France Flashcards
1
Q
What is the dominant grape variety in the Haut-Medoc?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
2
Q
Which grape variety is the dominant grape variety in Saint-Emilion?
A
Merlot
3
Q
Which is the highest level of Grand Cru classification in Saint-Emilion?
A
Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe A
4
Q
What is the most widely planted grape variety in the whole of Bordeaux?
A
Merlot
5
Q
What is the dominant grape variety in the appellation Blaye?
A
Merlot
6
Q
What white grape varieties are permitted under Bordeaux AOC law?
A
Sauvignon Blanc (gris), Semillon, Muscadelle, Ugni Blanc, Colombard, Merlot Blanc
7
Q
Why is Semillon used to make sweet wines?
A
Thin skinned, affinity for noble rot
8
Q
What is blended with semillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Leognan and Graves? What is Semillon’s role in these blends?
A
Sauvignon Blanc - Semillon adds body
9
Q
What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux?
A
Citrus and green fruit
10
Q
What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends?
A
It adds acidity
11
Q
What is the importance of Sauvignon Blanc in sweet wines of Bordeaux?
A
It adds a necessary acidity to balance sweetness
12
Q
What flavors does Muscadelle have?
A
Pronounced grapey, floral flavors
13
Q
What role does Muscadelle play in Bordeaux?
A
It plays an important role in sweet and dry white wines of Bordeaux (it makes up a small percentage of the blend)
14
Q
What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux?
A
Fresh and fruity. Some show hints of oak.
15
Q
How are less expensive dry Bordeaux whites generally vinified?
A
Fermented in temp controlled, inert vessels with minimal further aging.
16
Q
How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?
A
Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels
17
Q
What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?
A
They have a richness and concentrated nutty flavor overlaying the fruit
18
Q
How are many of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux made? what has happened to the fruit?
A
The fruit used has been affected by noble rot
19
Q
How are the best examples of Bordeaux sweet wines fermented and matured?
A
They are fermented and matured in new oak barrels for anything up to 3 years
20
Q
Which appellation covers most of the area between the Dordogne and the Garonne?
A
Entre-Deux-Mers
21
Q
On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was approached to produce an official list of their best red wines from the Medoc and white wines from Sauternes - this is now known as what?
A
The 1855 Classification
22
Q
How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Sauternes?
A
Three
23
Q
Which Chateau occupies the top rank of Sauternes in the 1855 classification?
A
Chateau d’Yquem
24
Q
How are the wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan) classified?
A
They are classified within a separate list (for red and white) entitling them to be called ‘Cru Classes’
25
Which Bordeaux appellation can only produce dry white wines?
Entre-Deux-Mers
26
How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Medoc?
five
27
Which Chateaux are listed in the top rank of the 1855 classification for Medoc?
Chateaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux and Mouton Rothschild, together with Chateau Haut-Brion from the Graves
28
Because the 1855 Classification accounted for only a very small number of the estates of the Medoc, what further classification was later introduced for the other Chateaux?
A further classification of Cru Bourgeois was later introduced for the other chateaux
29
How are Chateaux classified in Cru Bourgeois and how often is this reviewed?
Chateaux are classified as belonging to one of three tiers, ascending in prestige: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. The classification is reviewed every five years.
30
Bordeaux classification do not rank individual vineyards, but individual...what?
Estates (or Chateaux)
31
What are the two classifications within the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru appellation?
1. Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe
2. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe
32
How often can reclassification occur in the Saint-Emilion classification system?
once every 10 years (at least)
33
Name the major appellation of production in the Dordogne.
Bergerac
34
Historically, 'black' wines were associated with which AOC?
Cahors
35
Cahors is situated on both banks of which river?
River Lot
36
Which grape would you associate with Madiran?
Tannat
37
Complex sweet white wines crafted from Petit Manseng are associated with which region?
Jurancon
38
In the Dordogne, which is a great source of cheap botrytised sweet wine?
Monbazillac
39
The 2 grapes associated with the production of Monbazillac are what?
Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc
40
Light-bodied whites in Cotes de Gascogne usually hail from which grape?
Ugni Blanc
41
Which grape is associated with Cahors?
Malbec
42
Generally speaking, what are characteristics of the best wines from Cahors?
At their best, the wines are aged in oak, deeply colored, high in tannin, with intense, dark berry fruits. They mature slowly to reveal notes of cedar and earth.
43
What white grape variety accounts for nearly half the total vineyard area of Burgundy?
Chardonnay
44
Around 15 years ago, what problem started to appear in some Burgundian Chardonnays?
Some Chardonnays were not aging as expected. Some bottles of premium wines showed signs of premature oxidation. this is now an established problem in Burgundy, no vineyard or winery-based cause has been identified.
45
Where is Chablis located in Burgundy?
Chablis is a village appellation that lies in the valley of the river Serein in the Northernmost part of Burgundy.
46
What is the major climatic problem of Chablis and what two protective measures are used to combat it?
The major climatic problem of Chablis is frost. Sprinklers and heaters are both used as protective measures.
47
What is the only grape permitted to be grown Chablis?
Chardonnay
48
What appellation do all white Grand Crus (with the exception of one) of the Cote d'Or come from?
Cote de Beaune
49
What 3 villages in the Cote de Beaune have the highest reputation for their white wines?
1. Meursault
2. Puligny-Montrachet
3. Chassagne-Montrachet
50
What village appellation of the Cote Chalonnaise only produce white wine?
Montagny
51
What is the most widely planted grape of the Maconnais?
Chardonnay
52
Describe the typical characteristics of a 'better' white wine from Macon.
The better white wines show a good balance of fresh apple or citrus fruit, medium acidity and medium to full body. There may be a hint of creaminess from MLC.
53
Wines labelled Macon Village or Macon, followed by the name of a particular village are what?
white wines that generally represent excellent value for money
54
How much of the total vineyard area in Burgundy does Pinot Noir account for?
Pinot Noir accounts for over a third of the total vineyard area
55
In Burgundy, where are the most important plantings of Pinot Noir found?
The most important plantings are in the Cote d'Or
56
What are the characteristics of a classic Burgundian Pinot Noir?
Classic Burgundian Pinot Noir has a red fruit flavors in youth that evolve into flavors of earth, game and mushrooms as the wine matures. The wines tend to have high levels of tannins, but this can vary according to the vineyard, the producer and the village.
57
For the best burgundian Pinot Noir wines, what is the normal expectation for barrel aging?
For the best wines, 16 to 18 months barrel aging is normal. Generally speaking, the better wines will aged in a proportion of new oak, although this will depend on the producer
58
What 3 village appellations of the Cote Chalonnaise produce red wines?
1. Rully
2. Mercurey
3. Givry
59
What is the typical style of Pinot Noir from the Cote de Beaune?
Generally fruiter than Cote de Nuits
60
Where are the majority of the Grand Cru Pinot Noir sites?
Cote de Nuits
61
What are the 4 key villages in the Cote de Nuits mentioned in the WSET Level 3 text?
Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee, and Nuit-Saint-Georges
62
What color can Cote de Nuits-Villages wine be?
red and white
63
What color must Cote de Beaune-Villages wine be?
red only
64
What black grape varieties grown in the Maconnais region?
Gamay and Pinot Noir
65
What is the recently introduced appellation for wines that can be red or white and produced from any of the villages in the Cote d'Or?
Bourgogne Cote d'Or
66
What are the two most generic appellations in Burgundy?
Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc
67
Approximately how much of Burgundy's wine production is from premiers cru vineyards?
a tenth
68
Approximately how much of Burgundy's wine production is from grand cru vineyards?
a little more than 1%
69
How many grand cru vineyards are there in the Cote d'Or?
32
70
How many grand cru vineyards are there in Chablis?
1
71
The wines of Chablis Premier Cru and Chablis Grand Cru tend to come from what sort of sites?
Hillside sites with better (south-facing) aspects.
72
Beaujolais Nouveau is released to the public on which day?
The 3rd Thursday in November each year
73
How many villages have the right to call their wine Beaujolais Villages?
39
74
How many villages in Beaujolais are allocated the Cru designation?
10
75
What is the only grape variety permitted in the red wines of Beaujolais?
Gamay
76
The four Beaujolais Crus with the greatest production are:
Brouilly, Morgon, Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent
77
Describe a typical Beaujolais AOC wine
Fragrant red wine with light tannins and body. Fresh red fruit character.
78
What is carbonic maceration?
A whole bunch fermentation technique used for Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau that results in wines with low tannin, bright color and flavors of kirsch, banana and Bubblegum.
79
Which style of Beaujolais always uses carbonic maceration?
Beaujolais Nouveau
80
Describe a typical wine from Morgon or Moulin-à-Vent?
Higher fruit concentration and tannin than typical Beaujolais AOC wines. More aging potential.
81
Describe the soils in the Beaujolais Cru areas?
Granite soils with low levels of nutrients
82
Describe a typical wine from Brouilly or Fluerie AOCs
Lighter and more perfumed than Morgon or MaV but still having intensity of flavor not seen in many Beaujolais AOC wines.
83
Describe wine production in the Beaujolais crus
A range of techniques may be used. Some producers use semi-carbonic maceration. Others use crushed fruit. Some producers use large oak vessels. Use of new oak is rare.
84
What are the 'noble' varieties of Alsace?
Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat
85
What labelling terms can be used in Alsace to indicate a wine is made from a blend of grape varieties?
These wines are either labelled 'Edelzwicker' or 'Gentil' or otherwise they carry a producer's brand name
86
Describe the typical characteristics of the best Riesling wines from Alsace
The best are medium-full bodied, dry, with med alcohol, high acidity and display citrus and stone fruit aromas, often with pronounced stony/steely character
87
describe the typical characteristics of a Gewurztraminer from Alsace
renowned for pungent aromatic spicy nose, reminiscent of lychees, roses and sweet baking spices. They tend to be full-bodied with a rich oily texture, low to med acidity and high alcohol
88
What are the notable differences between Pinot Gris from Alsace and Gewurztraminer from Alsace?
Pinot Gris often has more acidity than Gewurztraminer. Pinot Gris is normally less aromatic than Gewurztraminer.
89
describe the typical charcteristics of the 'best' pinot gris wines from Alsace.
They are rich, full-bodied and high in alcohol with med to high acidity. On the palate they can be richly textured and have pronounced flavor intensity with fresh and dried fruits and a honeyed character.
90
What are the full names of the two grapes generally referred to as Muscat which are grown in Alsace?
1. Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains
2. Muscat Ottonel
91
describe the typical characteristics of a quality wine made from Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains.
These wines are intensely aromatic with flavors of orange blossom, rose and grape. They tend to have a light to med body and low-med acidity.
92
A wine labelled VT denotes what?
Late harvest (Vendanges Tardives)
93
In Alsace the most planted of the noble varieties is...?
Riesling
94
Compared to German Rieslings, Alsatian counterparts typically show less of what?
less floral characters
95
Which grape grown in Alsace typically has a light pink tinge to the skin?
Gewurztraminer
96
Why is Muscat Ottonel more widely planted than Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains?
Can be relied on to crop more regularly. Muscat Blanc is prone to poor fruit set and rot.
97
As of the 2021 harvest, what must producers in Alsace now indicate? Where?
All producers must now indicate the level of sweetness of their wine on the back label.
98
What are the 4 sub-regions of the Loire Valley from east to west?
The central Vineyards, Touraine, Anjou-Saumur, Nantais
99
What is the IGP of the Loire?
Val de Loire
100
What is the climate of the Central Vineyard region?
Cool continental
101
What is the climate of the Nantais region?
Cool maritime
102
What is the main white grape of the Central Vineyards?
Sauvignon Blanc
103
Which two white grape varieties are grown in the Touraine region?
Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc
104
What are the 3 sub-regions of the Central Vineyards?
Menetou-Salon, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumè
105
What styles of wine are made with Chenin Blanc?
Dry, sweet, still, sparkling
106
Describe a typical Savennieres.
Dry, full-bodied and complex Chenin Blanc able to age for decades in the bottle
107
Describe Coteaux du Layon wines
Renowned sweet white wines, produced with noble rot affected Chenin Blanc
108
The notable grape variety of the Nantais region is...?
Melon Blanc
109
Name 2 sub-regions of the Nantais.
Muscadet, Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
110
What is the maximum abv of Muscadet wines?
12% ABV
111
Which appellation to west of Sancerre is known for crafting similar styles of Sauvignon Blanc at more moderate prices?
Menetou-Salon
112
Where can Rosé de Loire be produced?
Rosé de Loire can be produced in both Anjou-Saumur and Touraine, but in practice it is mainly made in Anjou-Saumur
113
Which are the 2 most widely-planted black grapes in the Loire Valley?
Cabernet Franc and Gamay
114
Sancerre rosé must be made from which black grape variety?
Pinot Noir
115
Which structural feature is common to all Loire Valley Chenin Blanc?
High acidity
116
Cabernet Franc wines from Saumur-Champigny are known to have what organoleptic feature?
Floral characters - particularly violet
117
Which 2 rosé winemaking methods are used to produce this style in the Loire valley?
Direct pressing, short maceration on skins
118
What are the 4 sub-regions of Touraine?
Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, and Touraine
119
What are the 4 sub-regions of Anjou-Saumur?
Savennieres, Anjou, Saumur, and Coteaux du Layon
120
What is the only black grape variety permitted in the northern Rhône?
Syrah
121
Describe the typical characteristics of red wines from the Northern Rhône
1. Deeply colored, Med-high levels of tannins, black fruits, and sometimes black pepper or floral aromas.
2. The use of oak is dependent on the winemaker; some use a high proportion of new oak for their best wines whereas others prefer to use older oak or larger barrels.
3. Fermenting Syrah with white varieties has traditionally been practiced in a number of the crus, but this technique is now rarely seen.
122
Describe the typical characteristics of wine made from Viognier
Full-bodied white wines. Aromas of blossom and apricots, and flavors of stone fruits. Low acidity, high alcohol as the grapes do not develop their signature aromas until very late in the season when they have reached a very high level of sugar ripeness. New oak is increasingly being used.
123
Which 2 white grapes are typically blended together in this Rhône region? describe their basic character.
Marsanne and Roussanne are usually blended together. Marsanne has richness and weight whereas Roussanne offers acidity and a perfumed fruit character. They can age well and develop complex hazelnut aromas.
124
Describe the viticultural landscape of the Northern Rhône regions.
The best sites occupy narrow and steep south-facing vineyard land, planted close to the river. Some sites in Crozes-Hermitage are on flatter land producing the lightest wines of Northern Rhône.
125
What are the 5 sub-regions of Northern Rhône north to south?
Côte-Rôtie, Condrieu, Saint-Joseph, Crozes-Hermitage, Hermitage, and Cornas
126
Which is the most widely planted grape in the Southern Rhône?
Grenache
127
Which Cru of the Southern Rhône is the largest and was the first to be granted Appellation Controlee status?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape (CDP)
128
How many grape varieties are allowed in CDP?
13
129
Which grape is typically the dominant in CDP blends?
Grenache
130
Which appellation accounts for more than half of the Southern Rhône's production alone?
Côtes du Rhône
131
Name the 2 southern crus situated on the west bank of the Rhône?
Lirac and Tavel
132
Which Rhône appellation specializes in the production of dry rosés?
Tavel AOC
133
What is a galet?
a large stone
134
Which appellation do we associate with galets?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
135
What is a soil characteristic for many of the best vineyard sites in the Southern Rhône?
Many (but by no means all) of the best sites have very stony soils that absorb the sun's heat and warm the vineyard, aiding ripening.
136
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
It is Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm dry summers when drought can be a problem.
137
What is the name of the north wind that can cause problems in the Southern Rhône?
The Mistral
138
How are Grenache vine commonly trained in the Southern Rhône and why?
For the most part, Grenache is bush-trained low to the ground to offer protection for the wind and to benefit from the warmth of the soil
139
Because of warm summers, what flavor characteristics can be found from Grenache in wine?
The warm summers mean that Grenache can ripen fully here, producing wines with concentrated spiced red fruit flavors
140
In hot years, what can result in the fruit flavor produced by grenache?
The fruit flavors can become baked and jammy
141
When considering black grapes in the southern Rhône, what 2 grapes play the most prominent supporting role to Grenache?
Syrah and Mourvèdre
142
When fully ripened, what characteristics can develop from Mourvèdre?
It can develop dense black fruit flavors as well as gamey and meaty aromas that are highly prized by many top producers, especially in CDP
143
What grape can be blended with Grenache to produce fresh, fruity rosé wine in the Southern Rhône?
Cinsault
144
Despite the variety of grapes and winemaking techniques used, what must all winemakers consider when creating a wine in the southern Rhône?
All winemakers must find a way of managing potentially high tannins and high alcohol levels in order to produce a balanced wine
145
Generally speaking, what are the characteristics of the best white wines from the Southern Rhône?
They are usually richly textured and full-bodied, high in alcohol, with low-med acidity and subtle fruity aromas. New oak is rarely used.
146
What must be considered for a village to be able to call their red and, in some cases, white and rosé wines, côte du Rhône Villages?
To qualify, more stringent minimum alcohol levels and maximum yields must be adhered to, and a greater percentage of the blend must be made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre.
147
What are the 2 most long-standing crus that lie in and around the hills to the east of Châteauneuf?
Gigondas and Vacqueyras
147
What is Beaumes de Venise's separate AC called for its fortified Muscats?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
148
What style of wine is Lirac best known for?
While it also produced rosés, Lirac is better known for top-quality red and white wines in the style of CDP
149
What is the grape variety Cinsault mostly used for in Southern France?
Rosé production or to add red fruit flavors to red blends
150
What are the 3 'main' wine regions of Southern France?
1. Languedoc
2. Roussillon
3. Provence
151
Describe the general climate of Southern France
Warm mediterranean climate with high summer temps often in excess of 30C, mild winters and low rainfall levels, especially during the growing season.
152
Which two winds are known to impact Southern France vineyards?
The Mistral and The Tramontane
153
How do vineyards planted inland, in the foothills of the mountains, differ from those on the coastal plain?
Vineyards planted inland are noticeably cooler than those on the coastal plain and often have less fertile, well-drained soils that are better suited to quality viticulture
154
What is generally considered to be the biggest grape growing challenge in Southern France?
Drought
155
What are considered the 2 most important black grapes grown in Southern France?
Grenache and Syrah
156
Describe the typical characteristics of Carignan
Carignan is a widely grown black grape variety in Southern France. Naturally high in tannin, acidity and colour but can lack fruit or finesse, although old vine Carignan on poor soil can produce quality wines. It has the ability to produce enormous yields.
157
What are the 2 most widely planted white grapes in Southern France?
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
158
Most widely planted local white grapes in Southern France?
Muscat and Grenache Blanc
159
Describe a typical wine produced from Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc makes dry wines that have a soft peachy fruitiness, full body and low acidity, but tend to oxidise easily. It is often blended with other local or Rhône varieties.
160
The vineyards of the départements of Aude, Hérault and Gard are traditionally known as:
Languedoc
161
The vineyards of the Départements Pyrénées-Orientales are traditionally known as:
Roussillon
162
What 4 grapes produce the majority of red wines in Languedoc?
Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and to a lesser extent Mourvèdre
163
what is the largest appellation in Provence?
Côte de Provence
164
Describe the wines typically found in Bandol
Premium reds based on the Mourvèdre grape, which is able to ripen reliably on the region's south-facing terraced slopes. There are dark, full-bodied wines with powerful tannins. They require bottle age before they show their full spectrum of bramble, meat and liquorice-spice flavours
165
What are the grapes Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot predominantly used for in Southern France?
IGP wines
166
Which local white grape is planted in the appellation of Picpoul de Pinet?
Piquepoul
167
Describe the terrain and climate of Côtes du Roussilon.
Rugged and Mountainous. Bright sunlight, low rainfall and strong winds.
