General Champagne

Question 1

In what year did the Champagne Riots occur? What was the impetus for this event?

Answer 1

1910-1911. The French government excluded the Aube from the geographic area of ‘Champagne’ in 1908.

Question 2

Which 2 premier crus are rated 99% on the Echelle de Crus?

Answer 2

Mareuil-sur-Äy and Tauxières-Mutry.

Question 3

When was the CIVC established?

Answer 3

1941, during German occupation. Led by Robert-Jean de Vogüé.

Question 4

What varieties other than PN, PM, and Chard are allowed for Champagne production? Name a producer that uses all 7.

Answer 4

Arbane, Petit Meslier, PG, and PB. Aubry Fils “Le Nombre d’Or” Brut NV includes all 7 grapes.

Question 5

Which 5 villages were promoted in 1985 to make the total of grand cru villages 17?

Answer 5

Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Oiry, and Verzy

Question 6

How many liters can the vin de cuvée be (first press)?

Answer 6

2050L, first press

Question 7

How many liters can the vin de taille be?

Answer 7

500L, Second press

Question 8

Which bottlings can be transferred to new bottles to go to market after secondary fermentation?

Answer 8

Bottles smaller than 375ml and larger than 3L and for NV up to 20% of 375ml bottles may be transferred instead of fermented in their own bottle.

Question 9

How much of a harvest may be sold as vintage Champagne?

Answer 9

80% of a harvest can go into vintage champagne.

Question 10

What styles of wine can be produced under Coteaux Champenois?

Answer 10

White, Rosé, and Red

Question 11

How must Rosé de Riceys be vinified?

Answer 11

Semi-carbonic / Whole cluster. Must be 100% Pinot Noir.

Question 12

Who is credited with inventing the pupitre and riddling?

Answer 12

Madame Ponsardin Clicquot

Question 13

How many g/L can sec have?

Answer 13

17-32g/L for sec

Question 14

What is the local synonym for Pinot Gris in Champagne?

Answer 14

Fromonteau

Question 15

What is the VDL for Champagne?

Answer 15

Ratafia

Question 16

What is the grand cru village in Champange for white only?

Answer 16

Chouilly

Question 17

What is the grand cru village in Champagne for red only?

Answer 17

Tours-sur-Marne

Question 18

Which grand cru in Montagne de Reims produces more Chardonnay than Pinot Noir?

Answer 18

Sillery

Question 19

What are other names for Brut Nature?

Answer 19

Zero Dosage, Non Dosage, Brut Zero, Zero Dosaggio

Question 20

What are the aging requirements for Vintage Champange?

Answer 20

must spend the 12mo sur lie, and may not be released until 36 months.

Question 21

Why is Pinot Meunier produced predominantly in the Valle de la Marne?

Answer 21

VdM is cooler and PM has a shorter ripening period.

Question 22

Define blocage.

Answer 22

Blocage is reserve wine saved for future blending.

Question 23

What is rebeche?

Answer 23

The last press (0-10%) is called rebeche and must be used for distillate.

Question 24

What is a bauge carre? bauge couronne?

Answer 24

Bauge carre - square lip of the bottle, indicates second fermentation has occurred under cork
Bauge Couronne - rounded lip, indicates secondary ferm was under crown cap.

Question 25

What is vin de goutte?

Answer 25

Free run juice

Question 26

What are the required atmospheres for petillant?

Answer 26

1-2.5 atmospheres (EU Standard)

Question 27

What pruning methods are permitted for Champagne?

Answer 27

Vallee de la Marne (Only in ), Chablis, Cordon du Royat. Guyot

Question 28

What is the min potential alcohol and max RS for vin clair?

Answer 28

9% abv & max 10g RS