SPARKLING WINES OF THE WORLD Flashcards
How many Premier Cru and Grand Cru in Champagne?
44 Premier Cru
17 Grand Cru
How is Champagne rated?
-The whole village is rated and not specific vineyard sites
-Growers in these villages are NOT required to meet stricter production requirements (ex: Lower yields)
Champagne- Within the appellation boundaries, how many sub regions are there with major concentrations of vineyards?
3 most famous?
5
1.Montagne de Reims
2.Vallee de la Marne
3.Cotes des Blancs
Climate in Champagne?
Cool continental
Winter freeze, spring frosts, rainy/cloudy weather
Frost is a big challenge
Champagne-Most vineyards are planted on?
Soils?
Slopes to minimize frost
Dominated by chalk (provides good drainage, but can hold a good quantity of water during dry periods)
Champagne-Chardonnay is most widely planted where?
Cote des Blancs
Cote de Sezanne
*Much lighter in body than in Burgundy, high acid with floral/citrus fruit character
Champagne-Where does Pinot Noir dominate?
Montagne de Reims
Cote des Bar
*Wines of greater body and structural backbone to most blends
Champagne-Where does Meunier dominate?
Vallee de la Marne
-Buds late protecting it from spring frost that occur more in this area
-Adds fruit flavours to blends
-Important for wines that are made to be enjoyed young
First liquid to come off the press in Champagne?
Cuvee-Contains the purest juice (Best Champs made solely from this)
The remainder is called the Taille
Champagne- NV wines must be ages for?
Min 15 months, including at least 12 months on lees
Champagne-Vintage wines must be matured for?
Min 36 months, including at least 12 months on the lees
NV Champagne characteristics?
Lighter in body
More fresh fruit flavors
Vintage Champagne characteristics?
Made in the best years
More concentrated
More toasty and biscuity
Blanc de Blanc characteristics?
Light to medium bodied
Citrus primary fruit
Can be more austere in youth, but can bottle age for a long time
Blanc de Noir characteristics?
Fuller in body
Can age more quickly