Viticulture and Climate of Champagne

Question 1

The region of Champagne is located along the ___ parallel.

Answer 1

The 48th

Question 2

What is the mean annual temperature?

Answer 2

50 degrees.
due to temp ripening is extremely variable, and quality can differ greatly from year to year, requiring the houses of Champagne to blend between vintages to achieve a
consistency in their house styles.

Question 3

Does grape acidity in remain high in this region?

Answer 3

Grape acidity usually remains markedly high—an

important attribute for sparkling wines.

Question 4

What are four elemental concerns for Champagne?

Answer 4

Frost, rain, fungal disease and hail are serious

concerns for growers in the cold, Atlantic-influenced climate.

Question 5

Define : Boureux

Answer 5

bouvreux, or second crop, that rarely ripens and is left on the vine.

Question 6

Describe Belemnite Chalk Soil

Answer 6

Belemnite chalk, derived from the fossilized remains of millions of extinct cephalopods(Squid family) , has a high limestone content, which allows vine roots to dig deeply and is
linked to increased acidity.

Question 7

Describe Micraster Chalk soil

Answer 7

micraster chalk, named for an extinct sea

urchin, characterizes the valley vineyards.

Question 8

The unique and renowned cellars of Champagne carved out of the Limestone and chalk, provide a natural storage enviornment of __-__ degrees.

Answer 8

53-54 Degrees

Question 9

A thing layer of ___ and ___ cover much of the chalk in Champagne.

Answer 9

Clay and Sand

Question 10

In Aube, what is the dominant soil?

Answer 10

Clay is the dominant soil type in Aube.

Question 11

What are the three principal grapes authorized for the production of Champagne?

Answer 11

Pinot Noir (RED) , Chardonnay (WHITE), and Meunier or Pinot Meunier (RED)

Question 12

Fact Card-
Larger houses will often blend Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, or all three varietals, in order to create a consistent non-vintage house style.

Answer 12

facts card - no answer required.

Each grape contributes a different element:
Chardonnay provides elegance and longevity, Pinot Noir supports the wine’s structure,
richness and body, and Meunier lends a youthful fruitiness and approachability.

Question 13

What four pruning methods are permitted in Champagne?

Answer 13

Cordon de Royat, Chablis, Vallée de la Marne, and Guyot (double and simple).