France Intro Flashcards
Name the most planted varieties (10) in France, in order.
Merlot, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc.
When did large scale grape growing begin in France?
1 BC to 5 AD; for 600 years - the period of Roman Gaul (today France)
Where did large scale grape growing begin in France?
The south; Rhône valley and Bordeaux (easy access to transportation).
Major expansion of Burgundy happened during two periods, which?
The period of Charlemagne (crowned 800 CE) and after 1000 CE, the period of the monasteries.
During Middle Ages, important export markets opened, name a few.
England, Scotland, Flanders, Holland.
The wine in Paris came from where, and why?
Auxerre and Chablis, close to the capital (now abandoned). And from major rivers such as Loire. Because of closeness and possibility of transportation.
When did exports explode, and from where?
17th to 19th century, mainly from Bordeaux.
When did Dutch merchants drain the marshes of Bordeaux?
17th century.
Name vineyard challenges that took place in the second half of the 19th century.
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot and phylloxera.
Where did French winemakers go because of phylloxera to produce and export wine for France?
Algeria (French colony at the time)
Total area under vine in France has decreased between 1970’s to 2010’s by how much?
One third (includes table grapes too though)
Between what latitudes are French grape growing regions?
42* - 49* North
Name the most common trellising system in France?
Replacement cane pruned Guyot with VSP (vertical shoot positioning).
Organic and in conversion increased by 71% between 2011 and 2019, but how many per cent in total is organic (2019)?
14%
Explain the domination of Merlot.
Widely planted in Bordeaux and for IGP wines in Languedoc.
Why is Ugni Blanc the second most planted variety?
It is used for Cognac and Armagnac.
What idea is the AOC based on?
Terroir
What is France’s regulating body called and when was it founded?
INAO (Institut National de l’origine et de la qualite), 1935
What does AOC stand for and what does it embed?
Appellation d’origine contrôlée. Defined geographic areas and detailed methods of production.
What is defined by the AOC?
Permitted varieties, planting density, maximum yields, training systems, length of maturation, date of release, minimum alcohol level.
What does IGP stand for and when did INAO started overseeing those wines too?
Indication Géographique Protégée. 2009
Name the 3 levels of IGP.
Regional (IGP Pays d’Oc)
Departmental (IGP Pays d’Hérault)
Small zone (IGP Collines Rhodaniennes)
What year did it become legal to put variety name on labels? Why?
- New world wines have had great success doing so.
Co-operations are still very important in France, how much wine is made through Co-ops for AOC and IGP respectively?
AOC 50% IGP 70%
France export less volume than Spain and Italy, but are world leaders in value. By how much compared to Spain and Italy?
57% higher than Italy, 400% higher than Spain.
France is a large importer of wine too. From where and at what price point?
Spain, inexpensive wine. This causes much tension.
