Geography and Regions Flashcards
Champagne is the most_________________of the French wine regions?
Northerly
Where does champagne sit in France?
The most northerly region. It lies between the 49 degree and 49.5 degree parallel north. It is 1.5 hours from Paris.
How many hours of sunlight does Champagne get?
1,650 hours (Bourgogne get 1,910 and Bordeaux 2,069 hours)
What are the climatic factors of champagne?
A strong continental and Atlantic (maritime) influences
Continental affects winter temps; things get cold
Maritime Climate affects spring and fall with significant frost
What sort of frosts are common in champagne?
Spring frosts- they are common and severe
What is used to protect the buds in champagne during frosts?
A sprinkler system. Continuous sprinkling maintains an ice capsule around the bud, protect the bud and keeps temps @ 33 degrees farenheit (0 degrees Celsius)
Summers in champagne?
Can be warm but maritime influence means that there is often a lot of cloud cover.
What does Autumn bring in champagne?
Often early frosts
What do Winters bring in champagne?
Brutal freezes. Temps can drop below 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius) for 3-4 days
What are the four main regions of Champagne?
The Montagne and Val De Reims
Vallee De La Marne
Cote Des Blancs and surroundings
Cotes Des Bar
How many terroirs are there throughout champagne?
17
How many terroirs are there in the Montagne and Val De Reims?
4
Massif De Sant- Thierry (Montagne and Val De Reims)
- Pinot Meunier
- Located along the Right bank of Vesle River
- Northernmost section of the Champagne Viticole
- Located Northwest Of the city of Reims
- Faces southeast on sand, clay and Marl
Vesle and Ardre Valley (Val De Reims)
- Pinot MEUNIER
- South Of Massif De Saint Thierry, West Of Reims
- Vines flank the Ardre (both sides), while the vines on the Right bank are between the Ardre and Vesle
- Soils Of Ardre are sand, clay and Marl
- Vineyards face Northwest and southeast
Monts De Berru (Montagne and Val De Reims)
- Chardonnay
- V/ yards of Mont Berru and short 4 miles/ 7 kms east of Reims
- Vineyards have varying aspects
- Soil= chalk
Grande Montagne De Reims (Montagne and Val De Reims)
- Pinot Noir
- Montagne De Reims is an uplift that is shaped like a horseshoe
- South Of Reims, north of Epernay
- V/ yards face south, east, northeast and north
- Soils vary by village- some are limestone rich marls while others are chalk
How many terroirs are in the Vallee De La Marne?
6
Grand Vallee De La Marne (Vallee De La Marne)
- Pinot Noir
- South Of Montagne De Reims, North Of Epernay, the Marne River carves a steep valley as it flows west towards Paris
- Eastern fringe borders dry champagne, with chalk subsoils
- Rest Of the Valley is composed of sands, clays and marls
- Most Vineyards face south
Coteaux Sud d’Epernay (Vallee De La Marne)
- Chardonnay/ Pinot MEUNIER
- V/ yards lie to the Southeast, south, southwest of Epernay
- To the west is the Marne Valley, further south is the Côte De blancs
- Soils are chalk, sand, clay and Marl
Vallee De la Marne Rive Gauche (Vallee De la Marne)
- Pinot MEUNIER
- Left Bank Of the Marne River
- Comprised Of sands, marls and clay
- Most Vineyards face north
Vallee De la Marne Rive Droite (Vallee De la Marne)
- Pinot Meunier
- Right bank of the Marne Valley
- Bisected by the Chatillon River
- Soils: Sands, Marls and Clay
- Most vineyards face south
Conde (Vallee De la Marne)
- Pinot Meunier
- Further west within the Marne Valley
- A small cluster of villages, encircling a large limestone uplift
- Vineyards vary in aspect
Vallee De la Marne Ouest (Vallee De la Marne)
- Pinot Meunier
- Western Most section of the Champagne Viticole
- Soils are sands, marls and clay
- Vineyards face south and southeast
How many terroirs does the Côte De Blancs have?
5
The Cote De Blancs
- Chardonnay
- Northeast to Southwest perpendicular to the Marne Valley
- South Of the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay and is approximately 8 miles/ 13 kms in length
- Sub Soil is chalk, vineyards face east
Val Du Petit Morin (Cote Des Blancs)
- Pinot Meunier/ Chardonnay
- 53 miles/ 86 kms long of the Marne
- Headwaters form here midst a series of hills, southwest of the Cote Des Blancs
- Soils: Chalk and sand/marl/ clay
- Most vineyards face South
Sezannais (Cote Des Blancs)
- Chardonnay
- Hilly Zone
- North and South Of the city of Sezanne
- Predominately chalk, some pockets of clay
- Vineyards face southeast
Vitryat (Vitry- Le- Francois)- Cote Des Blancs
- Chardonnay
- Zone Of Production in the heart of Dry Champagne
- Southeast Of the Côte Des Blancs, Northeast Of the Côte De Sezanne
- Vineyards are on the east- facing chalk slopes
Montgeaux (Cote Des Blancs)
- Chardonnay
- Vineyards Of Montgeux are Located to the west of Troyes on a south facing chalk out crop
How many terroirs does the Côte Des Bar have?
2
Bar Sur Aubois (Cote Des Bar)
- Pinot Noir
- Vineyards encircle the city Bar Sur Aube, meaning they have varying aspects
- Aube is the principal River of this region and bisects the town
- Soils is Primarily Kimmeridgian Marl
Barsequannais (Cotes Des Bar)
- Pinot Noir
- Five River valleys: l’Orce, Seine, Laignes, Sarce
- Meaning v/yards have varying aspects
- Soils is Kimmeridgian Marl
Origin of Soils- Champagne
- Champagne reflects a series of sedimentary soils created when the Paris basin was an inland sea
- “Have their head in tertiary and feet in Cretaceous”- James Wilson, Terroir- Tap root burrows through 90 million year old Cretaceous chalk while upper (superficial roots) exist in Soils much younger, 1.8 million years ago formation
What are the two most common soils?
Belemite and Micraster
Belemite Chalk
Ancient arrow, or dart like relative of today’s squid
Micraster Chalk
Fossilised sea urchins…..a member of the starfish family
What type of chalk is preferred in champagne?
Belemite
Is there a difference between the two chalks in champagne?
No according to the University of Reims
What are the 3 AOCs of Champagne?
- AOC Rose Des Riceys- 100% Rose
- AOC Coteaux Champenois- 100% Still
- AOC Champagne- 100% Sparkling
Where is Rose De Riceys produced?
In the 3 villages of Les a Riceys in the Aube
Where does Coteaux Champenois sit?
In the zone of production for AOC Champagne. Produces still wine from Arbanne, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir.
When was the Eschelle Des Cru created?
1911
Does the Eschelle Des Cru rank the village or the vineyard?
It ranks the village and the vineyards surrounding it as one entity- quite controversial
What were Villages rated between on the Eschelle Des Crus?
Between 80- 100%. Grand Cru at 100%
How many villages in champagne Grand Cru?
17
Where are the spread of Grand Crus?
6 Cote Des Blancs
9 Montagne De Reims
2 Vallee De la Marne
Champagne is_____________ from Paris
150 Kms
How many departments make up Champagne?
5
What are the 5 departments of Champagne?
Aisne Seine- et- Marne Aube Marne Haute Marne
Limestone Subsoils?
The limestone subsoil (comprising chalk, limestone, sandstones and marls) provides good drainage and also explains why certain Champagne wines have a distinctly mineral taste.
Champagne Chalk
The Champagne chalk is made up of the skeletons of marine micro-organisms and mollusc fossils from the Secondary Era. It is highly porous.
This means it acts as a reservoir, storing 300-400 litres of water per m3 which provides the vines with a steady supply of water even in the driest summers.
Characteristics of the Champagne climate?
THE CONTINENTAL INFLUENCE
offers a guarantee of steady, yet moderate precipitation, providing the region with near-ideal rainfall which is essential for the quality of the grapes (average annual rainfall = 700mm).
THIS DUAL INFLUENCE
brings steady rainfall, with no significant variations in
annual temperatures.
THE OCEANIC INFLUENCE
ensures ideal levels of sunlight in summer.
What is the average temperature of champagne?
THE AVERAGE ANNUAL TEMPERATURE IS 11°C.
With moderate sunshine, the growth and development of the vines is limited, giving the ripe grapes the freshness and crispness that Champagne wines require.
What are the dangers of the climate of champagne?
Winter frosts and violent storms accompanied by hail
What are the altitudes of champagne’s vineyards?
Between 90 and 300 metres
Is it compulsory for vines to be grafted onto rootstocks in champagne?
Yes, due to the phylloxera epidemic
What did phylloxera mean in champagne?
The end of en foule (close together) planting
In what year can AOC Champagne be produces from new vines?
In its 3 year
What is the spacing legally required between rows?
1.5 m
What is the legally regulated space between vines in Champagne?
0.9 m
What is the average density of planting of vines in Champagne?
8,000 plants per hectare.
The increase levels of vines means that yields are kept low
In 1956 what organisation was created for ripening observation?
Reseau Matu
What does the Reseau Matu do?
They take clusters and check for ripeness. This is then used to decide a date for picking. They 450 control clusters.
How many pressing centres are their in champagne?
About 1900
Villages with a 90- 99% are classed as?
Premier Cru
How many villages are Premier Cru?
42
What is the minimum percentage for champagne production as per the Estelle des Cru?
80%
When was the final year the Estelle des Cru was used to dictate grape prices?
2003
What are the ranked villages of Vesle and Ardre Valleys (Val de Reims)?
- Bezannes: Chardonnay 1er Cru
- Chamery: PM/ Ch/ PN 1er Cru
- Coulommes- la- Montagne: PM 1er Cru
- Ecueil: PN 1er Cru
- Jouy- les- Reims: PM 1er Cru
- Les Mesneux: PM 1er Cru
- Pargny- les- Reims: PM 1er Cru
- Sacy: PN 1er Cru
- Sermiers: PM 1er Cru
- Villedommange: PM 1er Cru
- Villers- aux- Noeuds: PN 1er Cru
- Vrigny: PM 1er Cru
What are the ranked villages of Grande Montagne de Reims?
- Billy- le- Grand: Ch 1er Cru
- Chigny- les- Roses: PM 1er Cru
- Cormontreuil: Ch/ PN 1er Cru
- Ludes: PM 1er Cru
- Montbre: PN/ PM 1er Cru
- Rilly- la- Montagne: PN/ PM 1er Cru
- Taissy: Ch/ PM 1er Cru
- Tauxieres- Mutry: PN 1er Cru
- Trepail: Ch 1er Cru
- Trois- Puits: PM 1er Cru
- Vaudemanges: Ch 1er Cru
- Villers- Marmery: Ch 1er Cru
- Ambonney: PN Grand Cru
- Beaumont- sur- Vesle: PN Grand Cru
- Bouzy: PN Grand Cru
- Louvois: PN grand Cru
- Mailly- Champagne: PN Grand Cru
- Puisieuix: PN Grand Cru
- Sillery: Ch/ PN Grand Cru
- Tours- sur- Marne: PN Grand Cru
- Verzenay: PN Grand Cru
- Verzy: PN Grand Cru
- Villers- Allerand: PM 1er Cru
What are the ranked villages of Grand Valley de la Marne?
- Avenay- Val- d’Or: PN 1er Cru
- Bisseuil: Ch 1er Cru
- Champillion: PN/ PM 1er Cru
- Cumieres: PN 1er Cru
- Dizy: PN/ Ch 1er Cru
- Hautvilliers: PN/ PM 1er Cru
- Mareuil- sur- Ay: PN 1er Cru
- Mutigny: PN 1er Cru
- Ay: PN Grand Cru
What are the ranked villages of Cote des Blancs?
- Bergeres- les- Vertus: Ch 1er Cru
- Cuis: Ch 1er Cru
- Grauves: Ch 1er Cru
- Val- des- Marais (Coligny): Ch 1er Cru
- Vertus: Ch 1er Cru
- Villeneuve- Renneville: Ch 1er Cru
- Voipreux: Ch 1er Cru
- Avize: Ch Grand Cru
- Chouilly: Ch Grand Cru
- Cramant: Ch Grand Cru
- Le Mesnil- sur- Oger: Ch Grand Cru
- Oger: Ch Grand Cru
- Oiry: Ch Grand Cru
What are the villages of Massif de Saint- Thierry?
- Brimont: PM
- Cauroy- les- Hermonville: PM
- Chalons- sur- Vesle: PN
- Chenay: PN
- Cormicy: PN
- Hermonville: PM
- Merfy: PM
- Montigny- sur- Vesle: PM/ PN
- Pevy: PM
- Prouilly: PM
- Saint- Thierry: PM/ PN
- Thil: PM
- Trigny: PM
- Villers- Franqueux: PM
What are the villages of Vesle and Ardre Valleys (Val de Reims)?
- Arcis- le- Ponsart: PM
- Aubilly: PN
- Bezannes: Ch
- Bligny: PN
- Bouilly: PM
- Bouleuse: PM
- Branscourt: PN/ PM
- Brouillet: PM
- Chambrecy: PM
- Chamery: PM/ Ch/ PN
- Chaumuzy: PM
- Coulommes- la- Montagne: PM
- Courcelles- Sapicourt: PM
- Courmas: PM
- Courtagnon: PM
- Courville: PM
- Crugny: PM/ Ch
- Ecueil: PN
- Faverolles- et- Coemy: PM
- Germigny: PM
- Gueux: PM
- Hourges: PM/ Ch
- Janvry: PM
- Jonchery- sur- Vesle: PN
- Jouy- les- Reims: PM
- Lagery: PM
- Les Mesneux: PM
- Lhery: PM
- Marfaux: PM
- Mery- Premecy: PM
- Nanteuil- le- Foret: PM
- Ormes: PM
- Pargny- les- Reims: PM
- Poilly: PM
- Pourcy: PM
- Reims: Ch/ PM/ PN
- Rosnay: PM
- Sacy: PN
- Saint- Euphraise- et- Clairzet: PM
- Saint- Gilles: PN
- Sarcy: PM
- Savigny- sur- Ardres: PM
- Sermiers: PM
- Serzy- et- Prin: PM
- Tramery: PM
- Treslon: PM
- Unchair: PM/ Ch
- Vandeuil: PM
- Villedommange: PM
- Ville- en- Tardenois: PM
- Villers- aux- Noeuds: PN
- Vrigny: PM
What are the villages of Monts de Berru?
- Berru: Ch
- Cernay- les- Reims: Ch
- Nogent- l’Abbesse: Ch
- Pontfaverger- Moronvilliers: Ch
- Selles: PM
What are the villages of Montagne de Reims?
- Ambonnay: PN
- Beaumont- sur- Vesle: PN
- Billy- le- Grand: Ch
- Bouzy: PN
- Chigny- les- Roses: PM
- Cormontreuil: Ch/ PN
- Fontaine- sur- Ay: PN
- Germaine: PM
- Louvois: PN
- Ludes: PM
- Mailly- Champagne: PN
- Montbre: PN/ PM
- Puisieuix: PN
- Reims: Ch/ PM/ PN
- Rilly- la- Montagne: PN/ PM
- Sillery: Ch/ PN
- Taissy: Ch/ PM
- Tauxieres- Mutry: PN
- Tours- sur- Marne: PN
- Trepail: Ch
- Trois- Puits: PM
- Vaudemange: Ch
- Verzenay: PN
- Verzy: PN
- Villers- Allerand: PM
- Villers- Marmery: Ch
What are the villages of the Grand Valley de la Marne?
- Avenay- Val- d’Or: PN
- Ay: PN
- Bisseuil: Ch
- Champillon: PN/ PM
- Cumieres: PN
- Dizy: PN/ Ch
- Hautvillers: PN/ PM
- Mareuil- sur- Ay: PN
- Mutigny: PN
What are the villages of Coteaux sud d’Epernay?
- Brugny- Vaudancourt: PM (twin villages)
- Chavot- Courcourt: PM/ Ch (twin villages)
- Epernay: Ch
- Mancy: Ch/ PM
- Monthelon: Ch/ PM
- Morangis: Ch/ PM
- Moslins: Ch
- Moussy: PM
- Pierry: PM
- Saint- Martin- d’Ablois: PM
- Vinay: PM
What are the villages of Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauche?
- Bauine- en- Brie: PM
- Boursault: PM
- Dormans: PM
- Festigny: PM
- Igny- Combilzy: PM
- La Chapelle- Monthodon: PM
- La Ville- sous- Orbais: PM
- Le Breuil: PM
- Leuvrigny: PM
- Mardeuil: PM
- Mareuil- le- Port: PM
- Nesle- le- Repons: PM
- Oeuilly: PM
- Orbais- l’Abbaye: PM
- Troissy: PM
- Vauciennes: PM
What are the villages of Valley de la Marne Rive Droite?
- Basileux- sous- Chatillon: PM
- Belval- sous- Chatillon: PM
- Binson- et- Orquigny: PM
- Champvoisy: PM
- Chatillon- sur- Marne: PM
- Cormoyeux: PM
- Cuchery: PM
- Damery: PM
- Fleury- la- Riviere: PM
- Jonquery: PM
- La Neuville- aux- Larris: PM
- Olizy- Violaine: PM
- Passy- Grigny: PM
- Reuil: PM
- Romery: PM
- Sainte- Gemme: PM
- Vandieres: PM
- Venteuil: PM/ PN
- Verneuil: PM
- Villers- sous- Chatillon: PM
- Vincelles: PM-
What are the villages of Conde?
- Barzy- sur- Marne: PM
- Celles- les- Conde: PM
- Connigis: PM/ PN
- Courthiezy: PM
- Monthurel: PM
- Passy- sur- Marne: PM
- Reuilly- Sauvigny: PM
- Saint- Agnan: PM
- Trelou- sur- Marne: PM
What are the villages of the Valley de la Marne Ouest?
- Azy- sur- Marne: PM
- Bezu- Guery: PM
- Blesmes: PM
- Bonneil: PM
- Brasles: PM/ Ch
- Charly- sur- Marne: PM
- Chateves: PM
- Chateau- Thierry: PM
- Chezy- sur- Marne: PM
- Chierry: Ch/ PM
- Citry- sur- Marne: PM
- Courtemont- Varennes: PM
- Crezancy: PM
- Crouttes- sur- Marne: PM
- Domptin: PM
- Essomes- sur- Marne: PM
- Etampes- sur- Marne: PM
- Fossoy: PM
- Gland: PM
- Jaulgonne: PM
- Mezy- Moulins: PM
- Mont- Saint- Pere: PM
- Montreuil- aux- Lions: PM
- Nanteuil- sur- Marne: PM/ Ch
- Nesles- la- Montagne: PM
- Nogent- l’Artaud: PM
- Nogentel: PM
- Pavant: PM
- Romeny- sur- Marne: PM
- Sarcy- sur- Marne: Ch
- Saulchery: PM
- Villers- Saint- Denis: PM
What are the villages of Cote des Blancs?
- Avize: Ch
- Bergeres- les- Vertus: Ch
- Chouilly: Ch
- Cramant: Ch
- Cuis: Ch
- Grauves: Ch
- Le Mesnil- sur- Oger: Ch
- Oger: Ch
- Oiry: Ch
- Val- des- Marais: Ch
- Vertus: Ch
- Villeneuve- Renneville: Ch
- Voipreux: Ch
What are the villages of the Val du Petit Morin?
- Baye: PM
- Beaunay: PM
- Bergeres- sous- Montmiral: PM
- Broussy- le- Grand: Ch
- Coizard- Joches: Ch/ PM
- Congy: Ch/ PN
- Courjeonnet: Ch/ PM
- Etoges: PM/ Ch
- Etrechy: Ch
- Ferebrianges: Ch/ PM
- Givry- les- Loisy: PM
- Loisy- en- Brie: PM
- Mondement- Montgivroux: PM
- Oyes: PM
- Soulieres: Ch
- Talus- Saint- Prix: PM
- Vert- Toulon: Ch
- Villevenard: Ch
What are the villages of Cote De Sezanne?
- Allemant: Ch/ PN
- Barbonne- Fayel: Ch
- Bethon: Ch
- Broyes: Ch
- Chantemerle: Ch
- Fontaine- Denis- Nuisy: Ch
- La Celle- sous- Chantemerle: Ch
- Montgenost: Ch
- Saudoy: Ch
- Seazanne: Ch
- Villenauxe- la- Grande: Ch
- Vindey: Ch
What are the villages of Vitryat (Vitry- le- Francois)?
- Bassu: Ch
- Bassuet: Ch
- Changy: Ch
- Couvrot: Ch
- Glannes: Ch
- Lisse- en- Champagne: Ch
- Loisy- sur- Marne: Ch
- Saint- Amand- sur- Fion: Ch
- Saint- Lumier- en- Champagne: Ch
- Val- de- Viere: Ch
- Vanaultle- Chatel: Ch
- Vavray- le- Grand: Ch
- Vavray- le- Petit: Ch
- Vitry- en- Perthois: Ch
What is the village of Montgeux?
Montgeux
What are the villages of Bar sur Aubois?
- Ailleville: PN
- Arconville: PN
- Argoncon: PN
- Argentolles: PN
- Arrentieres: PN
- Arsonval: PN
- Bar- sur- Aube: PN
- Baroville: PN
- Bergeres: PN
- Bligny: PN
- Champignol- les- Mondeville: PN
- Colombe- la- Fosse: PN
- Colombe- la- Sec: PN
- Colombey- les- Deux Eglises: PN
- Couvignon: PN
- Dolancourt: PN
- Engente: PN
- Fontaine: PN
- Fravaux: PN
- Jaucourt: PN
- Lignol- le- Chateau: PN
- Meurville: PN
- Montier- en- l’Isle: PN
- Provervile: PN
- Rizaucourt- Buchey: PN (twin village)
- Rouvres- les- Vignes: PN
- Saulcy: PN
- Spoy: PN
- Trannes: PN/ PM
- Urville: PN
- Voigny: PN
What are the villages of Baresquanais?
- Avirey- Ligney: PN
- Bagneux- la- Fosse: PN
- Balnot- sur- Laignes: PN
- Bar- sur- Seine: PN
- Bertignolles: PN
- Bragelogne- Beauvoir: PN
- Buxeuil: PN
- Buxieres- sur- Arce: PN
- Celles- sur- Ource: PN
- Chacenay: PN
- Channes: PN
- Chervey: PN
- Courteron: PN
- Cunfin: PN
- Eguilly- sous- Bois: PN
- Essoyes: PN
- Fontette: PN
- Gye- sur- Seine: PN
- Landreville: PN
- Les Riceys: PN
- Loches- sur- Ource: PN
- Merrey- sur- Arce: PN
- Mussy- sur- Seine: PN
- Neuville- sur- Seine: PN
- Noe- les- Mallets: PN
- Plaines- Saint- Lange: PN
- Polisot: PN
- Polisy: PN
- Saint- Usage: PN
- Verpilleres- sur- Ource: PN
- Ville- sur- Arce: PN
- Vitry- le- Croise: PN
- Viviers- sur- Artaut: PN
Is Champagne a flat land (or unforrested land- like in Latin)?
It isn’t flat. It contains underlating typography, but it is unforested.
What it the Paris Basin?
A large downward depression (syncline) of sedimentary rock strata. Ancient landform.
When was the Paris Basin formed?
270 millions years ago. Instead of forming a land mass.It created a downward folding to the Earth.
Deposits within the Paris Basin by Geological Period
Triassic: 250- 200 mya: Gypsium rock salt sandstone
Jurassic: 200- 145 mya: Sandstone, limestone
Cretaceous: 145- 65 mya: chalk, clays, sands
Tertiary: 65- 1.8 mya: sands, marls, lignite clays
What are the dimensions of the Paris basin?
Not limited to Paris and environs. 310 miles/ 500 kms from east to west 185 miles/ 300 km from North to South Over 54,000 square miles/ 140,000 square km 25% of France
What percentage of the outcrops in Champagne were comprised of limestone?
75% (including chalk and marl)
What is champagne’s typography comprised of?
Low Plateaus and gentle valleys
Paris basin……
Is under 656 ft/ 200 m in elevation, only the eastern escarpments rise to any significant height (1150- 1300 ft/ 350- 400 m)
What type of soil is champagne known for?
Chalk. But soils vary from terroir to terroir.
When was the top soil of champagne formed?
In the last Ice Age. In some instances it is only a few inches thick (10-20 cms)
What are the two primary soil types of champagne?
Chalk and limestone is chalk
Chalk
- Tremendous water holding capacity (approx 79- 105 gallons per 1.3 cubic yard/ 300- 400 litres per cubic metre)
- Acts as a subterranean sponge
- Pulls rainwater from the surface and down to 985- 1310 ft/ 300- 400 metre depth
- Reason why plant life was limited
What terroir lies within the chalk plain?
- Montagne de Reims
- Reims
- Epernay
- Chalons- en- Champagne
- Cotes des Blancs
- Ay
- Ambonnay
- Verzenay
When was the chalk of champagne formed?
During the cretaceous period 145- 65 mya
What sub- soil does the Aube sit a top?
Kimmeridgean Marl, a limestone clay that retains water. This area is called ‘Wet Champagne’ (Champagne humide)
What grape prefers limestone rich marl?
Pinot Noir. It provides deeply aromatic, earthy expressions
What is Champagne- Ardenne?
An administrative region of France. It comprises the departments of Ardenne, Aube, Marne and Haute- Marne
The champagne region encompasses……..
The departement of Aube, Aisne, Marne. The Aisne, politically, is part of the administrative department of Picardy.
The Marne has always been the heart of the Champagne Viticole. Reims and Epernay lie within its border.
What part of champagne are composed of sands, marls and clays?
Vallee de la Marne and the Val de Reims
What are the areas that have clay and sand?
The Cote de Sezanne
Clay soils……
Produce mineral rich wines, that need significant aging to express overt fruit characters
Sandy soils…..
More overt fruit characters, open and easy drinking
What are the two types of chalk in Champagne?
Belemnite and Micraster
Belemnite Chalk……
Ancient arrow or dart like relative of today’s squid. Preferred type of chalk.
Micraster Chalk……
Composed of fossilised sea- urchins.
Why is Belemnite Chalk more beneficial?
Because it has ended at the upper to mid slope levels. Happens to be ideal for optimal sun exposure and moisture retention.
What is Kimmeridgean Marl also known as?
Virgulien Marl. It was formed in the Jurassic Period (199- 145 mya)
Whats part of the Kimmeridgean Ring in Champagne?
Cotes des Bar. The ring runs through England and France.
What is a mono- parcelles?
A special terroir (ie Philipponet’s Clos des Goisses, Salon’s Cuvee ‘S’
Why are consumers warming to mono- parcelle and mono- cru wines?
Because of their niche in the market and the special nature. They are less corporate.
How many villages make up the champagne viticole?
319
What are the four principle regions of champagne?
- Montagne & Val de Reims (101 villages)
- Vallee de la Marne (98 villages)
- Cote des Blancs & Environs (57 villages)
- Cote des Bar (63 villages)
How many Grand Cru villages and Premier Cru villages are there?
17 Grand Cru
42 Premier Cru
What are the two villages that are ranked villages for two different grapes?
- Chouilly: GC for Chardonnay, PC for Pinot Noir
- Tour- sur- Marne: GC for P/Noir, PC for Chardonnay
In 2003 it meant they were officially called Grand Cru
Montagne & Val de Reims are comprised……
Of two very different terroirs, but are fairly even with their varietal plantings, P/N (40%), P/M (36%) and Chardonnay (24%). They are in the Marne Departement.
Massif de Saint- Theirry contains….
15 villages with no ranked villages
Massif de Saint- Thierry
- Located on the right bank of the Vesle River, on the slopes of the Cote de I’lle- de- France and on the Butte de Brimont
- Northernmost section of the champagne viticole; located N/West of the city of Reims
- Named after the Benedictine monks who established a monestry here 500 years ago
- Most of the v/yards face southeast, most are planted to P/Meunier (55%). Balance planted to P/Noir (30%) and Chardonnay (15%)
- Soils are mainly sand, clay and marl`
Vesle & Ardre Valley (Val de Reims): Montagne & Val de Reims: 52 Villages
- South of the Massif de Saint- Theirry and West of Reims, lies Vallee de l’andre and Vallee de la Vesle
- Vines flank the Ardre on both sides, while those on the right bank are sandwiches between the Ardre and the Vesle- area called the Tandenois
- Mostly P/Meunier (59%) but there is some P/Noir (28%) and Chardonnay (13%)
- Ardre Valley; sand, clay and marl and the slopes are n/east and s/east facing
- Southeast of the valley a but to the Northern section of the Montagne de Reims
Mont de Berru: Montagne & Vale de Reims- 5 villages (No Ranked Villages)
- Vineyards lie short of 4 miles/ 7 km, east of the city of Reims and circle Mont Berru
- Due to this the slopes have varying aspects
- Sub soils is chalk, the means the vines are Chardonnay (87%) with token plantings of P/Meunier (7%) and P/Noir (6%)
Grande Montagne de Reims: Montagne & Val de Reims- 27 villages
- Montagne de Reims is a horseshoe that opens to the West
- Vineyards are located on the slopes and face south, east, nthwest and north
- The crown of the hill is a regional nature park
- Some say it isn’t a hill due to its size, but it does look impressive. The mountain is actually a ‘cuesta’- an asymmetrical hill (one side steep, the other is gentle)
- Uplift is located south of Reims and north of Epernay
- Runs 18 miles/ 30 kms from east to west and is 3-6 miles/ 6-10 kms wide
- Soils: Vary by village. Some are limestone- rich marls while others are chalk
- P/ Noir represents over half of all vines planted (56%) and is located on limestone rich marls
- Chardonnay (29%) is on chalk sub-soils
- Pinot Meunier (15%) finds purchase on marl and on lesser sites where frost threatens more
Vallee de la Marne: 6 Terroirs
- West of the city of Epernay and flanks the Marne River
- Mostly planted to P/Meunier (62%), P/Noir (22%) and Chardonnay (16%)
- V/yards are on marls, clay and sand, with different aspects
- V/yards on the left bank of the river are north- facing; v/yards
- Located in the Marne department
Grande Vallée de la Marne: Vallee de la Marne- 9 Villages
- South of Montagne de Reims, north of Epernay, the Marne River carves in steep valley as it flows west towards Paris
- The eastern fringe borders Dry Champagne, with its chalk sub-soils but the rest of the Valley is comprised of sands, clay and marls
- Most v/yards are planted to P/Noir (66%), but there is Chardonnay (19%) and P/Meunier (15%)
Coteaux Sud d’Epernay: Vallee de la Marne- 13 Villages
- V/Yards are southeast, south and southwest of Epernay
- West is the Marne Valley; further south is the Cote des Blancs
Ranked village of Coteaux Sud d’Epernay?
Pierry- P/ Meunier, Premier Cru
Vallee de la Marne Rive Gauche: Vallee de la Marne: 21 Villages (No ranked villages)
- Right Bank of the Marne Valley, bisected by the Chatillon River
- Soils are sands, marls and clays
- P/ Meunier dominates (71%) with P/Noir (18%) and Chardonnay (11%)
Conde: Vallee de la Marne: 9 Villages (No ranked villages)
- Further West within the Marne Valley is a cluster of villages, encircling a large limestone uplift
- Vineyards are on the lower slope, comprised of P/ Meunier (70%), P/ Noir (20%) and Chardonnay (10%)
- This area is int the department de l’aisen within the admin region of Picardy and stretches from the town of Dormans to Chateau Theirry
Vallee de la Marne Ouest: Vallee de la Marne- 32 Villages (No ranked villages)
- Western- most section of the champagne viticole surrounds the Gallo- Roman castle of Chateau Theirry- famous landmark
- Most v/yards are on the right bank of the Marne River and face Sth and Southeast
- Soils are comprised of sands, marls and clays
- The vineyards are planted to P/Meunier (71%), Chardonnay (15%) and P/Noir (14%)
Cote de Blancs and Environs: 5 Terroirs
- Dry Champagne
- Chalk subsoils
Cote des Blancs: Cote des Blancs- 13 Villages
- Acuesta that nthest to sthwest, perpendicular to the Marne Valley
- South of the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, it is 8 miles/ 13 kms in length
- Subsoil is chalk
- Chardonnay (97%), P/ Noir- Vertus (2%) and P/Meunier (1%)
Val du Petit Morin: Cote des Blancs- 18 villages
- 53 miles/ 86 kms long tributary of the Marne
- Its headwaters form here midst a series of hills southwest of the Cotes des Blancs
- The river flows west and joins the Marne at La Ferte- sous- Jouarre between Chateau Thieirry and Meaux
- Solis are a mix of chalk and sand/ marl/ clay
- Almost an even mix of P/Meunier (47%) and Chardonnay (41%)
- Some P/Noir (12%)
What is the ranked village of Val du Petit Morin?
Etrechy: Ch 1er Cru
Cote de Sezanne: Cote des Blancs- 12 villages (No ranked villages)
- Hilly Zone, lies North and South of the city of Sezanne
- Mostly planted to Chardonnay (77%)
- Southeast facing v/yards on chalk outcrops, some pockets of clay
- P/Noir (19%), P/Meunier only has a scant amount of 4%
Vitryat (Vitry-le- Francois): Cote des Blancs- 14 villages (No ranked villages)
- Heart of “Dry Champagne”, atheist of Cote Des Blancs and atheist of the Cote de Sezanne
- Vineyards face east, planted on chalk slopes
- Chardonnay (98%) with plantings of P/Noir (1%) and P/Meunier (1%)
Montgeux: Cote des Blancs- 1 Village (No ranked villages)
- Sth facing v/yards of Montgeux are west of Troyes
- On chalk outcrop at 685 ft/ 209 m in elevation
- Planted exclusively to Chardonnay (90%) and P/ Noir (10%)
Cote des Bar: 2 Terroirs
- Southernmost reaches of the champagne viticole, known as “Wet Champagne”
- Subsoil is limestone rich Kimmeridgean marl
- Vineyards are southeast facing and dedicated to P/Noir (83%), Chardonnay (13%) and P/Meunier (4%)
- In the Aube department and lies southeast of the city of Troyes
Bar- sur- Arbois: Cote Des Bar- 32 Villages (No Ranked Villages)
- The villages of Bar-sur- Arbois encircle the city of Bar- sur- Aube
- The Aube is the principal river here and bissects the town
- Pinot Noir dominant (82%) some pockets of Chardonnay (11%) and P/ Meunier (7%)
Barsequanais: Cote Des Bar- 33 villages (No ranked villages)
- Comprised of five river valleys: L’Arce, L’Ource, Seine, Laignes and Sacre
- P/Noir dominant (84%)- Chardonnay (13%) and P/ Meunier