to the sea for trading
When in history do the vineyard area expanded in France?
- Major expansion of vineyards came later
under Charlemagne (crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 800 CE) and then the period of the monasteries after 1,000 CE
What were the major export markets in middle ages for France wine? Why?
- England, Scotland, Flanders and Holland
- Key markets developing because major rivers and the sea facilitated the movement of wine
How was the wine supplied to Paris in middle ages? Why?
- Supplied by vineyard areas close to it or
on major rivers, including vineyards very close to Paris (now abandoned), Auxerre and
Chablis, and the vineyards of the Loire River - Because of the difficulty of transporting wine overland
What was the reason for huge expansion of exported wine, especially from Bordeaux between 17th to 19th centuries?
Draining of the marshes in the Médoc by Dutch engineers in the 17th century providing extensive land suitable for viticulture due
to the fast-draining gravelly soils revealed by this work
What were the major challenges for wine industry in France in 19th century?
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot and phylloxera
How did the area under vine changed in France since 1970s? Why?
- The total area under vine including for table
grapes and brandy fell by one third between 1970 and the early 2010s - Through the impetus of the EU vine pull scheme
The latitude of the grape growing regions in France ranges from:
42–49° N
What is the most common training method and planting density in France
-With the exception of the continued use of bush vines in parts of the south of France, virtually all French vineyards are planted at high density with vines trained on trellises (Guyot with VSP)
What are the France top ten grape varieties, in terms of hectares planted?
- Merlot
- Ugni Blanc (for Cognac and Armagnac)
- Grenache Noir
- Syrah
- Chardonnay
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Carignan
- Pinot Noir
- Sauvignon Blanc
Why is chaptalisation becoming less in recent years?
- A warmer climate
- Better canopy management
Where are the the institutions supporting viticulture and vinification located in France?
- Bordeaux
- Montpellier
Which Institute shaped in French wine industry?
INAO (founded 1935; originally Institut national des appellations d’origine, now called Institut national de l’origine
et de la qualité
