HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, GRAPES, WINE LAWS

Question 1

What are the main wine regions of France?

Answer 1

Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Champagne, Loire Valley, Rhone Valley, Southern France, Southwestern France

Question 2

Who pioneered viticulture after fall of Roman empire

Answer 2

Monks at Christian monasteries

Question 3

When did France begin exporting wine?

Answer 3

In 12 century, when Bordeaux was under British rule

Question 4

Which region was the home of French nobility in the Middle Ages?

Answer 4

Loire Valley

Question 5

What was the Champagne region first known for?

Answer 5

Pinot Noir (still) in 1600s

Question 6

When did Champagne begin producing sparkling wine?

Answer 6

End of the 17th century

Question 7

Which region has the longest history of viticulture?

Answer 7

Southern France

Question 8

What is France bordered by?

Answer 8

Belgium/Luxembourg (North), Mediterranean/Spain (South), Germany/Switzerland/Italy (East) Atlantic Ocean (West)

Question 9

What are the main topographical features?

Answer 9

Pyrenees, Alps, Massif Central and 5 rivers: Loire, Garonne, Dordogne, Rhone and Rhine

Question 10

What topographic feature protects the Alsace region?

Answer 10

Vosges mountains

Question 11

What ae most widely planted red/white grape varieties in France?

Answer 11

Merlot/Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano Toscano)

Question 12

What are the 3 classifications of French wine?

Answer 12

Vin, IGP/Vin de Pays, AOC/AOP

Question 13

What are the subdivisions of the IGP level?

Answer 13

Regional, Departmental, and Zone

Question 14

How many IGPs and AOC/AOPs?

Answer 14

76 IGPs (8 regions/28 departments/40 zones), >300 AOC/AOPs

Question 15

What are the 8regional IGPs?

Answer 15

Pays d’Oc, Val du Loire, Comtes Rhodaniens, Mediteranee, Comtes Tolosan, L’Atlantique, Terres du Midi, Ile-de-France