Lesson Principle Wine Regions of the World A unique gift from nature and the earth’s geology Lesson 4

Aims and Learning Outcomes of the LessonOn completion of this lesson the learner will be expected to be able to;  Describe the major wine growing countries and regions, their individua

Lesson 4 Principle Wine Regions

of the World

A unique gift from nature and

the earth’s geology

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

Aims and Learning Outcomes of the Lesson

On completion of this lesson the learner will be

expected to be able to;

 Describe the major wine growing countries and regions, their individual classifications and their related wine laws

 Outline the grape characteristics, geographical and geological factors, plus the viticultural and vinification techniques used to produce wines around the world

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

through investment, innovation, the application of

new scientific techniques higher quality wines are

being produced

mother nature who is the ultimate boss in the end,

factors to fall into place to produce good wines

consistently.

4.1 Argentina

 Seventy percent of Argentina’s vineyards are located in the state of Mendoza, which lies under the Andes Mountains and is geographically

located on the same latitude as Morocco A unique intricate system of irrigation, which is supplied from the melted snows of the Andes

Mountains by a network of canals begun by the native Indians a thousand years ago (which included a legal framework for equitably dividing

water rights, that subsequent generations have luckily inherited) coupled with balanced temperatures and little or no disease ensures that

crops are huge The average crop produces an amazing 70 hectolitres

 the most widely planted grape variety is the Malbec once dominant in Bordeaux and flourishing as Auxerrois in Cahors, in Argentina it

produces top rich red wine

 the best vineyards are located near the Andes due to the unique canal system and high altitudes between 600 to 950 metres

 phylloxera is controlled in Argentina by flooding the vineyards with water from big dams located in the Andes Mountains

 Torrontes: Argentina’s indigenous white variety, popular and very easy to drink, both for old-style brownish wines and fruiter modern ones

Vineyards and grape varieties

Vineyards: The vineyards of Argentina lie above 500 metres above sea level with the exception of Salta (in the sub tropical north), which is close

to the town of Cafayate those vineyards reach a height to 2,000 metres The majority of the vineyards are planted in the parral, or pergola system because of the heat, this helps keep the grapes away from the scorching ground heat

Grape varieties and regions grown: Malbec (Mendoza, Rio Negro) produces full-bodied, bramley red wines with the dark purple colour, rich

tannins, peppery and spicy flavours

 Torrontes (Cafayate) produces full-bodied, dry white wines with Muscat-like aromas

 Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot (Cafayate, Mendoza) planted widely for red wines

 Chardonnay and Viognier (Mendoza) for white wines

 Criolla and Cereza used for basic, local market table wine or in some cases grape concentrates

Major regions and wines of Argentina:

Argentina was the first South American country to introduce a DOC system in 1992 Mendoza: only region with a hierarchy of appellations,

divided into five regions and a larger number of departments and then subdivisions San Juan: warmer climates produces light wines, lots of vermouths and grape concentrate Famatina: far north, very hot contains co-operative cellars, the La Rioja province wines although popular are labelled Famatina Valley because of Spain Cafayate: the Torrontes (white) grape reins here in this Salta province High growing altitudes help develop aromas and flavours Cabernet Sauvignon also grows well here

 Rio Negro: located in the far south, this cool region produces a lot of Malbec

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Wine map of Australia ]

4.2 Australia (continued)

 The best vineyards are to the south and close to the sea Australia’s red and white wines display a delicate fruity

softness, which is ideal for immediate consumption

 Climate and weather: Mediterranean, the cooler areas at found at altitude or close to the coast Drought can be the

biggest problem Weather can also cause vintage variation.

 Soils: Very mixed for separate regions, some special soils include the Terra Rossa of Connawarra.

 Grape Varieties: Although there are about 90 different grape varieties planted commercially in Australia the main grape

varieties grown are White: Semillion, Riesling, Chardonnay, Muscat Gordo Blanco, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard,

Verdelho Black: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Ruby Cabernet, Grenache, Mataro (Mourvedre), Cabernet Franc.

 Geographical Indications (GI): created in 1993 ‘to determine geographical indications for wine in relation to regions

and localities in Australia’ The GI is part of Label Integrity Program to ensure the validity of the information on the bottle label

 Local labelling and legal requirements: If regions, varieties or vintages are stated, then 85 per cent of the wine in the

bottle must come from those regions, varieties or vintages

Major Australian Regions

 New South Wales (Hunter Valley, Central Ranges Zone, Big Rivers Zone)

 Victoria (Western Victoria Zone, North-West Victoria Zone, North-East Victoria, Port Phillip Zone)

 South Australia (Limestone Coast Zone, Mount Lofty Ranges Zone, Lower Murray Zone, Barossa Zone, Eden Valley

region, Fleurieu Peninsular Zone,

 Western Australia (Greater Perth Zone, South-West Australia Zone), Tasmania

Major Wines

Hunter Valley Semillon, Barossa Shiraz, Connawarra Cabernet Sauvignon, Clare and Eden Valley Rieslings,

Adelaide Hills Chardonnay, Yarra Valley Pinot Noir, Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River Chardonnay, Rutherglen Liqueur Muscat

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

Much of the Austrian wine is consumed locally while Germany is it’s biggest export market Nno country in Europe has

changed its attitudes and upgraded its standards so much in the past decade as Austria

Austrian Wine Laws

Completely revamped and introduced in 1993, the classification system for the Austrian wine is similar to that of Germany,

for example chaptalisation is forbidden for quality wines and the wine label information is also similar for both countries

Classification system for Austrian quality wines

 Trockenbeernaulese (top level)

Austrian Vineyards and Grape Varieties

The vineyards are mainly concentrated to the east of Austria, 85% of the wines are white and dry made from the

indigenous ‘Gruner Veltliner’ (broad variety of flavours) and other varieties, including the noble Riesling (grown for the quality wines giving dry full bodied wines with ripe peachy fruits), Welschriesling (susceptible to noble rot, produces

excellent sweet wines in southern Austria),

Major Austrian Regions and Wines

 Austria is split into four regions, these regions are the most important for the international markets (listed below), which

are called Weinbauregion, which in turn are split into Weinbaugebiete and districts Grosslage

 Niederosterreich Lower Austria: Key wines: Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal using Gruner Veltliner or Riesling and

4.4 Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Large amount of money invested in recent years Bulgaria’s winemakers are now producing quality wines Wine Act of 1978 classified its wines as follows;

 Standard wines: bottom level, light wines drank locally, Special wines: covers sparkling, liqueur and fruit wines.

 High quality wines geographical origin: wines from unspecified region sold under a brand name, the lowest export

standard.

 High quality wines with declared geographical origin (DGO): states the grape variety and region for example

‘Russe Welschriesling’ Russe being the producing region Two varieties are blended to make an original taste

 Controliran: similar to AC in France, limited mainly to single varieties, the word Controliran will appear on the label,

label will state the specified region and specified grape variety, this wine will be tasted by a professional panel.

 Reserve: this word which only appears on the label on a DGO or Controliran wine and indicates that these wines have

been aged in oak for 3-4 years Special Reserve: limited lots, these wines are the countries best.

Bulgarian major wines / grape varieties and wine regions

For administrative reasons the country is split into five regions; Black Sea Region, Danube Plain Region, Thracian

Valley Region (East and West) and the Struma Valley Region Of the international red varieties Cabernet Sauvignon wines

from Bulgaria was always the major export favourite Merlot and local varieties Mavrud, Melnik, Pamid and Gamza The

whites include Chardonnay, Aligote, Dimiat, Rkatsiteli and Muscat

Ottonel Cabernet Sauvignon (Danube Plain, West and East Thracian Valley), Merlot (East Thracian Valley), Melnik

(Struma Valley Region), Chardonnay (Black Sea Region)

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

Canada: 7,821km from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, numerous microclimates produced by mountain ranges and bodies of water

Wine Regions : Southern Ontario around the Great Lakes, most notably Niagara Peninsula and the Okanagen Valley of British Columbia Ontario in Lake Erie North Shore and Prince Edward County British Columbia, Naramata Beach,

Simikameen Valley, Vancouver Island and Kootenay’s Quebec, Monteregie, Eastern Townships wineries Les Contans de L’est, Lower Laurentials wineries – basses Laurential, Laurentials wineries and Quebec City Nova Scotia Annapolis

Valley, Malaagash Peninsula, La Have River Valley and Bear river valley

Grape varieties: (a) European vinifera – Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, (b) Amercian or labruscana – Concord and Niagara (not good grapes), (c ) Hybrids – Baco noir, Marechal Foch, l’Acadie, Leon Millot

Ice wine : began in Germany, Canada now biggest producer, regions most famous are Niagara Peninsula of Ontario,

Okangen Valley of British Columbia Grapes are picked at the coldest moment of a winter’s night, as the grape freezes new sensations of sweet juice are created

Quality Control: VQA Ontario – designated wine authority for Ontario Originally 3 primary Viticultural Areas or

appellations of origin: Niagara Peninsula, lake Erie North Shore and Price Edward County Now they are 8 Viticultural

Areas

4.6 Chile [ Wine map of Chile ]

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.6 Chile (continued)

 Chile’s wealth from wine was invested in French style chateaux, vineyards, French grape varieties are popular Cabernet Sauvignon and

Merlot varietal production sold entirely internationally), Chardonnay (good with greta fruit), Muscat of Alexandria (widely planted northerly vineyards for distillation into Pisco brandy) Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc (flabby here) Carmenere (rare Bordeaux variety produces a specail red elegant), Viognier (to suit US Californian tastes), Foreign investment into vineyard planting and modern wineries

 Only country in world which is Phylloxera free (no grafting needed) geographical layout, Chile also has very strict quarantine conditions

 Chiles unique geographical layout: to the North Aatcama Desert which only sees rain every few years, to the east the cold Andes Mountains

(which stops phylloxera from Argentina), to the west the cold Pacific, to the south the rain never stops

 Natural irrigation: natural water comes down from the Andes Mountains (snow capped) in old Indian canal system (canals and gullies which

flood the land) built by the Incas, this is water creates a true Garden of Eden setting

 Vineyards are close to these rivers and the valleys are called after the rivers.

Chile’s Wine Classification

Chile uses a uniquely flexible classification system for its vineyard regions, which is based on four tiers (wines may name as its source any of these four tiers), which include;

 regions: for example, Aconcagua region

 sub-regions: for example, Casablanca valley

 the Area: for example Santa Cruz

 the Zone: for example Colchagua valley.

Chile’s major regions and wines

 Casablanca, Central Valley (white: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, reds: Pinot Noir), especially Casablanca Sauvignon Blanc Maipo, Rapel

(reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot), especially Rapel Cabernet Sauvignon Chilean Carmenere

 Northern Zone Aconcagua Valley Region: named after the highest peak of the Andres, at 7,000 metres, visible from Santiago, Aconcagua lies

just north of Santiago, this is Chiles real heartland for high-quality grapes The Casablanca Valley grows the best Chilean reds from Pinot Noir

and the good white wines from Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc

 Central Zone Central Valley (Valle Central) Region: known as the real core red wine growing region in Chile this region produces over 90 per

cent of Chiles wine exports Maipo Valley with its many old Cabernet Sauvignon vines is the centre for fine red wines, Rapel Valley (sub

4.7 China

 Incredible mix of terriors and terrains spanning over 3 million square miles Sincere 1994 China has put an emphasis

on developing its wine market 1995 there are over 240 wineries in China majority located in the north Shandong province and Shanxi Province (well known ones include Great Wall, Dynasty, Grace and Dragon Seal)

Wine regions

 Ningxia: largest wine production and good quality beating French wines in competition (2011).

 North east

 Hebei

 Bohai Bar and the Shandong wine region

 Yellow River area

 Yunnan

 Gansu

 Xinjiang

Most Notable wine producing regions: Beijing, Yantai, Zhangiakou in Hebei, Yibin in Sichuan, tonghua in Jilin, Taiyuan in Shanxi and

Ningxia Largest producing region: Yantai Penglai (140 wineries producing 40% of China’s wine)

Grape varieties: Chinese Government set up 2 national grape germplasm respositories (Zhengzhou fruit Research Institute of the China academy of Agricultural sciences – located at Zhengzhou, Henan province) and Institute of Fruit research of Shanxi Academy of Agricultural

Sciences located at Taigu, shanxi province) Both house 1,300 grape varieites for possible cultivation

Popular Varieties cultivated include: Table grapes: Zaomeigui, Zhengzhuo, Zaohong, Fenghuang No 51, Jing Zaojing, Shangdong Zaohong, Jingxiu, Jingya, Zizhenxiang, Shengxiu, Jingyu, Fenghou Wine grapes: Beichun, Gonliang No 1, Shuangyou, zuoshan No 1 International

varieties: Chardonnay, Irtalian Risling, Chenin Blanc, cabernet Franc, cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Gamay Noir, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon

Blanc, Pinot Noir

High quality Chinese wines: (just a few samples) Huadong’s - Chardonnay, Huaxia - Dry Red, Changyu’s - Cabernet, Beijing’s - Dragon

Seal

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

 Two main regions – Bohemia and Moravia, both divided into sub regions, 19,000 hectares of

vineyards, most of which located in Moravia Top quality Moravian white wines known worldwide (i.e

Muskat moravsky and reds Cabernet Moravia or Andre

Wine Regions

Moravia: (little villages with wine cellars without permanent population), sub regions include;

 Znojmo: (aromatic whites), main grape variety Veltlinske Zelene, also grown Sauvignon, Ryzlink rynsky, Muller

Thurgau, plus outstanding varieties Muskat moravsky and Rulandske sede, reds – Svatovavrinecke

 Velke Pavlovice: 1,000 wine producers, whites – Tramin cerveny, Veltlinske zelene, Ryzlink vlassky Heavy soil

provides excellent conditions for red wines – most common Svatovavrinecke and Frankovka.

 Mikulov: largest area 2, 500 hectares, Valtice is the centre and home of the Czech wine producer Valtice Wine Cellars

 Slovacks: vineyards around Uherske Hradiste (northernmost wine region in Moravia), main varieties Ryzlink rynsky,

rulandske bile and Rulandske sede Dark varieties – Frankovka and zweigeltrebe

Bohemia: (northernmost wine region in Europe, vineyards located around Melnik, Litomerice and Most, vineyards are

scattered and spread over protected slopes near rivers – the Vltava, Elbe, Ohre, Berounka, sub regions include;

 Melnik: producing Muller Thurgau

 Litomerice: serious rival to Melnik Best kniown cellars are Zernoseky Varieties include Rulandske bile, Rulandske

sede, Ryzlink rynsky

4.9 England and Wales

 Now recognised as a premium wine producing region, winning many awards, there are over 400 vineyards in

England and Wales covering 1,384 hectares, producing top quality sparkling and still wines in their 124 wineries.

Wineries breakdown : East Anglia (66), South East (145), central South (96), Midlands (91), North (18), South West (120), Wales (22), Scotland (4), Channel Islands (5)

Grape Varieties:

Chardonnay (20.6%), Pinot Noir (18.6%), Bacchus (9.6%) Other varieties: (White) Auxerrois, Faberrebe, Huxelrebe, Kerner, Madeleine, Angevine, Muller Thurgau, optima, Orion, Ortega, Pheonix, Regner, Reichsteiner, Rwagier,

Schonburger, Seyval Blanc, siegerrebe, Wurzer (Red) Dornfelder, dunkelfeder, Pinot Meunier, regent, rondo, Trimphe

Labelling and legislation:

 English or Welsh wine: made from fresh grapes grown in England (or Wales) and produced in UK wineries.

 British wine: imported grapes or grape concentrate made into wine in Britain, labelled as ‘United Kingdom wines’ or

‘wine from the UK’.

 Protected geographical status: labelled ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ (PDO) or ‘ Protected Geographic

Indication’ (PGI) producers will have passed certain analytical and taste parameters, sponsored by UKVA Producers

must prove the geographical origins of the grapes PDO wines have more stringent rules on origins of their grapes than PGI wines

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Wine map of France ]

4.10 France (continued)

[ Alsace - The fairytale region ]

Key facts regarding Alsace: (also chapter 4 – pp 88-89)

 Alsace subdivides into two main areas the Bas-Rhin (upper area with political capital Strasbourg) and Haut-Rhin (lower area and the best area, contains most of the 50 Grand Cru vineyards in Alsace, best vineyards are located on east acing foothills of Vosges mountains), the wine capital

of Alsace is Colmar

 the lesser vineyards are located on the plains with the majority of vineyards are small holdings

 famous for small growers, highest yield allowance for France 70 hectolitres per hectare.

 2nd most Northern AC wine producing region for still white wine, 99% of Alsace wine is white.

 all Alsace wine is bone dry except Vandage Tardive or Botrytis wines, extra long corks are used for bottling Alsace wines

 Alsace was only returned to France after WW2, therefore it only got AC in 1962 – totally different AC system to the rest of France

 first to call wines after varietal names this helped Alsace wines to be noticed and recognised

 France’s first co-op was set up in 1895 big ones today are located at (Eguisheim, Kientzheim, Beblenheim and Westhalten), co-operatives and

merchants in Alsace are important

 Alsatians are fanatical about naturalness, they like their wine to stabilise without fining, or anything that involves additions to the wine of any kind

except sugar

Wine growing in Alsace / Grape varieties: (also chapter 4 - pp 89-90)

Classifications for The Wines of Alsace – five main Appellations Controlees.

In 1962 Alsace was granted AC for the whole region; this originally granted on three (3) AC levels

 1 Vin d’Alsace (bottom level): white, rose, red wine, anywhere in Alsace, blend of many grapes Must be bottled in ‘Flute d’Alsace’ bottle AC Edelzwieker: The name Edelwicker is giving way to wines labelled simply Alsace or Vin d’Alsace Bottom of the heap served in jugs

 2 Vin d’Alsace and Grape Variety (GV): if GV is displayed on label this indicates that 100% of the one of the noble grape variety (4) was used

Yield allowance is 80 HecLtr/Hectare

 3 Vendange Tardive: used to called Auslese / Beerauslese in German times, special permission must be sought for this late harvest date (strict

controls on Ph sugar), expensive Long dry slow ripening, most VT are dry usually rich and mouth-filling, this wine needs 5 years to show true personality

The above three ACs covered the whole Alsace region until 1975 when another AC was introduced.

 4 Alsace Grand Cru (top level): was granted Their vineyards sites were called lieux-dits and were granted Grand Cru status The name of the

vineyard and the grape variety – only one of four grape varieties are permitted and these must appear on the label The yield allowance is 55 HecLtr/Hectr – helps quality

 5 AC Cremant d’Alsace: applies to AC quality sparkling dry white wine blends or varietals Made in the traditional manner – second

fermentation in the bottle, using local grape varieties 6 white and black

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Bordeaux Region – Wine Map ]

4.10 France (continued)

[ Bordeaux Region ]

 Estates and Châteaux the break-up: Bordeaux is the only region of France where the wine estates are

still the same size and shape as they were before the Revolution (leaders confiscated them for themselves).

 Bordeaux 3s (3 rivers, 3 main areas, 3 main soil types, 3 main red grapes, 3 main white grapes) Very

aristocratic with big Chateau: Bordeaux is probable the finest vineyard in the world, famous for it’s dry and full bodied clarets, the subtlest of all red wines The best clarets should be allowed to age in the bottle for at least four or five years, and preferable for far longer Bordeaux also produces distinguished sweet white wines and crisp, dry wines

 Dry wines: Bordeaux, Entre-deux-Mers, Graves.

 Medium Dry White: Bordeaux Blanc, Cotes de Blaye.

 Sweet White: Barsac, Cerons, Loupiac, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Sauternes, Ste-Croix du Mont.

 Red: Bordeaux, Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Bourg, Graves, Margaux, Medoc, Pauillac, Pomerol, St Emilion,

St Estephe, St Julien.

 Location: Bordeaux is South West France, it lies at 45 degrees latitude and therefore is quite northerly in

the winemaking context Climate: Bordeaux’s climate is Temperate Maritime (mild & humid – warm

summers and mild winters, like Southwest England) Lies in the same latitude as the Cote du Rhone

Wine growing in Bordeaux (chapter 4 – p.92)

1855 Classification of the Medoc - still in use today (chapter 4 – p 93).

Left Bank of river Gironde Appellations (chapter 4 – p 93)

Right Bank of river Gironde Appellations (chapter 4 – p 94)

Between Garonne and the Dordogne Appellations (chapter 4 – p 94)

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.10 France (continued) [ Wine map of the Burgundy region ]

4.10 France (continued)

[ Burgundy Region ]

Burgundy’s famous white wines: Chablis, Macon Blanc, Meursault, Montrachet, Pouilly Fuisse.

Burgundy’s famous red wines: Beaune, Bourgogne, Gevrey Chambertin, Macon, Nuits Saint Georges, Pommard, Vosne-Romanee.

Location and Climate: Burgundy is to the Northeast of France, its landlocked Its climate is continental, no sea influence, severe winters, hot

summers – unreliable rain Weather: Frost and hail are major hazards Frequent summer rains make area prone to grey rot

Burgundy main wine growing areas are; Chablis / Cote de Nuits / Cote de Beaune / Cote Chalonnais / Maconnais / Beaujolais.

Main Soils: Chablis: limestone overlaid with Kimmeridgian clay, Core d’Or: limestone mixed with marl, Beaujolais: granite.

Grape varieties: North Burgundy: Black - Pinot Noir, White - Chardonnay, Aligote South Burgundy: Black - Gamay, White -

Chardonnay

 INAO regulations for the top wines of Burgundy state that the grapes used are Pinot Noir for red wine, Chardonnay for white wine

 Yield: is set at 40 hectolitres per hectares for the best, 60 for ordinary (this can change)

 Strength of wine: must achieve 12% for best, 10% for ordinary

Grape growing: North: high-density planting, Guyot trained The best vineyards are on the east – or southeast – facing slopes

 South (Beaujolais): Gobelet-pruned, freestanding vines The best vineyards are on the hillsides in north

Winemaking:

 Red: Traditional fermentation with very little use of new oak maturation for Pinot Noir Carbonic maceration for Beaujolais

 White: Stainless steel with very little oak used for Chablis Barrel fermentation and new oak used for Cote de Beaune Chardonnay.

Overall Classification for Burgundy Wines:

 Generic: for wines that do not quality for higher AC, must have Bourgogne in title.

 District: used for wines from a single district or group of better villages within a district (Cote de Beaume, Macon, Beaujolais)

 Commune: used for wines from single communes (villages) allowed own AC (i.e Gevrey Chambertin, Pommard, Aloxe Corton, Meursault)

 Premier Cru: village name followed by vineyard name, used for better vineyards (i.e Beaume(commune) Bressandeo(vineyard)’.

 Grand Cru: vineyard name only, highest level for best vineyards (i.e Le Clos, Le Corton, Le Montrachet (finest Grand Cru vineyard in the world).

Burgundy – three major levels: (1) Domaines – family dynasties, (2) Negociants – shippers, most important they decide on the wines grade,

they buy the fruit, wine, mature it and sell it, (3) Co-ops – lower areas, no middle manthey make and sell the wine and share the profits, basic

wines AC is granted to demarcated areas – knowldege is crucial Bourgogne AC (reds: PN, Gamay, Cesar, Tressot), (whites: Chardonnay

Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire AC (ordinary wine)

Main Areas of Burgundy: Chablis / Core d’Or / Cote Nuit / Cote de Beaune / Cote Chalonnaise / Cote Maconnais – Macon / Cote Beaujolais

Further detailed information: (Chapter 4 – pp 96-100)

.

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Champagne Region – Wine Map ]

4.10 France (continued)

[ Champagne Region ]

68,000 acres (27,500 hectares) in Champagne, with 19,000 proprietors; it is split up among 8,000 holdings of a

hectare or less Only 10% belongs to the great exporting firms.

Soils: Belemnita (rich in rare fossil): magic chalk on the hills and slopes, Micraster: magic chalk on the plains or flat land

These unique chalky thin sub soils (often only 60cm) are excellent for drainage, they reflect heat and are excellent for

storage (cellars are complete cities underground) The chalk also helps the Ph balance The chalky subsoil absorbs the rain and also helps to reflect the heat of the sun The topsoil is gravely which helps to aerate the roots.

Main grape varieties: Pinot Noir (gives backbone and structure), Pinot Meunier (gives fruit and aroma, its late budding

and early ripening makes it better suited to this northern climate,), Chardonnay (gives finesse and elegance) are the main grapes with the Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc (used as salt and pepper) The Pinot Meunier is especially used in bad

weather to add fruit and aroma.

Main Areas: Montagne de Reims, Vallee de la Marne, Cote de Blancs

Training systems: 2 high training systems (AC regulations) these are; Cordon de Royat (high) , Guyot:

(single and double systems)

Champagne making – the process: Methode Champenois: This unique method can only be used with

Champagne For all other sparkling wines using this method they use the term methode traditionale (chapter 4 – pp 101-104).

Styles of Champagne: NV: Non-Vintage, V: Vintage, Blanc de Blancs: Champagne made entirely from

white grapes (Chardonnay),Blanc de Noir: Champagne made entirely from black grapes, AC Coteaux

Champenois: Created in 1974, this AC covers still wines from the Champagne area

Champagne: Cuvee Prestige: usually named after someone special in the company (i.e Louise Pommery) Cremant Method: not allowed to be

used in the Champagne region, must be 9 months in contact with the lees Cremant: half sparkling, or creaming.

Champagne bottle sizes: (quarter bottle, half bottle, bottle), Magnum: 2 bottles in one, Jeroboam: 4 bottles in one, Rehoboam: 6 bottles

in one, Methuselah: 8 bottles in one, Nebuchadnezzar: 20 bottles in one

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.10 France (continued)

[ Corsica / Jura and Savoie Regions ]

Corsica: Grapes, appellations

 All the winegrowing regions lie in the coastal zones Corsica, the sunny French Island in the Mediterranean,

produces dry strong wines The roses and whites are best drunk within a year of production, but the reds age well

Corsica produces both fine AC wines and a large quantity of Vin de pays.

 Best known appellations for White, Rose and Red: Calvi, Coteaux d’Ajaccio, Patrimonto, Vin de Corse

Corsica’s best and most characterful wines come from the island’s few indigenous grape varieties, plus muscats and light malmseys (called Vermentino) from the northeast cape

Jura and Savoie (the mountain wine of the Alps)

The wines of Jura and Savoie can be expensive because they are labour intensive due to their hillside locations at the Alps, some its vineyards are found at 850 metres In this region they also grow old grape varieities some stretching back

80 years

Savoie: background, grapes, appellations

 The wines of Savoie are delicate, refreshing, and alpine in spirit Savoie wine is nearly all white, it Epitomizes the little local wine travels only in legend The main grape used is Jacquere: dry and mild like ethereal Muscadet The best Savoie grape is: Altesse or Roussette

Jura: background, grapes and appellations

 The Jura is a large and beautiful area of France running south along the Swiss border between Alsace and Lake Geneva Although many of

the Jura wines have a unique character, vineyards are scattered and occupy only a tiny fraction of the region Its superior appellations, Arbois, Chateau-Chalon and L’Ecoile, all count for something Its red and whites are soft and easy Jura is the home of Pernod, during the

nineteenth century large quantities of absinthe were made here; Anis is the modern, tamed down version

 Louis Pasteur was born at Dole in Jura in 1822 and was the first scientist to turn his mind to wine research, a museum commemorates his

research and life in his home town in the Jura

 Cotes Du Jura AC: the regional AC for Jura covers a wide variety of wines: dry whites, reds, roses, vins jaunes (yellow wine made with Savignin, Ponesard, Chardonnay) and vins de paille The southern part of the region the pink vin gris from the Poulsard GV

 The pride of the Jura is its full-bodied Vin Jaune (aged yellow wine) as Chateau Chalon into a sort of pale-dry sherry (Savagnin grape, late

harvested, slow fermentation, left in oak barrels then transferred to glass top jars and aged for 6 years), bottled in 62cl Chavelin bottles Vin

4.10 France (continued) [ Loire Valley Region – Wine Map ]

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Loire Valley Region ]

The valley of Loire is spread into four main vineyard areas or (sub regions) which stretch across northern France from West to East

Nantais,

Anjou, Saumur, Touraine, Central Vineyards The Loire valley is famous for light summery, dry and medium dry white wines, Including Muscadet, Sancerre and sparkling Saumur Anjou is best known for its Rose and its medium dry and sweet white wines Touraine produces light, crisp white and red wines as well as white Vouvray, which can be still or sparkling

 Location: Northwest France

 Climate: because of the length of the river, there are considerable climatic differences between the regions Nantais and Anjou:

maritime influenced by the Atlantic ocean, Touraine and Central Vineyards: increasing continental influence The Loire valley and its many tributaries play a moderating role

 Soils overall: Varied, tuffeau in parts of Anjou-Saumur and Touraine.

Loire Valley best known wines (Chapter 4 – pp 107-108)

 Vin de Pays (VDP): is produced generically for the whole area of Loire Valley over 13 departments and is known as ‘Vin de Pays Jardin de France’ VDP can also be used within an area (example VDP Anjou).

 Dry White: Muscadet, Pouilly-Fume, Sancerre, Touraine Sauvignon.

 Medium Dry White: Anjou Blanc, Touraine, Vouvray.

 Sweet White: Anjou, Coteaux du Layon.

 Sparkling White: Montlouis, Saumur, Touraine, Vouvray.

 Rose: Cabernet d’Anjou, Rose d’Anjou.

 Red: Anjou, Bourgueil, Chinon, Touraine.

Loire Valley – key wines (Chapter 4 – pp 107-108)

 Nantais: Muscadet, Muscadet de Sevre-et-maine, Sur Lie.

 Anjou-Saumur: Anjou Rose, Cabernet Anjou, Coteaux du Layon, Savennieres, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny.

 Touraine:, Reds on CF or Gamay: Chinon, Bourgueil, Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil Whites CB Vouvray.

4.10 France (continued) [ Rhone Valley Region – Wine Map ]

Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

[ Rhone Valley Region ]

Location: southeast France , Climate: North: Southern continental, South: Mediterranean The real danger here is the Mistral wind (comes for 6-9 days) a major

wind that comes down the whole Rhone Valley and has the ability to do real damage Soils: North: granite, decomposing schist soil, South: various (quartz pebbles, clay and alluvial) and ‘pudding-stone’ pebbles in Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grape growing: North: steep, sloped vineyards with vines staked to aid wind protection

South: flatter vineyards, windbreaks used to aid wind protection

Winemaking: Lighter: carbonic maceration, fuller styles: traditional fermentation and oak maturation.

The Rhone Valley produces 95% red wine, some Vins Deux Naturals

Rhone Valley sub divides into 2: Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone are they split by the nugget, which splits the valley naturally into two parts

Northern Rhone vineyard areas are on steep narrow gauges most of the wine is produced on the right side of river

Southern Rhone vineyards are spread out on both sides of the river

Northern Rhone produces the best wines (5% of total Rhone production) and the south produces the most wines (95% of total Rhone production)

Northern Rhone: location, soils and appellations

 AC system started here Northern Rhone: The Crus here are the best

 Hillside: the best wines are grown on the hillsides in because of (Good drainage / sun / lower yield allowance)

 Grape variety: Red: Syrah is the only red variety allowed White: Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne is the only white varieties allowed

 Tain: this wonderful town sits on the a little hill of Hermitage, the river surrounds the famous hill of Hermitage, which is fantastic growing conditions.

 Key Wines: Cote Rotie AC (roasted slope), Condrieu AC, Chateau Grillet AC, St Joseph AC, Cornas AC, St Peray AC, Clairette de Die AC

Southern Rhone: location, soils and appellations

Grape varieties: Grenache grape is the most important in the southern Rhone but it is no good on its own the grapes listed below bring out its best Grenache can

make 15% no problem, if left to its own devices but people usually don’t want big wines Black: Grenache Noir, Syrah (gives colour), Mourvedre (gives fruity taste), Cinsault White: Grenache Blanc, Clairette (gives acidity), Marsanne, Rousanne, Muscat (grapy, fruits, very ripe grapes), Picpoule (little obscure).

 95% of the Southern Rhone wine is Red wine, well known for Cotes de Rhone AC

 different microclimates meaning different grapes

Key wines: Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Rhone-Villages, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, Chateauneuf-du-pape, Tavel, Rhone Satellites: Costieres de Nimes.

 biggest difference between the North and South Rhone is the north uses only single GV for their wines whereas the south uses multiple GV & blends for there wines

4.10 France (continued)

[ Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon Region ]

More than a third of all French wine is grown in the area (Roussillon, Corbieres, Minervois and Languedoc known as the Midi With over 865,000 acres (350,000 hectares) it is the biggest vineyard region in the world Location: Southern Mediterranean France Provence: east of Rhone to Italian border Languedoc-Roussillon: west of Rhone to Spanish border Climate: Mediterranean.

Provence: location, soils and appellations

 Provence is home to France’s oldest vineyards but overall the region is better known for its beaches and arts festivals than for its wines However, the area has five small ACs (Bandol, les Baux-de-Provence, Bellet, Cassis and Palette), but most of the

wine comes from the much larger areas of the Cotes de Provence, Ctoeaux Varios, Coteaux de Pierrevert and Coteaux Provence

d’Aix-en- Provence key wines: White, Rose and Red: Cotes de Provence, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Bandol Vin de Pays (VDP)

Bouches du Rhone, de Vaucluse.

 Grape varieties: Black: Mourvedre, Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon (for red and rose)

Languedoc – Roussillon (also called the Midi): location, soils and appellations

 Huge viticultural area,together provides one-third of France’s vineyard acreage and an average yearly production of 18 million

hectolitres of wine

 Grape varieties: AC Black: Carignan, Cinsualt, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah (for AC red and rose) VDP Black: Merlot,

cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre (for VDP red and rose) VDP White: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier.

 Main appellations : Languedoc ACs: Clairette de Bellegarde, Costieres de Nimes, Coteaux du Languedoc, Clairette du

Languedoc, Faugeres, St Chinan, Minervois, Cabardes, Cotes de la Malapere VDQS, Limoux, Cremant de Limoux, Blanquette

de Limoux, Corbieres, Fitou Pic St-Loup = Coteaux du Languedoc Cru.

 Roussillon ACs: Cotes du Roussillon-Villages, Cotes du Roussillon, Collioure.

Fortified wines or Vins Doux Naturels : Languedoc: Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Mireval, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de

St-Jean de Minervois Roussillon: Maury, Riversaltes and Muscat de Riversaltes, Banyuls.

Key ACs to look for are; Fitou, Corbieres, Costieres de Nimes, Cotes du Roussillon, Faugeres, Minervois, St Chinian and Coteaux

du Languedoc.