Sparkling Wines of the World Flashcards
What is the most popular sparkling wine in the world?
Champagne
What is the one appellation in the CHampagne region?
Champagne AC
How many villages in Champagne AC are labled premier cru
44
how many villages in CHampagne AC are labelled grand cru
17
How are the villages rated unlike Alsace or Burgandy?
growers are not required to meet stricter qualifications and the whole village is not rated or not specific sites. Not every plot rated in grand cru will have the same potential
how many sub regions are located within CHampagne AC? and what are they?
5 - cote des blancs, cote des Bar, Cote de Sezanne, Montagne de reims, vallee de la Marne
which three of the sub regions in Champagne are the most famous?
Montagne de Reims, Vallee de la Marne, and tghe Cote des Blancs.
where do the three most popular subregions in Champagne lie?
close to the major production centers of Reims and Epernay
WHich sub region in Champagne lies about 30 KM SW of Epernay
Cote de Sezanne
which sub region in Champagne lies over 100 km to the SE of Epernay
Cote de Bar
What type of climate does Champagne have?
cool continental. producers have to deal with winter freeze, spring frosts, and rainy cloudy weather.
what are sugar levels for grapes in CHampagne even in the warmest years?
very low sugar levels with high acid levels which makes it perfect for sparkling wine production
what is one of the biggest problems in the vineyards in CHampagne?
frost
How do vineyards minimize the challenge of frosts?
they are planted on slopes
describe soils in CHampagne
dominated by chalk which provided good drainage for rainfall but retains sufficient quantity of water in dry periods.
what type of agriculture are producers committed to in Champagne?
sustainable - try to use less of man made fertilizers and pesticides
what are the three main grape varietals used in making Champagne?
Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Meunier
Where is chardonnay most widely planted in Champagne?
Cote de Blancs and Cote de Sezanne
What type of CHardonnay is produced from Cote de Blancs and Cote de Sezanne
much lighter body than Burgandy and has high acidity with floral and citrus fruit characteristics.
Where does Pinot Noir dominate in Champagne?
Montagne de Reims and Cote de Bar
Describe Pinot noir from Montagne de Reims and Cote de Bar
greater body and provides structural backbone to most blends also giving them a red fruit character.
Where does Meunier dominate in CHampagne?
Vallee de la Marne due to the fact that it buds late protecting it from from the spring frosts that occur in this area.
Describe Meunier from Vallee de la Marne
adds fruity flavors to a blend and is especially important to wines that are made to be enjoyed young.
what method is Champagne made using?
the traditional method. grapes are handpicked to allow selection in the vineyard and retain whole healthy bunches
Describe the pressing process for Champagne
also highly controlled. most CHampagnes are made soley from the cuvee
what is cuvee?
the first liquid to come off the press which contains the purest juice
what is taille?
the remainder of the juice after the Cuvee
How is primary fermentation carried out for Champagne
stainless steel vats, oak barrels, or a mixture of the two
IS MLF used in CHampagne
is can be either encouraged or prevented
How is CHampagne base wines stored?
briefly in oak or in inert vessels only.
why is blending important in Champagne?
the weather can vary widely from year to year, wines may even be fermented in small parcels to allow a greater number of blending options
What do large Champagne producers do to achieve their house style from year to year?
they will use dozens of wines in their blends
How long does non vintage CHampagne wines need to be minimally aged for>
15 months including at least 12 months on lees.
How long does vintage CHampagne wines need to be minimally aged for>
36 months - no extra requirements for lees in general they are typically aged for longer
what does all Champagne wines have?
high acidity and at least some autolytic flavors.
describe a non vintage wine from CHampagne
generally lighter in body, with more fresh fruit flavors then vintage wines.
when are vintage wines made in CHampagne
in the best years
describe a vintage wine from CHampagne?
often more concentrated and display more toasty and biscuity notes from longer aging on lees.
what style rose Champagne is wine made in
can be made in both vintage and non vintage styles
describe the best wines from CHampagne
they balance aromas from autolysis with subtle fruity red berry flavors
descrive a blanc de Blanc wine
light to med body with citrus primary fruit
describe a blanc de noir wine
tend to be fuller body and have more red fruit flavors.
What is Prestige Cuvee
many CHampagne houses now make this - represents their finest wine in their range. often (but not always) vintage and made from best parcels of grapes. can cellar for years and demand premium prices
Many sweetness levels, but what one is most popular for Champagne?
Brut
what does the term Cremant apply to?
a number of French sparkling wine ACs
what are the most important cremant in France?
Cremant d’Alsace, Cremant de Bourgogne, and Cremant de Loire.
what are the regulations around a cremant wine?
they must be made by the traditional method and spend a minimum of 9 months on lees
What varietals are used to make Cremant wines?
the same varietals used to make still white wines in that region with the exception that ALsace cannot use Gewurztraminer or Muscat in cremant wines.