France Flashcards
Where does France rank in global wine production?
Top 2 globally
France is among the top two countries in terms of wine production volume.
What is the “Declaration de Recolte” and in what year?
The government required growers to submit stats on how much wine is made each year and what was held in stock starting in 1905
-Later on producers we also required to record how much sugar was used in chaptalization
-also a legal definition of wine was created: “alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes or grape juice”
What role did Phylloxera play in the development of wine laws?
Phylloxera had a central role in the development of wine laws.
By how much did French wine production drop in the 1880s?
Production dropped by almost 50%.
What was the impact of the 1880s decline on the French export market?
Destroyed French export market; went from being a net exporter 8 to 1 in 1870 to importing 12 million hectoliters and exporting 2 in 1880.
What market effect resulted from the decline in French wine production?
Created a vacuum at the low end of the market.
What happened to bad wine that used to be destined for vinegar or distillation?
Bad wine went to market.
What must wine producers record in relation to chaptalization?
Wine producers must record how much sugar was used in chaptalization.
What is the legal definition of wine according to French Wine Laws?
Wine is defined as made ‘exclusively from the alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes or grape juice.’
What year was the Service de la Repression des Fraudes set up
1905
when were the riots in Champagne?
1911
The first group to organize against fraud in France was:
79 growers in Chablis in 1900
-formed a powerful union
-then in Medoc leading to AOC in 30 years
What was the initial action taken by quality growers in France?
Quality growers were up in arms.
Which region’s growers first organized against fraudulent wine practices?
79 growers in Chablis organized in 1900.
What significant union was formed in the Medoc?
A very powerful union of producers was formed.
What law did the actions of the growers ultimately lead to?
The passing of the law which would lead to AOC 30 years later.
What was the purpose of the growers’ statement?
It was a statement in principle against the fraudulent use of names or descriptions.
