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