French wine Flashcards
What are the three main wine classifications in France?
Vin de France (VdF), Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP), Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC/AOP)
What is the difference between AOC and AOP?
AOP is the EU-regulated version of AOC, but they mean the same thing.
What is the largest wine region in France by volume?
Languedoc-Roussillon
What grape is dominant in red Bordeaux blends?
Cabernet Sauvignon (Left Bank) and Merlot (Right Bank)
What does “Grand Cru” mean in Burgundy?
The highest classification for vineyard quality
What does “Premier Cru” mean in Burgundy?
A step below Grand Cru but still high-quality vineyards
What is the main white grape of Alsace?
Riesling, but also Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat
What is the Rhône Valley known for?
Full-bodied reds like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre (GSM blends)
What is the most famous wine from the Loire Valley?
Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc) and Vouvray (Chenin Blanc)
What is the dominant grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Grenache (often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre)
What is “Médoc” known for in Bordeaux?
Left Bank wines, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon
What does “Brut” mean on a Champagne label?
Dry (low sugar) sparkling wine
What does “Demi-Sec” mean on a Champagne label?
Slightly sweet sparkling wine
What is the famous sweet wine of Bordeaux?
Sauternes (made from botrytized Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc)
What are the three levels of Beaujolais wine classification?
Beaujolais, Beaujolais-Villages, and Beaujolais Crus
Which Beaujolais Cru is known for its floral, delicate wines?
Fleurie
Which Beaujolais Cru produces the boldest, most age-worthy wines?
Morgon
What is unique about Brouilly compared to Côte de Brouilly?
Brouilly is lighter and fruitier, while Côte de Brouilly has more structure due to its volcanic soil.
Which Cru is known for producing wines that taste more like Pinot Noir over time?
Moulin-à-Vent (due to its structure and aging potential)
What winemaking technique is commonly used in Beaujolais to enhance fruitiness?
Carbonic maceration
What is Côte du Py in Beaujolais?
A famous vineyard (lieu-dit) in Morgon, known for producing the most structured, complex, and age-worthy wines in the region.
How does Morgon Côte du Py differ from regular Morgon?
It has deeper minerality, more structure, and greater aging potential due to its volcanic soil.
What type of soil is found in Côte du Py?
Volcanic blue granite, which gives wines depth and complexity.
What flavors are typical in Beaujolais wines made using carbonic maceration?
Bright red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), banana, and bubblegum.
