Sparkling Wines of the World Flashcards
What are the terms permitted in Champagne labelling ?
- Champagne consist of a single appelation
- Villages with Cru status
- 44 are premier cru
- 17 are Grand cru
- But these are not appellation
Are every vineyards sites outstanding in Champagne?
Explain
The whole village is rated and not specific vineyards
Villages are not required to meet stricter production requirements such as lower yields
The sites vary in quality and potential
What are the sub-region sof Champagne where there are major concentrations of vineyards?
There are five sub-regions
Near épernay
- Montagne de Reims
- Vallée de la Marne
- Côte des Blancs
South west and south east
- Côte de Sézanne
- Côte des Bar
What is the climate of Champagne ?
Cool continental climate
What are the climatic hazards in champagne.
How they minimise the impact ?
Winter freeze, spring Frost: Vineyards are planted on slopes
Rainy cloudy weather: Chalk soils provide good drainage and water in dry periods
Is champagne suited for sustainable agriculture ?
Producers are fully committed to sustainable agriculture and have ambitious targets
What are the main grape varieties used in making Champagne ?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Meunier
Is Champagne or Alsace the northernmost winemaking region in France?
Champagne is the most northern winemaking region in France.
What is the main type of sub-soil in Champagne?
The main sub-soil in Champagne is chalk, which retains water well.
Where is most planted Chardonnay in Champagne ?
What is the wine profile ?
Côte des Blancs and Côte de Sézanne
Lighter-bodied than Burgudy and high acidity with floral and citrus
Where is most planted Pinot Noir in Champagne ?
What is the wine profile ?
Montagne de Reims and Côte des Bar
Greater Body, structural backbone to blends
Where is most planted Meunier in Champagne ?
What is the wine profile ?
Vallée de la Marne
Because it buds late protecting from spring frost
Fruity flavours to blend
important for wine that are made to be enjoyed young
What is the method used for in Champagne ?
Traditional method
What is called the first liquid to come out of the press in méthode traditionnelle ?
Cuvée
Can grapes can be machine harvested in champagne ?
No, it must be handpicked to retain whol healhty bunches
What is called the remainder of the press juice, after the cuvée ?
Taille
From which juice is made premium champagne ?
Solely from the Cuvée
Is champagne allowed to blend wines ?
Yes, large champagne producers often blend dozens of wines to achieve house style
What is the lenght of time champagne must be aged inclueing times on lees ?
Non-vintage : min. 15 months- 12 months on lees
Vintage : 36 months - 12 months on leeds
But often longer
Describe general styles of champagne
non-vintage : light body, fresh fruits
vintage : on best years, concentrated ,ad more toasty-bicuity
Rosé : dlicate autolysis, berry notes
Blanc de blancs : more austre but can age
Blanc de noirs : fuller body but age quickly
Prestige cuvée : can age several years, from best parcels
What sweetness level is more popular for champagne ?
brut
Brut nature is on the rise
What are the 3 most important Crémant AC ?
Crémant d’Alsace
Crémant de Bourgogne
Crémant de Loire
What is the winemaking methos used for Crémant ?
Traditional Method