CSW Chapter 9 France (general)

Greeks and Romans

People who probably were the first to bring wine grapes to France

Monks/monasteries

wine was popularized in Burgundy by…

Royal marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry II

Wine was popularized in Bordeaux by…

Home of nobility in Middle Ages

Wine was popularized in the Loire Valley by…

Pinot Noir (still)

Wine was popularized in Champagne by…

Local consumption

Wine was popularized in the South of France by…

Flute d’Alsace

Tall, thin bottle used in Alsace for many of their wines

Full reds and lots of rose

Wines that come out of Mediterranean climate areas in France

Mediterranean

Roussillon, Languedoc, Rhône, Provence, Corsica climate

Maritime climate

Western France climate, Loire and Bordeaux

Continental climate

Central and northeastern France climate

Vosges Mountains

Small, north-south mountain range in NE France. Provides a barrier to storms coming from the west and shields the vineyards of Alsace

ugni blanc

Aka trebbiano Toscano, most widely planted white grape in France, used for making brandy rather than wine

Chardonnay

White grape known for Burgundy and Champagne, grown throughout France, very popular in Languedoc-Roussillon

Sauvignon Blanc

White grape known for Bordeaux and eastern Loire Valley

Melon (Melon de Bourgogne)

White grape grown mainly in the western Loire Valley

Semillon

White grape grown primarily in Bordeaux and southwest France, also in Languedoc-Roussilon and Provence as well

Chenin Blanc

White grape grown mainly in Loire Valley’s Anjou-Saumur and Touraine areas, makes dry/sweet/sparkling

Muscat

White grape mainly grown in South of France, often in fortified wines

Merlot

Most widely grown red grape in France, known for Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon

Red grape associated with Bordeaux, but grown throughout France

Cabernet Franc

Red grape that prefers cooler climate, leading grape in Loire Valley and minor grape in Bordeaux

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan

Red grape needing a warm climate, found primarily in the south of France, in many southern Rhône blends and in languedoc-roussillon, Corsica, and Provence

Pinot Noir

Red grape likes cool climate, known for Burgundy and Champagne, minor in Alsace and eastern Loire

Gamay

Red grape primarily in Beaujolais, also in cool climate places like Loire Valley

Pinot Meunier

Red grape that is known for secondary grape in Champagne

Vin

Entry tier for French wine, few specific regulations

vin de pays, IGP

1/3 of French wine production, typically allows production of a few different styles/grape varieties, 85% of the grapes must be grown within the boundaries of the region, 76 regions total

AOC, AOP, appellation d’origine controlee

Less than 50% of all French wine, ensures quality with place name, 300+ total