Vinlov Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary purpose of French wine law, or Loi Vinicole?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What does AOC stand for in French wine law?

A

Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée

This translates to ‘Controlled Designation of Origin’ and was established in 1935.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Name three key components of AOC regulations.

A
  • Geography
  • Grape Varieties
  • Viticultural Practices

These components ensure that wines meet strict criteria regarding production methods and quality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the role of the INAO in the AOC system?

A

To manage AOC regulations and protect them from misuse

INAO stands for Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

True or False: The AOP is a newer designation that is synonymous with AOC.

A

True

AOP, or Appellation d’Origine Protégée, was introduced in the 2000s as part of EU standardization.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the most basic designation in French wine classification?

A

Vin de France

This designation refers to table wines that do not qualify for any regional designation or AOC classification.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Fill in the blank: The _______ level allows for some regional designation but with more flexibility in grape varieties and production techniques compared to AOC.

A

Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)

This level provides a middle ground for producers to showcase regional characteristics.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What does the term ‘Cru Classifications’ refer to?

A

Additional classifications within AOC that further distinguish quality levels

Examples include Grand Cru and Premier Cru in Burgundy.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How does the Bordeaux region classify its wines?

A

Based on a hierarchy of ‘crus’ or growths

The Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 ranks wines from First Growth to Fifth Growth.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the two main types of grape varieties used in Champagne production?

A
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Noir
  • Pinot Meunier

These are the primary grapes allowed in the production of Champagne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the traditional method used for making Champagne?

A

Méthode Champenoise

This method involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create carbonation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the aging requirement for non-vintage Champagne?

A

A minimum of 15 months, with at least 12 months spent on the lees

This aging process contributes to Champagne’s complexity.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the significance of terroir in Bordeaux?

A

It emphasizes how climate, soil, and human influence uniquely affect each vineyard

Terroir plays a crucial role in the identity of Bordeaux wines.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

List two prominent AOCs in the Loire Valley known for Sauvignon Blanc wines.

A
  • Sancerre
  • Pouilly-Fumé

These AOCs are known for their strict regulations and unique terroir.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the Beaujolais Nouveau?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is the unique classification system used in Champagne called?

A

Échelle des Crus

This system rates villages based on the quality of their grapes.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Fill in the blank: The highest-quality vineyards in Burgundy are classified as _______.

A

Grand Cru

Grand Cru vineyards are known for their exceptional terroir.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What are the two major classifications in the Right Bank of Bordeaux?

A
  • Saint-Émilion
  • Pomerol

These areas are known for wines primarily made from Merlot.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What does ‘Blanc de Blancs’ mean?

A

White of whites, made exclusively from Chardonnay

This style of Champagne is often lighter and can develop beautifully with age.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

True or False: Crémant is a type of sparkling wine produced only in the Champagne region.

A

False

Crémant is produced in various regions of France using similar traditional methods.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the meaning of ‘Blanc de Noirs’ in Champagne production?

A

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.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What are Crémant wines?

A

Sparkling wines produced outside of the Champagne region, following traditional methods

Crémant wines fall under different AOCs and have distinct regulations.

23
Q

List three regions where Crémant is produced.

A
  • Crémant d’Alsace
  • Crémant de Bourgogne
  • Crémant de Loire
24
Q

What is the minimum aging requirement for Crémant wines?

A

Nine months on the lees

This is shorter than Champagne’s 12-month requirement.

25
Q

What is a unique characteristic of Crémant de Limoux?

A

It often incorporates Mauzac, in addition to Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc

This contributes to the diversity of flavors in Crémant wines.

26
Q

What is the primary goal of Bordeaux’s adaptation to climate change?

A

To ensure the viability of its vineyards for future generations

This involves approving new grape varieties better suited to warmer conditions.

27
Q

Name two newly approved red grape varieties for Bordeaux.

A
  • Touriga Nacional
  • Marselan
28
Q

What is unique about the grape variety Touriga Nacional?

A

It retains acidity and freshness in hot climates

Commonly used in Port production.

29
Q

What does the AOP designation stand for?

A

Appellation d’Origine Protégée

It standardizes product quality and origin regulations across the EU.

30
Q

How does IGP differ from AOP?

A

IGP allows for broader geographic origin and greater flexibility in grape variety and production methods

IGP wines are often more experimental.

31
Q

What is the most flexible wine category under EU law?

A

Vin de France

This category allows blending across regions and does not guarantee geographic origin.

32
Q

What was the Phylloxera epidemic?

A

A crisis caused by an insect that attacks vine roots, devastating vineyards in Europe

It led to the widespread adoption of American rootstocks.

33
Q

What system did Bordeaux develop in the 18th century for wine trade?

A

A network of négociants (wine brokers)

These brokers played a critical role in selling wines internationally.

34
Q

What was the purpose of the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification?

A

To rank wines based on reputation and price for the Exposition Universelle

It established a quality hierarchy that still influences Bordeaux today.

35
Q

What does the AOC system protect?

A

Wine authenticity and regional identity

It ensures that a wine’s label reflects its place of origin.

36
Q

What historical event influenced the establishment of the AOC system?

A

The rampant wine fraud during economic hardship in France

This led to the creation of the INAO to enforce strict standards.

37
Q

How does the introduction of new grape varieties in Bordeaux reflect climate change adaptation?

A

It acknowledges the realities of climate change and aims to preserve classic Bordeaux styles

New varieties are chosen for their resilience in warmer conditions.

38
Q

What is the significance of vintage labeling in French wine?

A

It indicates the year grapes were harvested and is legally required for high-quality wines

This is crucial for collectors and consumers.

39
Q

What are ‘stellar vintages’?

A

Years known for exceptional weather conditions leading to optimal grape ripeness

Examples include 2009 and 2010 in Bordeaux.

40
Q

What are Stellar Vintages?

A

Certain years known for exceptional wine quality due to favorable weather conditions

Examples include 2009 and 2010 in Bordeaux, and 2015 in Burgundy.

41
Q

What characterizes Off-Years in winemaking?

A

Cooler or rainier years producing wines with less power or shorter aging potential

These wines may still offer elegance and drinkability when young.

42
Q

What is the significance of vintage in wine pricing?

A

Vintage impacts quality and style, influencing wine pricing and drinking windows

Understanding vintage helps explain price differences to guests.

43
Q

What does ‘Vigneron Indépendant’ indicate on a French wine label?

A

The wine is produced by an independent winemaker who oversees the entire process

Often associated with smaller, family-run operations and artisanal quality.

44
Q

What does ‘Mis en bouteille au château’ signify?

A

The wine was bottled at the estate where it was produced

Indicates quality and accountability, common in Bordeaux.

45
Q

What are Cru Designations in French wines?

A

Terms like ‘Premier Cru’ and ‘Grand Cru’ indicate specific quality classifications

Based on terroir, historical reputation, and consistency.

46
Q

What does ‘AOP’ stand for?

A

Appellation d’Origine Protégée

AOP wines are subject to strict regulations regarding grape varieties and production methods.

47
Q

What is the purpose of unique identification numbers on wine bottles?

A

To verify details like vintage, vineyard, and bottling date

Helps combat wine fraud by tracing a wine’s origin.

48
Q

How do QR codes help in wine authentication?

A

Allow buyers to access detailed information about the wine’s provenance

Quick scans on smartphones provide transparency.

49
Q

What is blockchain technology’s role in wine authentication?

A

Records every transaction associated with a bottle in an immutable ledger

Ensures a transparent record of the wine’s journey.

50
Q

Why are French wines popular for investment?

A

Due to historical prestige, aging potential, and high demand

Bordeaux and Burgundy are particularly sought after.

51
Q

What platforms facilitate wine investment trading?

A

Auction houses and wine exchanges like Liv-ex

They provide markets for buying and selling fine wines.

52
Q

What factors can cause wine investment prices to appreciate?

A

Vintage quality, limited production, and increasing demand

Stellar vintages are highly valued for their collectibility and aging potential.

53
Q

What are potential risks in wine investment?

A

Economic shifts, regulatory changes, and shifts in consumer preferences

These can affect wine prices significantly.

54
Q

What does ‘IGP’ stand for?

A

Indication Géographique Protégée

IGP wines offer more flexibility compared to AOP wines.