Intro to France Flashcards
What key development in the 17th century led to a huge expansion of exported wine, especially from Bordeaux?
The draining of the marshes in the Médoc by Dutch engineers revealed extensive land with fast-draining gravelly soils that was suitable for viticulture
What initiative led to the total area under vine in France falling by 1/3 between 1970 and the early 2010s?
the EU vine pull scheme
When and where were the first vines planted in France?
Vines were planted in the Greek colony (today Marseille, founded 600 BCE), which preceded large-scale vine growing in the period of Roman Gaul (First century BCE to 5th century AD). Initially, wines were only planted in the south of France — such as the Rhône Valley, and near Bordeaux.
What new challenges did the French wine industry face in the second half of the 19th century?
Issues in the vineyard: powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot, and phylloxera.
At what latitudes are France’s grape growing regions found?
42-49 N
Describe the planting density and vineyard management systems used at virtually all French vineyards:
Vineyards are planted at high density with vines trained on trellises, often with cane-replacement pruned Guyot systems with VSP (vertical shoot positioning).
*Exception: bush vines in parts of Southern France
What are the top black grape varietals in France based on hectares planted?
Merlot (dominance explain by use in Bordeaux & IGP Langeudoc wines) Grenache Noir Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Carignan Pinot Noir Sauvignon Blanc
What are the top white grape varietals in France based on hectares planted?
Ugni Blanc (dominance explained by use in Cognac and Armagnac in south west France) Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc
Where is chaptalisation most commonly used in France, and what are two reasons it’s use is declining?
Chaptalisation was invented in France and is most commonly used in cooler reasons.
It’s use has declined in recent years due to:
(1) warmer climate
(2) better canopy managment systems
Which large, highly respected industry in France supports maturation in barrels as a standard of French winemaking?
The cooperage industry.
Which organization has shaped French wine laws and regulations in the 20th century, and which major systems did it put in place?
INAO (est 1935): Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité)
AOC system: Appellation d’origine contrôlée
IGP system (as of 2009): Indication géographique protégé
Name the location of two major institutions devoted to viticulture and vinification:
Montpellier
Bordeaux
What concept is the AOC system(s) based on, and what are the two major tenants of these systems?
They are based on the concept of terroir, and define a commitment to:
(1) Geographically defined appellations
(2) detailed rules about production, including:
- varieties allowed
- planting density
- training systems
- max yields
- min abv
- length of maturation before release
- earliest date wine can be sold
Why did France & the EU agree to allow the name of the grape varietyto appear on wine labels alongside the name of the appellation?
Because of commercial success of varietally labelled wine from new world countries.
What is the average size of vineyard holdings in France?
10.5 ha (much bigger than France or Italy)
