Vinlov Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of French wine law, or Loi Vinicole?
To regulate wine production and protect the integrity of France’s wine regions
It aims to ensure that wine labels are trustworthy and that consumers can rely on the quality and origin of the wines they purchase.
What does AOC stand for in French wine law?
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée
This translates to ‘Controlled Designation of Origin’ and was established in 1935.
Name three key components of AOC regulations.
- Geography
- Grape Varieties
- Viticultural Practices
These components ensure that wines meet strict criteria regarding production methods and quality.
What is the role of the INAO in the AOC system?
To manage AOC regulations and protect them from misuse
INAO stands for Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité.
True or False: The AOP is a newer designation that is synonymous with AOC.
True
AOP, or Appellation d’Origine Protégée, was introduced in the 2000s as part of EU standardization.
What is the most basic designation in French wine classification?
Vin de France
This designation refers to table wines that do not qualify for any regional designation or AOC classification.
Fill in the blank: The _______ level allows for some regional designation but with more flexibility in grape varieties and production techniques compared to AOC.
Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)
This level provides a middle ground for producers to showcase regional characteristics.
What does the term ‘Cru Classifications’ refer to?
Additional classifications within AOC that further distinguish quality levels
Examples include Grand Cru and Premier Cru in Burgundy.
How does the Bordeaux region classify its wines?
Based on a hierarchy of ‘crus’ or growths
The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 ranks wines from First Growth to Fifth Growth.
What are the two main types of grape varieties used in Champagne production?
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier
These are the primary grapes allowed in the production of Champagne.
What is the traditional method used for making Champagne?
Méthode Champenoise
This method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation.
What is the aging requirement for non-vintage Champagne?
A minimum of 15 months, with at least 12 months spent on the lees
This aging process contributes to Champagne’s complexity.
What is the significance of terroir in Bordeaux?
It emphasizes how climate, soil, and human influence uniquely affect each vineyard
Terroir plays a crucial role in the identity of Bordeaux wines.
List two prominent AOCs in the Loire Valley known for Sauvignon Blanc wines.
- Sancerre
- Pouilly-Fumé
These AOCs are known for their strict regulations and unique terroir.
What is the Beaujolais Nouveau?
An early-release wine bottled just six to eight weeks after harvest
It is released annually on the third Thursday in November and is often consumed young.
What is the unique classification system used in Champagne called?
Échelle des Crus
This system rates villages based on the quality of their grapes.
Fill in the blank: The highest-quality vineyards in Burgundy are classified as _______.
Grand Cru
Grand Cru vineyards are known for their exceptional terroir.
What are the two major classifications in the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
- Saint-Émilion
- Pomerol
These areas are known for wines primarily made from Merlot.
What does ‘Blanc de Blancs’ mean?
White of whites, made exclusively from Chardonnay
This style of Champagne is often lighter and can develop beautifully with age.
True or False: Crémant is a type of sparkling wine produced only in the Champagne region.
False
Crémant is produced in various regions of France using similar traditional methods.
What is the meaning of ‘Blanc de Noirs’ in Champagne production?
It means ‘white of blacks’ and is made from Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier
Blanc de Noirs Champagne tends to be richer and more robust, with berry and brioche flavors.
What are Crémant wines?
Sparkling wines produced outside of the Champagne region, following traditional methods
Crémant wines fall under different AOCs and have distinct regulations.
List three regions where Crémant is produced.
- Crémant d’Alsace
- Crémant de Bourgogne
- Crémant de Loire
What is the minimum aging requirement for Crémant wines?
Nine months on the lees
This is shorter than Champagne’s 12-month requirement.
What is a unique characteristic of Crémant de Limoux?
It often incorporates Mauzac, in addition to Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
This contributes to the diversity of flavors in Crémant wines.
What is the primary goal of Bordeaux’s adaptation to climate change?
To ensure the viability of its vineyards for future generations
This involves approving new grape varieties better suited to warmer conditions.
Name two newly approved red grape varieties for Bordeaux.
- Touriga Nacional
- Marselan
What is unique about the grape variety Touriga Nacional?
It retains acidity and freshness in hot climates
Commonly used in Port production.
What does the AOP designation stand for?
Appellation d’Origine Protégée
It standardizes product quality and origin regulations across the EU.
How does IGP differ from AOP?
IGP allows for broader geographic origin and greater flexibility in grape variety and production methods
IGP wines are often more experimental.
What is the most flexible wine category under EU law?
Vin de France
This category allows blending across regions and does not guarantee geographic origin.
What was the Phylloxera epidemic?
A crisis caused by an insect that attacks vine roots, devastating vineyards in Europe
It led to the widespread adoption of American rootstocks.
What system did Bordeaux develop in the 18th century for wine trade?
A network of négociants (wine brokers)
These brokers played a critical role in selling wines internationally.
What was the purpose of the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification?
To rank wines based on reputation and price for the Exposition Universelle
It established a quality hierarchy that still influences Bordeaux today.
What does the AOC system protect?
Wine authenticity and regional identity
It ensures that a wine’s label reflects its place of origin.
What historical event influenced the establishment of the AOC system?
The rampant wine fraud during economic hardship in France
This led to the creation of the INAO to enforce strict standards.
How does the introduction of new grape varieties in Bordeaux reflect climate change adaptation?
It acknowledges the realities of climate change and aims to preserve classic Bordeaux styles
New varieties are chosen for their resilience in warmer conditions.
What is the significance of vintage labeling in French wine?
It indicates the year grapes were harvested and is legally required for high-quality wines
This is crucial for collectors and consumers.
What are ‘stellar vintages’?
Years known for exceptional weather conditions leading to optimal grape ripeness
Examples include 2009 and 2010 in Bordeaux.
What are Stellar Vintages?
Certain years known for exceptional wine quality due to favorable weather conditions
Examples include 2009 and 2010 in Bordeaux, and 2015 in Burgundy.
What characterizes Off-Years in winemaking?
Cooler or rainier years producing wines with less power or shorter aging potential
These wines may still offer elegance and drinkability when young.
What is the significance of vintage in wine pricing?
Vintage impacts quality and style, influencing wine pricing and drinking windows
Understanding vintage helps explain price differences to guests.
What does ‘Vigneron Indépendant’ indicate on a French wine label?
The wine is produced by an independent winemaker who oversees the entire process
Often associated with smaller, family-run operations and artisanal quality.
What does ‘Mis en bouteille au château’ signify?
The wine was bottled at the estate where it was produced
Indicates quality and accountability, common in Bordeaux.
What are Cru Designations in French wines?
Terms like ‘Premier Cru’ and ‘Grand Cru’ indicate specific quality classifications
Based on terroir, historical reputation, and consistency.
What does ‘AOP’ stand for?
Appellation d’Origine Protégée
AOP wines are subject to strict regulations regarding grape varieties and production methods.
What is the purpose of unique identification numbers on wine bottles?
To verify details like vintage, vineyard, and bottling date
Helps combat wine fraud by tracing a wine’s origin.
How do QR codes help in wine authentication?
Allow buyers to access detailed information about the wine’s provenance
Quick scans on smartphones provide transparency.
What is blockchain technology’s role in wine authentication?
Records every transaction associated with a bottle in an immutable ledger
Ensures a transparent record of the wine’s journey.
Why are French wines popular for investment?
Due to historical prestige, aging potential, and high demand
Bordeaux and Burgundy are particularly sought after.
What platforms facilitate wine investment trading?
Auction houses and wine exchanges like Liv-ex
They provide markets for buying and selling fine wines.
What factors can cause wine investment prices to appreciate?
Vintage quality, limited production, and increasing demand
Stellar vintages are highly valued for their collectibility and aging potential.
What are potential risks in wine investment?
Economic shifts, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preferences
These can affect wine prices significantly.
What does ‘IGP’ stand for?
Indication Géographique Protégée
IGP wines offer more flexibility compared to AOP wines.
