France Flashcards
What is the second largest wine producing region by volume?
France
Why were appellations created in France?
In response to the flood of fraudulent and adulterated wines during and after the Phylloxera crisis
What 6 areas does appellation law cover?
- production area
- permitted vine varieties and
- ripeness and alcoholic strength
- viticultural practices
- yields
- wine making practices
What is the French for PDO and the traditional term used?
Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP)
Tradition term: Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC or AC)
What the the French for PGI?
Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)
What is the largest AC region in France both in terms of volume and value?
Bordeaux
What is the climate in Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime (benefits from warming effect of the Gulf Stream)
What protects Bordeauxs vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?
The Landes forest and sand dunes
Why is vintage variation important in Bordeaux?
High rainfall
What are the 2 biggest vineyard concerns in Bordeaux?
Fungal disease and variable ripeness (both caused by high rainfall and cloud cover)
How many grape varieties are permitted in Bordeaux?
13
What 3 black and 2 white grapes predominate in Bordeaux?
BLACK Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot Petit Verdot
WHITE
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
Why does Cabernet Sauvignon only reliably ripen in Haut Médoc, Bas-Médoc and the Graves?
The high stone/gravel content reflects heat back into the vineyard
What does Cabernet Sauvignon add to Bordeaux blends?
Tannin, affinity for oak and a core of black currant fruits
Where is Cabernet Franc mainly grown in Bordeaux?
Saint-Emilion
What is the last widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux?
Merlot
What does merlot add to Bordeaux blends?
Softness, richness and body (lacks character on own unless yields are very low)
What does petit Verdot add to a Bordeaux blend?
Tannin, colour and some exotic spicy notes
What is the most widely planted white variety in Bordeaux?
Sémillon
What are the key characteristics of sémillon?
Thin skinned with an affinity for noble rot. Gives wine golden colour and body. Has affinity for oak and ages well
What type of wines does Sauvignon Blanc produce in Bordeaux?
Distinctly herbaceous, grassy and the elderflower aromas
What does Sauvignon add to wines when blended with Sémillon?
High acid to counterbalance sémillons potential flabbiness
Characterise Muscadelle
Grapey, floral flavour
When are most wines in Bordeaux blended?
In the spring following their vintage
What are top quality Bordeaux reds aged in?
Small oak barriques of 225 litres
Describe the production method and character of premium white wines from Pessac Léognan
Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels, have a richness and concentrated nutty flavour overlaying the fruit
What districts are on the Left Bank in Bordeaux?
Médoc, Graves and Sauternes
Where is the Entre-Deux-Mers AC?
The area between the Dordogne and the Garonne
What are the principle districts of the right bank?
Saint-Emilion and Pomerol
What differentiates Bordeaux rosé and clairet?
Bordeaux rosé is fresh and fruit whereas clairet undergoes longer mace ration and is deeper in colour and more full bodied
Which out of Médoc and the Graves lies to the north of the city of Bordeaux and which to the south?
Médic north
The Graves south
Within the sub regions of the Médoc and the Graves, where are the best quality reds produced? What are these wines like
Haut-Médoc and Pessac-Léognan
Very structured with high tannin and acid, a concentrated core of blackcurrant fruit overlaid with flavours of a toasted oak, age to develop cigar box and cedar aromas
What is the soil type in Bas-Médoc?
Predominantly clay with significant outcrops of gravel
From where do all but one of the 1855 classification reds come from?
Haut-Médoc AC
Name the 4 châteaux with the highest reputations in Haut-Médoc
Saint-Estèphe AC
Pauillac AC
Saint-Julien AC
Margaux AC
What are the soils of Pessac-Léognan AC like?
Gravelly and well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the reds of Pessac-Léognan AC like?
Lighted in body and more fragrant than those of Hait-Médoc, mature more quickly
What are reds from Graves AC like?
Similar style to those of Pessac-Léognan AC but less concentrated and complex, usually more merlot
What 2 graves dominated right bank wines in Bordeaux?
Merlot and to a lesser extent Cabernet Franc
What 3 distinct soils types are in Saint-Emilion?
Warm well drained gravel and limestone soils on plateau to north and west of town of Saint-Emilion
Clay limestone soils on escarpment to south and east of town
Sandy soils at foot of escapement
Characterise the wines of Saint-Emilion
Moderate to high tannin, soft and rich mouthfeel, complex red berry and plum aromas that develop to tobacco and cedar
Why can Pomerols fetch a higher price than Saint-Emilions?
Tiny estates in Pomerol means wines gain value due to their rarity
Name 2 vineyard with very high reputations in Pomerol
Pétrus and Le Pin
How do Pomerols differ in style to Saint-Emilions?
Tend to be richer with a spicier blackberry fruit character
What are garagistes (Bordeaux)
Wines made in tiny quantities from small plots of land, but with no expense spared in the vineyard or the winery
Name for satellite appellations of Saint-Emilion
Lausanne Montagne Puisseguin Saint-George These can add the name before test of Saint-Emilion
What wine producing areas in Bordeaux come under Côtes de Bordeaux?
Blaye
Cadillac
Castillon
Francs
What do Côtes de Bordeaux wines tend to be like?
Merlot based and meant for early drinking
Where are very best whites from in Bordeaux?
Pessac-Léognan
What’re are the top sweet wine appellations of Bordeaux grouped?
On the banks of the Garonne and its tributary the Ciron
Where is Sauternes AC?
On the West Bank of the Garonne
Where added, what does Muscadelle add to a Sauternes?
Exotic perfume
How would a Sauterne usually be characterised?
High in alcohol, lusciously sweet, balanced with high acidity, unique orange marmalade flavours of botrytis with notes of apricot, honey and vanilla
What are the four satellite appellations of Sauternes?
Cérons AC
Loupiac AC
St-Croix-du-Mont AC
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AC
What is the Bordeaux trade structure known as?
La place de Bordeaux
Which 2 châteaux qualify as Saint-Emilion Premier Grnad Cru Classé A?
Château Cheval Blanc
Château Ausone
Who manages transactions between producers and négociants (merchants) in Bordeaux?
Courtiers (brokers)
Where in south west France can you get good value botrysised sweet wine?
Monbazillac AC
Saussignac AC
Haut-Montravel AC
What is the climate like in the vineyards to the east of entre-deux-mers in the Dordogne?
Similar to Bordeaux but with less moderating maritime influence
Name the 2 key AC wines for Bordeaux copies in south west France
Bergerac
Monbazillac
Names the 3 main grape varieties of Bergerac used in Bordeaux copies
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Name the 2 key grape varieties used in the Bordeaux copies of Monbazillac
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
What is the most important grape variety in Cahors AC? (In the upper valley of the Lot east of Bordeaux)
Malbec (blends must be at least 70%)
What are the best wines of Cahors AC in south west France like?
Aged in oak, deeply coloured, high in tannin with intense dark berry fruits which age to reveal notes of cedar and Earth
What are the wines of Côtes de Gascogne (south east of Bordeaux) usually like?
Aromatic, crisp white wines made from Armagnac varieties with aromas and flavours of green apple
What grape are the wines of Madiran AC made of (South west France towards the Pyrenees)
Tannat- blends that are deeply coloured and very high in tannin
What grape are the sweet white wines of Jurançon AC made of and how can they be characterised?
Petit Manseng
Complex, high in acid, free of botrytis (undergo passerillage), apricot and grapefruit aromas sometimes with new oak
Name the 3 key wines of South-West France
Cahors AC
Madiran AC
Côtes de Gascogne AC
What are the 3 key red grape varieties of Cahors AC?
Malbec
Merlot
Tannat
What is the main grape variety of Madiran AC?
Tan at
In what year was the classification of Médoc and Sauternes?
1855
In what year was the classification of Saint-Emilion, grand cru?
1955
In what year was the classification of graves?
1959
What is the climate in burgundy?
Northern continental- winters can be severe and summers are hot. Low rainfall (around 650mm pa average), this is frequent at vintage time
What climatic hazards face growers in burgundy?
Spring frosts
Summer train causing grey rot
Summer hail
Where does the main vineyard region of burgundy lie?
On the eastern fringe of the Massif Central (this acts as a protective barrier)
What soil types are predominate where Chardonnay is fed in burgundy?
Calcareous clay soils
What soil types predominate where Pinot noir is found in burgundy?
Limy marl
Where are the best vineyard sites found in burgundy?
Mid slope which catch the deepest layer of slope wash and act as sun traps
How much of the total vineyard area of burgundy does Pinot noir account for?
Over a third
Describe a classic Burgundian Pinot Noir
In youth red fruit flavours that evolve into vegetal and savoury, gamey noted. Tannin and acidity vary from medium to high, tannins are rarely to astringent. Usually full bodied due to natural ripeness or must enrichment
Despite similar size bunches, why is Chardonnay less prone to rot than Pinot Noir in Burgundy?
Chardonnay bunches are longer and less compact
How much vineyard area does Chardonnay account for in burgundy?
Almost half
What wines is aligoté used in in burgundy?
Bourgogne aligoté and sparkling wines
How much vineyard area does aligoté account for in burgundy?
About 5%
What wines does gamey contribute to in burgundy?
Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire
Bourgogne Passetoutgrains AC
Reds of Mâcconais
How are most Burgundian vines trained?
Low along wires according to the single guyot system
What issue does the cool autumns and cold winters of burgundy cause?
If musts are not warmed fermentation may cease, even in whites!
How are top quality reds in burgundy aged?
Generally 16-18 months barrel ageing, generally better wines will only be aged in a proportion of new oak
For how long are white burgundys usually barrel aged?
6-9 months
What character should the best White burgundys have?
The character of the vineyard should shine through, best wines intense and complex flavours with a firm acid based structure which allow these whites to age
Where is Bourgogne Aligoté AC largely produced
In the Chablis region, in certain villages in the Côte d’Or and on the Côte Chalonnaise
What are the key characteristics of Bourgogne Aligoté AC wine?
High in acidity and comparatively low in alcohol
What is at the base of the hierarchy of Burgundy appellations?
Regional ACs
What is the next step after regional ACs in the hierarchy of Burgundy appellations?
Commune ACs
What is at the top of the hierarchy of Bungundy ACs?
Single Vineyard ACs: premier cru and grand crus
In burgundy, how much of productions do Regional AC wines account for?
Half
In Burgundy, how much of production do Commune ACs account for?
About a third
In Burgundy, how much of production do premier crus account for?
Around 1/10
In Burgundy, how much of production do grand crus account for?
Little more than 1%
In what region do the communal appellations of Chablis lie?
Yonne Region
In which river valley does Chablis lie, surrounded by hills?
River Serein
On what soil type do the best vineyards in Chablis lie?
Limestone overlaid with a layer of kimmeridgian clay which is very rich in marine fossils
What is a major climate problem in Chablis?
Frost
What is the only grasp permitted in Chablis?
Chardonnay
What are the 3 best know Chablis Premier Cru ACs?
Montée de Tonnerre
Vaillons
Fourchaume
What are the 7 vineyards and one brand that can produce Chablis Grand Cru wines?
Les Clos Vaudésir Valmur Les Preuses Bougros Blanchot Grenouilles La Moutonne (brand)
Where do the vineyards of the Côte d’Or Region lie?
In a narrow band on the slopes facing east or south east to gain maximum benefit from the rising sun whilst being protected by the Morovan hills behind
What soil type is there in the Côte d’Or region?
Mix of limestone and mark
What pruning method is predominant in the Côte d’Or region?
Guyot
What 2 parts is the Côte d’Or split into?
Côte de Nuits in the north
Côte de Beaune in the South
What grape is sued to make Côte de Nuits Villages and Côte de Beaune Villages?
Pinot Noir
Name the 4 key villages of the Côte de Nuits
Gevrey Chambertin AC
Vougeot AC
Vosne-Romanée AC
Nuits-Saint-Georges AC
Name 7 important villages on the Côte de Beaune
Alone-Corton AC Beaune AC Pommard AC Volnay AC Meursault AC Puligny-Montrachet AC Chassagne-Montrachet AC
What 3 villages have the highest reputation fork their white wines on the Côtes de Beaune?
Meursault
Puligny-Montrachet
Chassagne-Montrachet
Why is Coté de Beaune Villages AC very important for négociants?
It can be blended in large quantities
What are the ones of the Saône-et-Loire region like?
Similar to the wines of the Côte d’Or but tend to age more quickly
What are the key AC wines of the Côte Chalonnaise?
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
Rully, Mercurey, Givry
Montagny (only whites)
Where in burgundy is dairy farming as important as wine making due to the limestone rich soils?
The Mâcconais Region
What grapes are allowed in Mâcon AC wine?
Chardonnay, gamay, Pinot noir
What characteristics do Mâcon wines tend to display?
Good balance of fresh apple or citrus fruit, crisp acidity and medium to full body maybe with a hint of creaminess from malolactic fermentation
What is the most famous communal appellation of the Mâconnais region?
Pouilly-Fuissé AC
What are the key characteristics of Pouilly-Fuissé AC?
Amongst the richest whites in burgundy, high alcohol, ripe and full bodied, peach and melon fruit combined with savoury nutty flavours of new oak
Where in burgundy are co-operative cellars of particular importance?
Yonne and Mâcconais
What separates Alsace geographically from France and Germany?
Vosges Mountains to the west and the River Rhine to the east
What 2 départments is A,Sade split into?
Haut-Rhin to the south
Bas-Rhin to the north
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool continental bout with long autumns. Vosges Mountains protect the area from the prevailing westerly rain bearing winds making it France’s driest region with as little as 500mm of rain Pa.
Where are the best vineyards in Alsace?
On steepest slopes with east or south east aspect
What is the key factor that contributes to the broad range of styles of wine in Alsace?
It’s variety of soils due to its geological complexity
How are vines on the slopes in Alsace trained?
Low to benefit from radiated near and orientated to maximise vines exposure to the sun
How are vines trained on the plain in Alsace?
High to minimise risk of Spring frost, double guyot pruning is common
What are the 7 most important grape varieties in Alsace?
Riesling Gewurztraminer Pinot Gris Muscat Pinot Blanc Sylvaner Pinot Noir
What are the 2 ACs for still wine called in Alsace?
Alsace AC
Alsace Grand Cru AC
What percentage of wine production in Alsace is Alsace AC?
Over 70%
What are the 4 noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling
Muscat
Gewurtztraminer
Pinot Gris
What does Vendange Tardive (VT) mean in Alsace?
Late harvest
What does Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) mean in Alsace?
Selection of Nobly Rotten grapes
Are most Alsatian wines blends or varietally labelled?
Varietally labelled?
What are most Alsatian wines like traditionally?
Dry with a full body, notable spicy flavour accompanies fruit
What % of noble variety planting season does Riesling account for in Alsace?
Just over 20%
What are the best Alsatian Riesling like?
Traditionally full bodied, dry with medium/medium+ alcohol, high acidity, and a pronounced flinty mineral character. Now seeing more with residual sugar
What is Riesling particularly good at expressing?
Different soil types
How can Alsatian Gewurtztraminer been characterised?
Full bodied with rich oily texture, medium to low acidity and high alcohol, pungent aromatic spicy nose (lychee, roses and sweet baking spices)
What food does Gewurtztraminer compliment well?
Smoked fish, strong cheese and some Chinese or Thai dishes
How can Alsatian Pinot Gris be characterised?
Rich, full bodied, high in alcohol, richly textured with flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruits and a smokey and honey character
Why is Muscat becoming increasingly rare in Alsace?
It is prone to coulure and rot, gives inconsistent yields
What 2 grapes are grown on the plain in Alsace and tend to be blended?
Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois
What are Alsatian Pinot Noirs like?
Lack the weight or concentration of Burgundian Pinot Noirs, at best light fruity reds or rosés
What grape is used in the wines of beaujolais?
Gamay
On what soils does gamay grow best?
Granite
What flavours does gamay give?
Raspberry and cherry fruit with very light tannin
What are the 10 Cru villages in Beaujolais?
Saint-Amour AC Juliénas AC Chénas AC Moulin-à-vent AC Chiroubles AC Fleurie AC Morgon AC Régnié AC Côte de Brouilly AC Brouilly AC
What grape is sued to make Côte de Nuits Villages and Côte de Beaune Villages?
Pinot Noir
Name the 4 key villages of the Côte de Nuits
Gevrey Chambertin AC
Vougeot AC
Vosne-Romanée AC
Nuits-Saint-Georges AC
Name 7 important villages on the Côte de Beaune
Alone-Corton AC Beaune AC Pommard AC Volnay AC Meursault AC Puligny-Montrachet AC Chassagne-Montrachet AC
What 3 villages have the highest reputation fork their white wines on the Côtes de Beaune?
Meursault
Puligny-Montrachet
Chassagne-Montrachet
Why is Coté de Beaune Villages AC very important for négociants?
It can be blended in large quantities
What are the ones of the Saône-et-Loire region like?
Similar to the wines of the Côte d’Or but tend to age more quickly
What are the key AC wines of the Côte Chalonnaise?
Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise
Rully, Mercurey, Givry
Montagny (only whites)
Where in burgundy is dairy farming as important as wine making due to the limestone rich soils?
The Mâcconais Region
What grapes are allowed in Mâcon AC wine?
Chardonnay, gamay, Pinot noir
What characteristics do Mâcon wines tend to display?
Good balance of fresh apple or citrus fruit, crisp acidity and medium to full body maybe with a hint of creaminess from malolactic fermentation
What is the most famous communal appellation of the Mâconnais region?
Pouilly-Fuissé AC
What are the key characteristics of Pouilly-Fuissé AC?
Amongst the richest whites in burgundy, high alcohol, ripe and full bodied, peach and melon fruit combined with savoury nutty flavours of new oak
Where in burgundy are co-operative cellars of particular importance?
Yonne and Mâcconais
What separates Alsace geographically from France and Germany?
Vosges Mountains to the west and the River Rhine to the east
What 2 départments is A,Sade split into?
Haut-Rhin to the south
Bas-Rhin to the north
What is the climate of Alsace?
Cool continental bout with long autumns. Vosges Mountains protect the area from the prevailing westerly rain bearing winds making it France’s driest region with as little as 500mm of rain Pa.
Where are the best vineyards in Alsace?
On steepest slopes with east or south east aspect
What is the key factor that contributes to the broad range of styles of wine in Alsace?
It’s variety of soils due to its geological complexity
How are vines on the slopes in Alsace trained?
Low to benefit from radiated near and orientated to maximise vines exposure to the sun
How are vines trained on the plain in Alsace?
High to minimise risk of Spring frost, double guyot pruning is common
What are the 7 most important grape varieties in Alsace?
Riesling Gewurztraminer Pinot Gris Muscat Pinot Blanc Sylvaner Pinot Noir
What are the 2 ACs for still wine called in Alsace?
Alsace AC
Alsace Grand Cru AC
What percentage of wine production in Alsace is Alsace AC?
Over 70%
What are the 4 noble varieties in Alsace?
Riesling
Muscat
Gewurtztraminer
Pinot Gris
What does Vendange Tardive (VT) mean in Alsace?
Late harvest
What does Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN) mean in Alsace?
Selection of Nobly Rotten grapes
Are most Alsatian wines blends or varietally labelled?
Varietally labelled?
What are most Alsatian wines like traditionally?
Dry with a full body, notable spicy flavour accompanies fruit
What % of noble variety planting season does Riesling account for in Alsace?
Just over 20%
What are the best Alsatian Riesling like?
Traditionally full bodied, dry with medium/medium+ alcohol, high acidity, and a pronounced flinty mineral character. Now seeing more with residual sugar
What is Riesling particularly good at expressing?
Different soil types
How can Alsatian Gewurtztraminer been characterised?
Full bodied with rich oily texture, medium to low acidity and high alcohol, pungent aromatic spicy nose (lychee, roses and sweet baking spices)
What food does Gewurtztraminer compliment well?
Smoked fish, strong cheese and some Chinese or Thai dishes
How can Alsatian Pinot Gris be characterised?
Rich, full bodied, high in alcohol, richly textured with flavour intensity with fresh and dried fruits and a smokey and honey character
Why is Muscat becoming increasingly rare in Alsace?
It is prone to coulure and rot, gives inconsistent yields
What 2 grapes are grown on the plain in Alsace and tend to be blended?
Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois
What are Alsatian Pinot Noirs like?
Lack the weight or concentration of Burgundian Pinot Noirs, at best light fruity reds or rosés
What grape is used in the wines of beaujolais?
Gamay
On what soils does gamay grow best?
Granite
What flavours does gamay give?
Raspberry and cherry fruit with very light tannin
What are the 10 Cru villages in Beaujolais?
Saint-Amour AC Juliénas AC Chénas AC Moulin-à-vent AC Chiroubles AC Fleurie AC Morgon AC Régnié AC Côte de Brouilly AC Brouilly AC
What is the third largest AC region in France?
The Loire
What is the second largest AC region in France?
The Rhône
How would you generally characterise Loire wine?
Fresh, light in body with simple fruit flavours
What is the climate of the Central vineyards in the Loire?
Cool continental
What is the climate in Anjou and the Nantais in the Loire?
Maritime due to the influence of the Atlantic
What has greatly reduced the importance of vintage variation in the Loire?
Improvements in canopy management
What is the third largest AC region in France?
The Loire
What is the second largest AC region in France?
The Rhône
How would you generally characterise Loire wine?
Fresh, light in body with simple fruit flavours
What is the climate of the Central vineyards in the Loire?
Cool continental
What is the climate in Anjou and the Nantais in the Loire?
Maritime due to the influence of the Atlantic
What has greatly reduced the importance of vintage variation in the Loire?
Improvements in canopy management
What grape variety is responsible for the greatest white wines of Touraine and Anjou-Saumur?
Chenin Blanc
On what soil type does Chenin Blanc grow best?
Limestone
How can Chenin Blanc be characterised?
Young wines vary from fresh apple to exotic fruit, can also express smoky mineral notes. They become richer, rounder and more honeyed with age
Why is Melon Blanc well suited to the Loire climate?
It ripens early and is frost resistant so suits the marginal climate found here
How is Sauvignon Blanc vinified in the Loire to avoid any overly herbaceous or fruity varietal character?
Fermentation temperature ps are kept low and takes place in old oak
Why is Cabernet franc well suited to the Loire?
It flowers and ripens early so is well suited to its marginal climate
How can Loire Cabernet francs be characterised?
Can be fragrant and fruit with light tannins and high acidity (drink lightly chilled) or can be made with more robust tannins and use of oak to make a more ambitious age worthy style
In what sub region of Loire do Sancerre and Pouilly Fume lie?
The Centre
Where in Loire do the vineyards of the centre lie?
At the eastern end
What is the climate of the Centre vineyards in the Loire like?
Distinctly continental with severe winter and hot summers
What is a recurrent problem in the Centre vineyards of the Loire?
Summer hail
What is the soil type in Sancerre AC?
Chalky, well drained and rich in marine fossils
How can most white Sancerre be characterised?
High in acidity, made from Sauvignon Blanc. Best can display gun smoky elements and evolve in bottle but most not suitable for ageing
What percentage of production in Sancerre AC is for reds and roses?
20%
From what grape are Sancerre AC reds and roses made?
Pinot Noir
What is the soil type in Pouilly-Fumé AC?
Chalky, well drained stoney soil like Sancerre AC but with more Flint
From where can you get a more moderately priced alternative to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé?
Menetou-Salon which is west and south of Sancerre
What is the soil type in Menetou-Salon?
Mostly hard and calcerous with some kimmeridgian clay outcrops
What grapes are used in Menetou-Salon?
Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
Where in Loire does the sub region of Touraine lie?
Between the Centre and Anjou-Saumur, it is 200km from the sea
What is the climate in Touraine?
A cross between maritime and continental with early spring warmth but not too high summer temperatures
What 2 main groups are the vineyards of Touraine split into?
Chiron and Bourgeil to the west where red wine is produced
Vouvray to the east where white wine is produced
What are the key AC wines of Touraine?
Touraine
Vouvray
Chinon
Bourgeois
What are the main grape varieties of Touraine AC?
Sauvignon blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Malbec
What is the main grape variety in Vouvray AC?
Chenin Blanc
What is the main grape variety of both Chinon AC and Bourgueil AC?
Cabernet Franc
How can the Chenin Blancs of Vouvray be characterised?
Range from still, pétillant and sparkling, dry to in the finest years lusciously sweet
What is the soil type in Vouvray?
Chalky limestone full of marine creatures, very porous so allows good drainage and the vines to establish large root systems, also high calcium content allows the grapes to retain acidity as they ripen
What three distinct styles of red are made in Chinon AC?
Lightest style from the sandy soils in the valley of the river Vienne
On the plateau to the north where the soil and more clsy and gravel firmer bodied styles are made
The finest wines are from the hillside slopes where the soil is predominantly limestone, these are traditionally made for keeping
What three distinct styles of red are made in Chinon AC?
Lightest style from the sandy soils in the valley of the river Vienne
On the plateau to the north where the soil and more clsy and gravel firmer bodied styles are made
The finest wines are from the hillside slopes where the soil is predominantly limestone, these are traditionally made for keeping
How can the Chenin Blancs of Vouvray be characterised?
Range from still, pétillant and sparkling, dry to in the finest years lusciously sweet
What is the soil type in Vouvray?
Chalky limestone full of marine creatures, very porous so allows good drainage and the vines to establish large root systems, also high calcium content allows the grapes to retain acidity as they ripen
What are the four key AC wins of Anjou-Saumur?
Saumur AC
Anjou AC
Coteaux du Layon AC
Savennières AC
What are the main grape varieties of Saumur AC?
Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc
What are the Amin grape varieties of Anjou AC?
Chenin Blanc,Cabernet Franc, Grolleau, Cabernet Franc and Gamay
What is the main grape variety of Coteaux du Layon AC?
Chenin Blanc
What is the climate in Anjou-Saumur?
Maritime
Where are the best wines of Anjou-Saumur produced?
South of the river
What style are the Chenin Blancs of Saumur?
Range from dry to, in the best years, sweet.
What is the best red of Saumur and from what grape is it made?
Saumur-Champigny AC, made from Cabernet Franc. Made in a style to suit consumer preference, at this point trend rich, supple, fruit and fresh style
What style are the Chenin Blancs of Saumur?
Range from dry to, in the best years, sweet.
What is the best red of Saumur and from what grape is it made?
Saumur-Champigny AC, made from Cabernet Franc. Made in a style to suit consumer preference, at this point trend rich, supple, fruit and fresh style
How is the new style of wine, Anjou Blanc made?
It is made from Chenin Blanc which is hand picked in a series of tris as the grapes need to have a minimum potential ABV of 13% meaning the grapes have to be fully ripe. The wine is then fermented and matured in new oak which is fully absorbed in to the wine after a year in bottle
What are the 3 rosé appellations in Anjou?
Cabernet d’Anjou AC
Rosé d’Anjou AC
Rosé de Loire AC
How can Cabernet d’Anjou be characterised?
This is the highest quality Anjou rosé. It is always a medium sweet style made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
How can Rosé d’Anjou be characterised?
It is a medium style made from mainly Grolleau blended with Cabernet franc and other local varieties
How is the new style of wine, Anjou Blanc made?
It is made from Chenin Blanc which is hand picked in a series of tris as the grapes need to have a minimum potential ABV of 13% meaning the grapes have to be fully ripe. The wine is then fermented and matured in new oak which is fully absorbed in to the wine after a year in bottle
What are the 3 rosé appellations in Anjou?
Cabernet d’Anjou AC
Rosé d’Anjou AC
Rosé de Loire AC
How can Cabernet d’Anjou be characterised?
This is the highest quality Anjou rosé. It is always a medium sweet style made from a blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon
How can Rosé d’Anjou be characterised?
It is a medium style made from mainly Grolleau blended with Cabernet franc and other local varieties
What develops well in Coteaux du Layon and why?
Botrytis because Coteaux du Layon is in the well sheltered called of the Layon
How can the sweet wines of Coteaux du Layon be characterised?
Fresh fruit character with mouth-watering acidity, alcohol around 12-14% and botrytis adding body and texture
What are the 2 most favoured sites in Coteaux du Layon for making its sweet wines?
Quarts de Chaume AC
Bonnezeaux AC
What do the well exposed vineyards of Savennières allow?
Late harvesting of Chenin Blanc to create full bodied dry wines with excretion all complexity
How can the Chenin Blancs of Savennières be characterised?
Austere when young due to high acidity but they develop in bottle to have honey and smokey-mineral layers
What is the climate of the Nantais region of the Loire?
Maritime with short mild winters, rainfall spread even,y throughout the year and warm summers
What is the main wine region of the Nantais in the Loire?
Muscadet AC
What is the soil type in Muscadet?
Mostly schist and gneiss with some sand and granite, good for heat retention and drainage
What are the 3 key AC wines of the Nantais and what is their main grape variety?
Muscadet AC
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine AC
Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sue Lie AC
Melon Blanc
How are vines in Muscadet trained?
Traditionally in the gobelet system but now more trained on wires to allow machine picking. This also facilitates Spring de bidding and de leafing in summer to give more concentrated and flavoursome wines
What does wine from Muscadet accompany particularly well?
Seafood, in particular shellfish
What is Muscadet sure Lie?
Wine made from melon Blanc which is bottled direct from the cask or tank in the spring following the vintage having spent the winter on its lees which gives the wine more body and a slightly yeasty character. The wine is handled very little so trains its freshness and may have fine bubbles beading the rim of the glass
Where do the vineyards of the northern Rhône lie?
On the banks of the river with Vienne to the north and Valence to the south
How much of total production of the Rhône are the Northern Rhône vineyards responsible for?
5%
Where are the best vineyard sites of the Northern Rhône?
On steep slopes with a Southern aspect as Syrah here is at its northern limit so these sites get best heat from the sun and are protected from cold northerly winds
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental with warm but not oppressive summers
What is the only permitted black grape variety of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
How can the modern Syrahs of the Northern Rhône be characterised?
Ripe soft tannins with concentrated black fruit flavours
What can Viognier add to the red wines of the Northern Rhône?
It can stabilise colour and tannins and add extra aromatic intensity and viscosity
Where do the vineyards of the northern Rhône lie?
On the banks of the river with Vienne to the north and Valence to the south
How much of total production of the Rhône are the Northern Rhône vineyards responsible for?
5%
Where are the best vineyard sites of the Northern Rhône?
On steep slopes with a Southern aspect as Syrah here is at its northern limit so these sites get best heat from the sun and are protected from cold northerly winds
What is the climate of the Northern Rhône?
Continental with warm but not oppressive summers
What is the only permitted black grape variety of the Northern Rhône?
Syrah
How can the modern Syrahs of the Northern Rhône be characterised?
Ripe soft tannins with concentrated black fruit flavours
What can Viognier add to the red wines of the Northern Rhône?
It can stabilise colour and tannins and add extra aromatic intensity and viscosity
Why did Viognier become unpopular with growers?
Gave low and irregular yields
How can Viognier be characterised?
Low acidity, high alcohol, exotic fruit, spice and floral aromas with a rich mouthfeel
Why do Rousanne and Marsanne make perfect blending partners?
Marsanne has richness and weight whereas Rousanne gives acidity and perfumed fruit
What are the 6 key AC wines of the Northern Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie Condrieu Saint-Joseph Crozes-Hermitage Hermitage Cornas
What is the main grape variety of Côte-Rôtie?
Syrah
What is the main grape variety of Condrieu?
Viognier
What are the main grape varieties of Saint-Joseph in the northern Rhône?
Syrah, Marsanne and Rousanne
What are the main grape varieties of both Crozes-Hermitage and Hermitage?
Syrah, Marsanne and Rousanne
What is the main grape variety of Cornas in the northern Rhône?
Syrah
What is the most northerly AC region of the Rhône?
Côte-Rôtie AC
What percentage of Viognier can be added to Côte-Rôtie wines?
Up to 20%
How can th reds of Côte-Rôtie be characterised?
Extremely elegant, deeply coloured, full bodied, spicy and the best have aromatic, floral freshness and textural elegance
What is the most important appellation in the northern Rhône in terms of volume?
Crozes-Heritage AC
What is the main difference between the vineyards to the north and those to the south of Crozes-Heritage AC?
The ones in the north are on slopes where as the ones in the south are on a flat plain
What is the only AC on the Northern Rhône that does not allowing any blending with its Syrah?
Cornas AC
What is the most southerly appellation of the Northern Rhône?
Cornas AC
How does the terrain of the Southern Rhône differ from that of the Northern Rhône?
It is much flatter
What sort of soils so many of the best vineyards of the Southern Rhône have?
Very stoney ones that absorb the Suns heat
What is the climate of the southern Rhône?
Mediterranean with mild winters and hot summers where drought can be a problem
What are the main challenges faced by vineyards in the Southern Rhône?
Drought and wind damage from the mistral
What grape dominates red wines of the Southern Rhône?
Grenache
What 2 varieties play an important supporting role to Grenache in the Southern Rhône?
Syrah and Mourvèdre
In what sort of wines is Cinsault used as a blending partner for Grenache in the southern Rhône?
Fresh fruity rosés as it adds fruit flavours rather than tannin
What white varieties are important in the Southern Rhône?
Clairette
Grenache Blanc
Bourboulenc
Though Southern Rhône reds vary hugely, what must all winemakers manage?
Tannin and alcohol
How can the best whites of the Southern Rhône be characterised?
Richly textured, full bodied, high in alcohol with medium to low acidity and subtle aromatic aromas
How can most Côte du Rhône AC reds be characterised?
Mdium bodied, fruity but simple
What differentiates Côtes du Rhône Villages AC wines from Côte du Rhône AC wines?
More stringent minimum alcohol levels and maximum up yields, also a greater percentage of the blend must be Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre
What characterises the best Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds?
Full bodied, richly textured with concentrated spiced red fruit and high alcohol
How can the rosés of Tavel AC and Lirac AC be characterised?
Full bodied, intensely flavoured, capable of developing savoury complexity when aged in bottle. Made from Grenache and Cinsault
What 4 villages around the hills to the east of chateauneuf-du-pape have been promoted to Cru status and produce similar style reds?
Gigondas AC
Vacqueyras AC
Beumes de Venise AC
Vinsobres AC
