Flashcards in C42 - Sparkling Wines of the World Deck (141)
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1
How many appellations are there in the Champagne region?
One
2
What is the one appellation in the Champagne region?
Champagne AC
3
How many villages within Champagne have premier cru status?
44
4
How many villages within Champagne have grand cru status?
17
5
What are the crus in Champagne?
The entire village rather than a specific vineyard
6
What are the production restrictions in the crus of Champagne?
There are no additional requirements
7
Why is a Champagne wine coming from a cru not necessarily a sign of consistent quality?
As a cru is an entire village, not every plot will have the same potential
8
How many sub-appellations are there within Champagne?
Five
9
What are the three most famous sub-regions of Champagne?
Montagne de Reims
Vallée de la Marne
Côte des Blancs
10
Where in Champagne is the Côte de Sézanne?
Approximately 30 kilometres south-west of Épernay
11
Where is the Côte des Bar?
Over 100km to the south-east of Épernay
12
What's currently being reviewed in Champagne re. appellations?
The delineation of the appellation
13
What exactly is being looked into re. delineation of Champagne AC? Why?
The assessment of the entire surface area of all qualifying villages in Champagne
Some parts of Champagne were not included due to various reasons such as being overlooked, or the original landowners having no interest in producing Champagne
14
What is the climate of Champagne?
Cool continental
15
What are the biggest climatic threats a Champagne producer has to face?
Winter freeze, spring frost and rainy, cloudy weather
16
What makes the Champagne region ideal for sparkling grape growing?
Even in the warmest years, grape sugar levels remain very low and acid levels are very high
17
How is the threat of frost minimised in Champagne?
Most vineyards are planted on slopes
18
What is the dominant part of soils of Champagne?
Chalk
19
What is the main quality of chalk as a soil constituent?
They provide good drainage after rain storms but retain a sufficient quantity of water in dry periods
20
What is a new focus for Champagne producers?
They are now fully committed to sustainable agriculture and have ambitious targets to reduce their use of man-made fertilisers and pesticides
21
What are the three grape varieties used in Champagne?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Pinot Meunier
22
Where in Champagne is Chardonnay most widely planted?
Côte des Blancs and Côte de Sézanne
23
Describe Chardonnay from Champagne
Lighter-bodied than in Burgundy
High acidity
Floral and citrus fruit character
24
Where in Champagne does Pinot Noir dominate?
Montagne de Reims and Côte des Bar
25
Describe wines from Pinot Noir in Champagne
Greater body
Structural backbone to most blends
Gives blends a red fruit character
26
Where in Champagne does Meunier predominate? Why?
Vallée de la Marne
Because it buds late, protecting it from the spring frosts that occur more frequently in this region
27
What does Meunier contribute to a blend in Champagne?
Fruity flavours
28
For which wines in Champagne is Meunier particularly important?
Those made to be enjoyed young
29
Describe harvesting in Champagne
Grapes are hand-picked to allow selection in the vineyard and retain whole, healthy bunches
30
