1
Q
Quarts de Chaume AOP - elevated to GC in 2011?
size & soil?
3 lieu-dits?
min. must weight?
min. RS?
Minimum Planting Density?
Maximum Yield (Rendement de Base)?
A
44.5 ha on sandstone and schist
Les Quarts, Les Roueres, Le Veau
298 g/l
85 g/l (34 g/l prior to 2011)
5,000 vines per hectare
20 hl/ha (25 hl/ha prior to 2011)
2
Q
Bordeaux AOC & Bordeaux Superieur AOC represent 55% of the total planted area.
When were the new varieties approved?
name all 7?
A
- Now both BDX and BDX Superieur.
Alvarinho (not under Superieur), Lilorila (Chardonnay x Baroque), Petit Manseng (not under neither?)
Arinarnoa (Tannat x CS), Castets, Marselan (Grenache x CS), Touriga Nacional
All these varietals exhibit good natural resistance to diseases (grey rot & mildew) and proven capability to cope with warmer conditions.
10% of the final blend but only 5% of vineyard plantings.
Liber Pater says Catsets is the OG BDX variety, extinct and then rediscovered in the Pyrenees.
3
Q
Who bottles ‘La Cabotte Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru’?
A
Bouchard Père et Fils
(In addition to their Chevalier-Montrachet Grand Cru)
A small 0.2ha plot above thier 0.88ha Montrachet holdings just after the boundary line on the Puligny side. It is said to have fallen within the original walled Montrachet vineyard but was not included in its classification.
Named after the Cabotte above the site.
4
Q
Domaine Huet
3 Crus?
A
Le Haut-Lieu (9 ha): Huet’s original vineyard, on Vouvray’s Première Côte.
Le Mont (8 ha): Purchased in 1957.
Clos du Bourg (6 ha): Farmed since 1953 and purchased in 1963.
all 3 are produced in sec (6-7 g/L), demi-sec (20-25), moelleux (40-60), and moelleux première trie (+).
Biodynamic since 1990. Sold to Hwang in 2003. Winemaker left in ‘11; ‘12 & ‘13 50% hail damage.
5
Q
Clos Rougeard
5 wines & the 3 AOP their bottled under?
A
Saumur AOP Blanc Brézé: 2.5-acre plot of 100-plus-year-old Chenin Blanc vines in select vintages.
Coteaux de Saumur AOP : Sweet Chenin Blanc (’89, ’96, ’97, ’98).
Saumur Champigny ‘Les Clos?’: grapes from 10 plots across 3 villages/communes – drinks earliest. Neutral oak.
Saumur Champigny Les Poyeux: 3ha plot on sandier soils. 40-70-year-old vines – more elegant. 1 year old oak.
Saumur Champigny Le Bourg: 1ha plot just behind the Domaine’s cellars, 75-95 year old vines. Thin clay with limestone – most age worthy. New Oak.
6
Q
Which Chateau is credited with creating the shape of the signiture 750ml Bordeaux bottle?
A
Chateau du Tertre, Margaux 5eme sometime in the early 1700’s
7
Q
Loire Valley, Central France (not central vineyards)
4 AOC
A
Saint-Pourçain AOP: CH+Sacy / GN / GN + PN
Côte Roannaise AOP: Rose & Red GN
Côtes d’Auvergne AOP: CH / GN + PN / GN + PN
Côtes du Forez AOP: Rose & Red GN
[Saint = Sacy]
8
Q
Sauternes AOP
commune of production?
min. potential alcohol?
min. must weight?
min. RS?
Elevage?
Min. planting density?
maximum rendement de Base?
A
Barsac (550ha), Sauternes (1,557ha), Fargues (smallest), Preignac, Bommes
min. 15% abv (12% acquired)
221 g/L
45 g/l RS
June 30th of the year following the harvest
6,500 vines/ha
25 hl/ha (same actual yields as DRC)
9
Q
What is Malbec known as in St.Emilion?
A
Pressac / Noir de Pressac
10
Q
What is an old Bordelaise name for Cabernet Franc?
1 exmaple?
A
Bouchet
Angelus Hommage a Elisabeth Bouchet (2016)
11
Q
What is the only AOC permitted to count yields in kg/ha?
volume & why?
A
Champagne AOC - as opposed to hl/ha
with the opening Maximum Yields (Rendement de Base) set at 10,400 kg/ha.
This is however often adjusted on a yearly basis, and are quite high in comparison to other AOC’s because of the limits set to juice extraction.
12
Q
What is the only exclusive Gris AOC in France?
2 styles?
A
Sable de Camargue AOP, Languedoc
Gris: min. 2 of the following principle vaireities, accounting for 70%: Principal Varieties - Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, and Merlot.
Gris de Gris : 100% Grenache Gris
13
Q
Where is Petit Verdot thought to have originated from?
Local synonym?
A
Pyrenees-Atlantiques
Lambrusquet
Late harvesting, resistant to downy mildew
14
Q
What is a Régisseur?
A
Translates as ‘director’. The French term is used for the manager of a vineyard or château.
He/She is fully responsible to the owner of the winery for all operations in the production.
The maître de chai (responsible for the cellar - bdx)/ chef de cave (Champagne) and viticulteur or chef de culture (responsible for the vineyards) report to him.
15
Q
Traditional trellising method of Syrah in Cote-Rotie? (has 2 names)
A
Typically planted in “echalas” a type of training where the vines are fashioned in a sort of a teepee around a single stake (similar to tomatoes).
16
Q
Only French AOP for both dry & fortified red wines?
A
Rasteau AOP
Has 3 communes of production. The following are permitted to produce:
* Unfortified Reds: Rasteau only
* VDN: Cairanne, Rasteau, Sablet
Rouge (dry): Min. 50% Grenache + Syrah and Mourvèdre.
VDN: min. 45 g/l
Blanc: predom. Grenahce Gris & Blanc + CndP accessory varieties.
Grenat (Rouge): predom. Grenache (Noir, Blanc, Gris) + CndP accessory varieties.
17
Q
What appellation laws changed for Rasteau AOP in 2011?
A
Adopted the labelling terminology established by the producers of Rivesaltes in Roussillon for VDN wines.
Ambré (Tawny Blanc) min. 3 years
Vin Doux Naturel Rosé: As for Ambré
Tuilé/Grenat (Rouge) min. 3 years
Hors d’Age indicates 5 years of aging.
Rancio must show signs of oxidation.
18
Q
First certified biodynamic classified growth in the Médoc?
name 3 more?
A
Ch. Pontet-Canet (5eme) - 2010 Biodyvin & Demeter 2014
Ch. Climens - 2014 Demeter (only first growth)
Ch. Dufrot Vivens (4eme) - 2016 Demeter
Ch. Palmer (3 eme) - 2019 Demeter
19
Q
Special Club
French name and founding date?
Requirements?
The 3 remaining founding producers?
A
Club Trésors de Champagne - 1971
Each member is free to create their own unique blend (not just Chardonnay):
Members vote on whether to declare a vintage year.
100% estate fruit
Must pass a tasting panel.
Can be bottled in a dedicated 18th century style green Special Club bottle (with label & logo)
Pierre Gimonnet (Cuis) – is always 100% Chardonnay
Gaston Chiquet (Dizy)
Paul Bara (Bouzy)
20
Q
Smallest Classified Bordeaux Estate?
A
Château Saint-Pierre (4 eme), Saint Julien @ 17ha.
21
Q
When did top grafting become legally sanctioned in Bordeaux?
who is credited with its discovery?
A
1881 Albert Macquin (Ch. Pavie Macquin GC Classe B) an agronomic engineer (land use economics).
Vines that grafted poorly, like Malbec and Carmenère, began to diminish in importance, and the overall number of varieties in the vineyard began to shrink in the years after phylloxera.
22
Q
Name a Bordeaux based producer bottling a 100% Petit Verdot?
A
Château Belle-Vue
Macau, Haut Medoc just South of Margaux bordering/neighbouring Chateau Giscours in Labarde. As of 2018 Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel. 15 ha. High portion of Petit Verdot with some plantings going back to the 1930’s.
Bottle a single varietal old vine Petit Verdot as well, aged in Amphora.
Not to be confused with Château Belle-Vue, Mount Lebanon!
23
Q
Gaillac AOP
Principal cepage for that applys to styles:
Vin Mousseux, Blanc Sec & Blanc Doux?
A
South West
Min. 50% combined Len de l’El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle + Ondenc and Sauvignon Blanc.
[Mauzac similarity with Armagnac AOP]
24
Q
Name the only Sud-Ouest AOP that allows for ancestral method sparkling?
cepage?
A
Gaillac AOP
Vin Mousseux Blanc Méthode Ancestrale
Mauzac (w) and Mauzac Rosé
25
What is the only French AOC for Vermouth?
2 producers?
Chambéry, Savoie.
Dolin and Routin are the 2 remaining brands.
26
Name 3 of the 14 2025 Bourgeois Exceptionnels?
Château Laujac, (Bas) Médoc
Château le Crock, Saint-Estèphe
Château d’Arsac, Margaux
27
Which famous family and estate owns a fmr. 'Les Exceptionnels' estate in Ordonnac, Medoc AOC?
Chateau Potensac
Ordonnac, atop the ‘Potensac’ plateau, (Bas) Medoc above St. Estephe.
Delon Family of Leoville Las Cases has owned Potensac for centuries.
Plantings are pred. Merlot and then Cabernet Sauvignon.
28
Name all 3 '2nd wines' of Chateau Haut-Brion?
Clarence de Haut-Brion (2007)
Fmr:
Bahans-Haut-Brion (2006).
Confusingly Bahans-Haut-Brion was bottled in a vintage AND Non-Vintage version up until 1982.
29
Name Domaine Clarence Dillon's '2nd' white wine?
La Clarté de Haut-Brion (2009)
Fmr: Les Plantiers Haut-Brion
Château Haut-Brion Blanc & Château La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc (The only collaboration second wine?)
30
What 2 Château were eventually absorbed into Château La Mission Haut-Brion after being purchased in 1983?
Château La Tour Haut-Brion’s last vintage was 2005; its vineyards being absorbed into La Mission Haut Brion. 1959 Rouge Classified.
Château Laville Haut-Brion’s last vintage was 2008 was absorbed for the La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc (first vintage however was 1927). Previously 1959 classified for white as its Talence terroir is clay heavy and lacks gravel.
31
Graves Classification 1959
6 estates classified for both white & red?
Ch. Carbonnieux (Leognan) Ch. Latour-Martillac (Martillac) Ch. Bouscaut (Cadaujac)
Domaine de Chevalie
Château Malartic-Lagraviere
Château Oliver
Note while called 'Graves' it only actually classified estates from Pessac-Léognan AOP
32
The first Château ammendmant of the 1855 Classification?
location?
Château Cantemerle 5eme.
Macau, South of Margaux adjacent to Labarde and North of Bordeaux City. Gravelly soils of greater density but also a higher sand content.
Not included in the first publication of the classification, nor was it shown on the map that was displayed at the 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris but has in fact been included in all listings dated after 16 September 1855
33
Who is the highest 1855 classified Chateau in the Haut-Medoc?
location?
Chateau La Lagune 3eme.
Ludon, South of MGX. Frey family of Jaboulet & Billecart-Salmon (45%). Bio practices.
90ha. There best vineyards are found on a plateau of 4 gravel hillsides. Refined, feminine style of wine that offers aromatic complexity and elegant textures; not to dissimilar to Margaux to its North. Oldest Petit Verdot (60 y/o) in the left bank - commonly used for massal slection.
34
St-Laurent
location & terroir?
What are the 3 1855 classified estates?
St-Laurent
Westly adjacent to St-Julien. The vineyards that run parallel to the boundary line share the same ‘Terrace 3’ gravels that the other prestigious estates do - and thus the 3 classified ‘Haut-Medoc’ estates can all be found here, notably on the most southeastern pocket:
Château La Tour Carnet, Haut-Médoc 4eme
Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc 5eme
Château de Camensac, Haut-Médoc 5eme
35
Côtes de Bordeaux AOP
style?
5 disconnected sub zones?
3 additional sub-zone styles?
2009. Umbrella/Marketing AOP for red wine production, pred. from Merlot. All now permitt sub-zone labelling.
Runs parallel to Northern Haut-Medoc
Blaye (Blanc Sec)
East of St.Emilion
Francs (Blanc Sec & Liquoreux) - Le Puy
Castillon (of 1453)
EDM
Sainte Foy(Blanc Sec, Moelleux & Liquoreux) - adjacent to Bergerac
Cadillac - on the Garonne
Note: is the two 'C' subzones that are rouge only.
36
2 AOP within Cadillac AOP
Permitted style?
Loupiac AOP &
Saint-Croix-du-Mont AOP
Along with Cadillac they are ALL applicable for Premier Cotes de Bordeaux but are regarded as superior Liquoreux @ min. 45 g/L > 34 g/L PcdB.
37
Cadillac AOP
Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux AOP
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOP
all share the same delimited area; define the difference & min. RS?
Blanc Liquoreux: min RS: 51g/L. Affected by botrytis and/or passerillage. Must be hand harvested in sucessive tries - considered Superior.
Rouge Only.
Blanc: min RS: 34g/L. May be machine-harvested and are typically moelleux rather than truly dessert sweet.
38
What does the term 'Haut-Benauge’ signifiy?
What 2 AOP may it be labelled under?
A collection of 9 villages within Entre-Deux-Mers considered above common due to calcareous soils. Runs alongside PcdB.
Entre-Deux-Mers Haut-Benauge AOP
Bordeaux Haut Benauge AOP (not superior)
For greater recognition of 'above common' white dry and sweet wines although the sweet are very rare.
39
Entre-Deux-Mers AOP
styles?
Blanc Sec:
Min. 70% SB, SG, Muscadelle & Sémillon.
Accessory: Colombard & Ugni Blanc
AS OF 2023:
ROUGE:
Min. 70% CS, CF, Cot/Malbec, Merlot (#1) & Petit Verdot. Acessory: Carménère.
Stretches East to the western edge of Bergerac AOP.
Does not border the Garonne as it does not overlap PcdB or CdB Saint-Macaire AOPs.
40
Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire AOP
Location?
Styles?
Southly adjacent to Cadillac (CdB) and Haut Benauge. It is not included in Entre-Deux-Mers or PcdB.
Blanc: Muscadelle, SB, SG, Sémillon.
Sec: max 4 g/l
Moelleux: 34-45 g/l
Liquoreux: min. 45 g/l (51 g/l prior to 2011)
Liquoreux must be affected by botrytis and harvested in tries.
41
Cru Bourgeois
First classification?
2nd reinstatment?
current classification?
Est. 2003 dividing 247 châteaux among three tiers: Crus Bourgeois, Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs, and Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnel.
Annulled in 2007.
2010, introduced a single-tiered classification for the 2008 vintage to be reviewed annualy.
2020 classification reinstated the 3 tier structure to be renewed every 5 years based on wine samples. 2025 reveiwed 170 Chateau with 14 bourgeois exceptionnels. Next is 2030.
42
Bordeaux Supérieur AOP
Styles?
Blanc: Min. 17 g/L RS
Rouge
43
Sauternes
Vintages of note?
1921, 1937, 1967, 1975
89, 90, 95, 96, 97, 99
01, 03, 05, 07 (rich but purity), 09 - all rich opulent styles
2014 (best since 01?, albeit fresher)
44
Cérons AOP
3 communes of production?
Permitted styles?
Cérons, Podensac, and Illats
Lie just north of Barsac and are entitled to make sweet white wines under the Cérons AOP (12% acq, 221g/L, min. 45 g/L so same).
OR dry white and red wines labelled Graves - Most favour the later.
45
Only 1855 classified First Growth/Premiers Cru from Fargues?
Two 2nd wines and 1 dry wine?
2 other Fargues Producers?
Ch. Rieussac 1er - neighbours d'Yq, 2nd higest slopes for mist retention. Declassified and new bottle from 2019.
Carmes de Rieussac & Clos Labere
R” de Rieussec
Ch. Romer 2eme
Ch. de Fargues
46
Name a First & Second growth from the commune of Sauternes, Sauternes AOP?
Ch. Guiraud ("Ge-roe")
Ch. Filhot
47
Who has the largest vineyards in the commune of Barsac?
Top wine?
2nd wine?
First Growth Ch. Coutet, Barsac.
Cuvée Madame: 100% Sémillon from the estate’s two oldest parcels. Only produced in select vintages. Inaugural vintage 1922.
La Chartreuse de Coutet
48
Name a 2nd Growth producer from Barsac?
Top wine?
Château Doisy Daëne
In 2000 Denis Dubourdieu took over the estate. Known for pioneering the region’s dry white wines, improving their quality and reputation. Exhibit more elegant fresher styles typical of Barsac.
L’Extravagant
49
Famous unclassified Chateau from Preignac?
Top wine?
Château Gilette 'Crème De Tête' (1937)
Since 1967 their entire 4.5ha clos with its sand over limestone soils have been used entirely for the Crème De Tête.
Indigenous ferment then aged in concrete vat (20-40hl) with no racking, no topping up, no added sulphur, no lees stirring for up to 20 years. Additional 3-4 years bottle againg so on average 25 years before vintage release. Current release 2001?
Only replace individual vines when they die; some vines date back to the 1930’s. 90% Semillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle Holdings include some of Bordeaux’s oldest Muscadelle vines.
50
Which Sauternes estate is owned by AXA?
2nd wine?
3rd wine?
Bordeaux Blanc Wine?
Château Suduiraut, Preignac. 1er.
(Pichon-Baron, Disznókő & Quinta do Noval).
Regarded for its opulent, rich style, though the wines also have strong acidity.
Castelnau de Suduiraut (White), Sauternes: Second wine.
Lions de Suduiraut (White), Sauternes: Third Wine.
S de Suduiraut (White), Bordeaux: Dry white. Inaugural vintage 2003.
51
Which Sautneres producer is credited with intentionally creating the regions first botrytised wines?
2nd wine?
Château La Tour Blanche, 1836.
Bommes. 1er.
German owner Frederic Focke originally from the Rhineland brought this late harvesting technique which had already achieved renown for botrytized Rieslings.
Concentrated style.
Les Charmilles de La Tour Blanche
Home to the prestigious 'La Tour Blanche School of Viticulture and Oenology', opened in 1911. Sauvignon Gris a pink skinned colour mutation of Sauvignon Blanc was developed here?
52
Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Commune?
Growth?
2nd wine?
Bomme, First Growth. Concentrated style.
2nd wine: La Chapelle de Lafaurie
53
Which 4 producers withdrew themsleves from the St. Emilion 2022 classification?
Who are the remaining St-Émilion Premiers Grands Crus Classés A?
Château Angélus (2012 elevated)
Château Ausone
Château Cheval-Blanc
Château La Gaffelière (B)
Château Pavie (2012 elevated)
Château Figeac (Promoted in 2022)
54
Which St. Emilion Chateau produces a 100% Cabernet Franc?
Angelus Hommage a Elisabeth Bouchet
(2016)
100% old vine 'Bouchet' from two small parcels in the South-West corner of the Angélus vineyard on the famous pied de côte (the foot of the slope). The vines themselves are of 60-80 years of age.
55
Who from St. Emilion make the 'Bad Boy' series?
Varietys?
Château Valandraud (B)
Est. 1989 One of the pioneering wineries in the garagiste movement of the 1990s.
Cultivates and vinifies Chardonnay and Syrah in Saint-Émilion for Valandraud’s “Bad Boy” series.
Bad Boy was born in 2002 when he covered his 2ha plot with plastic sheeting before the harvest rains and the INAO forced him to declassify.
56
Four satellite appellations located to the north of Saint-Émilion?
Lussac-Saint-Émilion AOP
Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOP
Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOP
[Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion AOP]
Similar combinations of clay, gravel & limestone. Hillier & cooler. Same flavours but of less structure and intenisty
[Lick My Pussy sGood]
57
Which 2 Côtes de Bordeaux subzones are located near Libourne?
Producers of note?
Côtes de Bordeaux Francs AOP
East of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOP
Chateau Le Puy
Château Puygueyraud & Château Les Charmes-Godard both of Thienpont
Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon (of 1453)
South of Puisseguin & 'Francs'
58
Which 2 Côtes de Bordeaux subzones are located opposite Margaux across the Gironde?
1 producer of note?
Bourg/Côtes de Bourg/Bourgeais AOP (smaller of the two)
Château Roc de Cambes (François Mitjavile of Tertre Roteboeuf)
Blaye AOP (larger & stretches more N)
Notably in a nod to Blaye’s historical relevance with Charente there are a few rare white blends based on Ugni Blanc and Colombard released as Côtes de Blaye AOP
59
Petrus 6 vintages of note?
unofficial 2nd wine?
Didn’t produce 1956, 1965 & 1991.
In the wet 1987 vintage they used a helicopter to dry out the vineyards.
100% Merlot since 2010. fomerly could have as much as 20% CF.
2000 'Space' Petrus
Annual production of 3,000 cases. Saute-Loup Reserve de la Famille, Pomerol: a small bottling just available for people who work at the estate.
60
Name 2 Bordeaux Chateau owned by a Famous Fashion House?
Chanel
Château Rauzan-Ségla 2eme, Margaux
2nd wine 'Segla'
Château Canon, Pomerol
61
Which Right Bank estate is owned by the Delon Family?
Chateau Nenin, Pomerol.
Léoville Las Cases
Ch. Potensac 'Les Exceptionnels' estate in Ordonnac, Medoc AOC.
62
Ardeche IGP covers what region? and includes what 5 notable AOC?
Covers the western banks of the Rhône and notably the vineyards found in the dry, scrubby foothills of the Cévennes mountains and along the river Ardèche valley.
Saint-Joseph, Cornas, Saint-Peray, Côtes du Vivarais and some Côtes du Rhône.
63
Collines Rhodaniennes IGP covers what region? and includes what 3 notable AOC?
“Colline-Ro-dan-yen”
Stretches from Lyon in the north to Montélimar in the south.
Côte Rôtie, Condrieu and Hermitage (IGP Boundary crosses the river cutting right through Condrieu).
64
The Northern Rhône is prone to erosion;
What is the name of the drystone walls?
What is the name of the terraces?
Drystone walls: Cheys "shh-e"
Terraces: Chailles "shy-ay"
65
Mistral Wind
Characteristics?
Cons and Pros (2)?
A cold, dry wind that blows south down from the Massif Central and affects the Northern Rhône in winter and spring.
It is said to blow on average one day in three. Can reach speeds of 100 km/hr stripping the vines.
However can also quickly dry out wet vines preventing diseases such as mildew. Additionally it also brings with it clear skies, meaning more sunshine.
The night sky following the mistral glitters with stars.
66
What AOP is responsible for France’s oldest purposefully made sparkling wine?
4 permitted styles under the AOP and the most notable?
Limoux AOP, Languedoc
Still
Blanc: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Mauzac
Rouge: min. 50% Merlot + min. 30% Grenache, Syrah, Cot
Vin Mousseux Blanc "Méthode Ancestrale": 100% Mauzac
and most notably:
Vin Mousseux Blanc "Blanquette de Limoux": Min. 90% Mauzac, plus Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
67
What is the traditional training method in Côte-Rôtie AOP?
Typically planted in “echalas” a type of training where the vines are fashioned in a sort of a teepee around a single stake (similar to tomatoes).
68
Côte-Rôtie AOP communes of production?
What are the 5 slopes?
Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône
Cote Verenay
Ampuis
Cote Rozier
Cote Brune
Cote Blonde
Tupin-Semons
Cote Tupin
The 3 communes can be further divided into 73 different, small vineyards or lieux-dits.
69
Most notable vineyards from Saint-Cyr-sur-Rhône and producer bottlings?
Both on the Cote Verenay above the village of Verenay with SE exposure
Vialliere (10ha): Clusel Roch, Domaine Champet & Cuilleron.
Les Grand Places (#1): flat & steep parts, lots of Schisct. Muscular, long lived. Clusel Roch, Jean-Michel Gerin.
70
Name 4 vineyards North of the Reynard stream, their aspects and notable producers?
SE
Rozier
Grand Rozier: Ogier La Belle Hélène
La Landonne: Guigal, Jean-Michel Gerin, Rene Rostaing, Delas and Xavier Gerard.
SW
Côte Brune: Is the smaller of the two-hillside lieu-dits. North of the Ampuis commune it has south west exposure and a terroir of iron oxide red clay over mica-schistous rock. Domaine Jamet, Domaine Barge and Domaine Rostaing (2013)
Reynard Stream
71
Top Vineyard from Ampuis south of the Reynard stream?
Terroir?
3 producers?
S/SE
Côte Blonde
Cote Blonde is the larger of the two hills, located slightly south of Cote Brune, giving it a south-by-southeast exposure. Its lighter coloured soil is due to a terroir of sand, granite, schist rock, and limestone (calcareous loess) soil over Gneiss bedrock.
Guigal’s La Mouline (1966. first single vineyard Cote-Rôtie)
Rene Rostaing
Jocelyn & Yves Lafoy
72
Côte-Rôtie AOP
Principal soil types?
As a generalisation from the heart of Ampuis, Schist runs north and Gneiss travels south.
Côte Brune (north): mica-schistous rock
Côte Blonde (south): gneiss
Gneiss: metamorphic rock typically coarse-grained consisting mainly of feldspar, quartz, and mica.
Schist is also metamorphic but has a more layered texture.
73
Côte-Rôtie AOP rules on Viognier addition?
Syrah - up to 20% Viognier may be added; it must be co-planted and co-fermented.
74
Guigal
4 La La's?
La Mouline, Côte Blonde (1966 – first single vineyard Cote-Rôtie) is a velvety monster, typically will be bottled with as much as 11% Viognier (more than Turque) while 0-5% is the common proportion. Average vine age 75 years old. Schist & limestone.
La Landonne (Côte Brune 1978) is 100 percent Syrah, from 35-year-old vines, and spends a similar amount of time in oak.
La Turque, Côte Brune 1985. Average vine age around 75 years. Extremely close to Cote Blonde. Syrah, Viognier.
La Reynarde (2022) will be 100% Syrah from the parcel in lieu-dit Fongeant (owned by the Jamet’s), NW of Cote Brune
In the past wines spent around 42 months in new oak but in recent years has reduced that to 32-36. Embossed bottle indicates estate fruit. Own cooper (Bruichladdich buys their old barrels).
75
Sweet wine made by Guigal?
3 years produced?
Condrieu “Luminescence”: 100% late harvest Viognier at 55 g/l RS with 100% new oak (Produced: '99, '03' 15)
76
Domaine Jamet
2 lieu dit bottlings?
2nd wine Cote-Rotie?
Condrieu?
Now run by Jean Paul
Côte Brune (1976) original plot the father started (Joseph) with.
La Landonne (2018) ‘19, ’22 also
Fructus Voluptas (2008) little to no stem inclusion sourced from younger vines
Condrieu "Vernillon": Sourced from the "Côte Chatillon" parcel. Aged in 50% barrels, 50% stainless steel. Inaugural vintage 2015. MW says Amphora?
77
Domaine Michel et Stephane Ogier / M&S Ogier d'Ampuis
3 top cuvees?
'La/Cuvee Belle Hélène' (1995) Côte Rozier: 0.32 ha, planted in the 1950s, schist soil.
'Lancement' (2001): from the vineyard of the same name. South of the Reynard, 1.2 ha, planted in 1979; soil is crumbling granite and gneiss
Condrieu La Combe de Malleval
78
Rene Rostaing
5 top wines?
2 Domaines they've inhertited holdings from?
La Viallière: Formerly the top wine rene’s farther in law (Albert) Domaine Dervieux-Thaize (ret. '90) which was inherited. Occasionally bottles the old vines (100+) since 2016?
La Landonne
Côte Brune (2013) Part of the inherited Domaine Gentaz-Dervieux (ret. '93). 2013 inaugural.
Côte Blonde: 1 ha of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier
Condrieu La Bonnette
79
Name 2 historically significant producers from the Côte-Rôtie AOP that no longer produce?
Domaine Dervieux-Thaize
ret. 1990. Father (brother to Marius Dervieux) to Christine Dervieux, Rene's wife. 4ha? over Lieu-dits “Côte Blonde la Garde”, “Côte Brune Fontgent” & “la Viaillere” & botteled them as such
Domaine Gentaz-Dervieux ‘jaun-tazz’
Marius Retired in 1993 (dec. 2011) and began renting his vineyards to Rene Rostaing and eventually integrated into his holdings. 1.52ha mainly in the La Landonne & Vialliere lieu-dit’s in the Cote Brune, however he only ever produced 1 Cote Rotie wine, albiet how it was labelled with 'Brune' changed.
80
Who has the oldest vines in the Hermitage AOP?
In Hermitage average vine age is 90 years; however Guigal's Marsanne & Roussanne plantings in 'Les Murets' date back to1893 making them among the first vineyards in France (legal: 1881) to be grafted to American rootstock, and definatley in the AOP.
Surrounded by a 2,400-year-old roman stone wall (there is a lot of biodiversity within these walls – 16-person team to maintain them).
81
Patrick Jasmin
2 bottlings?
Côte-Rôtie 'la Giroflarie' - renamed cuvee classique in 2015
8 lieu-dits on both the Cote Blonde and Cote Brune and is made from a blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. La Giroflarie (cloves?) is an historic name for the Côte Baudin lieu-dit.
Côte-Rôtie 'Oléa'
(2015) Barrel selection of their main wine. The wine is aged in a higher percentage of new oak barrels for an extended period of time that is close to 24 months before bottling. Includes 5% Viognier.
82
Seyssuel is a new emerging region, where is it located?
What appellation does it producer under?
1 Producer?
"Seh-swehl" just North of Vienne on the East/Left Bank of the Rhone; possibly one day to be the 9th Cru?
IGP Collines Rhodaniennes
Les Vins de Vienne
Started by Yves Cuilleron, Pierre Gaillard and François Villard in 1996. Syrah & Viognier. Sotanum (1998) is their top Syrah.
83
Condrieu AOP
Origin of name?
What stream seperates it from Côte-Rôtie?
Size?
The Original 1940 3 communes of production?
“Coin de rieux/ Corner of Streams” as there are 3 small streams (Vernon being one) that run through the village.
Bassenon
200ha
Condrieu (Georges Vernay), Vérin, and Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône (François Villard) [now 7]
Largely south, south-east and east facing slopes. The original heartland communes have darker mica called biotite – for straighter more saltier styles.
84
Soil of Condrieu AOP?
Lighter decomposed granite and Arzelle - a mixture of decomposed granite, mica, shale and clay.
Largely south, south-east and east facing slopes.
The original heartland communes have darker mica called biotite – for straighter more saltier styles.
the smaller outcrop areas at either end have a lighter mica called muscovite – often more ample in texture.
85
Which 4 communes of Condrieu AOP are shared Saint-Joseph AOP?
In 1967 the AOP was extended further south increasing to a total of 7 (Before St. Joseph follwoed suit):
Limony, Chavanay (YC & AP), Malleval, and Saint-Pierre-de-Boeuf.
the smaller outcrop areas at either end have a lighter mica called muscovite – often more ample in texture.
86
Of the 88 Condrieu AOP Lieu-Dits which 2 are the most famous?
3 wines of note?
Vernon and Chéry, both of the Condrieu commune.
Yves Cuilleron 'Vertige' is his lieux-dit from Vernon.
Domaine Georges Vernay flagship is 'Coteau du Vernon' with vines as old as 1936.
Domaine André Perret Chéry is a single vineyard from Coteau de Chéry
87
Name Yves Cuilleron sweet Condrieu wine?
A "Essence d’Automne (prior 2017 was 'Ayguets')
Sweet Condrieu from La Côte and Eyguets, from both overripe and botrytised grapes vintage depending.
88
Domaine Georges Vernay
Name their 'other' 2 Condrieu?
Condrieu “Terrasses de l’Empire”: produced mostly from St. Agathe; vines average 40 years, but many smaller parcels. More approachable style.
Condrieu “Chaillées de l’Enfer”: from La Caille; the small terraces, or chaillées in the local dialect, were frequently referred to as “à l’enfer” or “in hell” by local vignerons. MW says blend of 2 parcels? biotite granite
89
Domaine François Villard
4 Condrieu wines of note?
Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône.
Terraces du Palat: 4 parcels?
La Grand Vallon: Lieux-dit from Le Grand Val in Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf
Deponcins : 2 lieux dits in Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône : la Roulliere & Poncin
Villa Pontciana (2009) : selection of the best, most mineral barrels from La Grand Vallon & Deponcins for a sapid, powerful expression.
90
Château Grillet
Who prucahsed the domaine and when?
size?
Rendement de Base?
3 wines?
2011 Artemis Group
3.5ha under vine (3.8ha is AOP size?)
Maximum Yield: 37 hl/ha (Condrieu is 41 hl/ha)
Château-Grillet
La Carthery (2017): Condrieu AOP. The ‘La Carthery’ (‘khat-ter-ree’) lieu-dit is a recent acquisition under the new ownership. A 0.25ha plot form the very top of the Château-Grillet amphitheatre (Condrieu AOP).
Côtes du Rhône AOP: 100% Viognier from younger vines declassified. Inaugural vintage 2011 as 'Pontcin', renamed after 2012 vintage.
91
Saint-Joseph AOP
6 Original communes of production North to South?
Vion, Lemps, St-Jean-de-Muzols, Tournon, Mauves and Glun
92
Vintages not produced by Château d’Yquem?
1910, 1915, 1930, 1951, 1952, 1964, 1972, 1974, 1992 and 2012.
[note:0,5,0,1,2,4,2,4,2,2..?]
93
3 Vintages Rieussec did not produce?
1977, 1993, 2012
94
First St-Joseph producer to Domaine bottle?
Name of their Blanc bottling?
Declassified red?
Top Rouge Cuvee?
Soon to be discontinued wine?
Pierre Gonon, Mauves. 1956 - Same year AOC was created.
“Les Oliviers”: 80% Marsanne, 20% Roussanne
'Les Iles Feray' bottled as Pays de L’Ardeche IGP from declassified youngest Syrah vines from St.Joseph.
‘Vieilles Vignes Cuvee’: Old (1920's) Saint-Jean-de-Muzols holdings purchased from Raymond Trollat (’06, 07, 09, 10).
120-year-old (1890) Chasselas vines from St. Jean de Muzols as VdF. They are dying and will be replanted with Syrah.
95
Hermitage
Principal soils?
Name the 2 most fmaous lieu dits and their charatcers?
Granite with topsoils of mica, schist and gneiss
Les Bessards - Arguably the most typical site of the hill yielding powerful and dense fruit from granite soils. This is the backbone of Chave, Jaboulet, and Chapoutier.
La Meal - The counterpoint to Bessards, this site is on fluvioglacial soils and is known for elegant and expressive wines. This site is bottled by Sorrel, Chapoutier, and Ferraton.
96
Name 2 Hemritage lieu dits that while arnt monopoles are generally associated with certain producers?
Péléat (1ha) - An almost monopole of Chave (owns 95%?) that serves as the base of the white and accentuates the red.
L'Hermite/Ermite - Towards the top of the hillside on granite. This site is labelled by Chapoutier but also utilized by Chave, and more. Contrary to belief Jaboulet has no vines here.
97
Which Hermitage Lieu dit is planted exsclusivley to white varieties?
Les Rocoules - Planted to white grapes on chalky clay soils. This site is labeled by Sorrel and is the heart of Chave, Jaboulet, and many more Blancs.
98
Name a VDL from Northern Rhone
Varieties?
Min. abv%?
Must weight and production req?
RS?
Hermitage/Ermitage AOP Vin de Paille Blanc (only)
Marsanne and/or Roussanne
19.5% (12.5% acquired)
170 g/l Must weight. Dried for a min. 45 days, after which they must have a minimum must weight of 350 g/l.
Interestingly there are no specified RS req.
99
Which Lieu dits is Jaboulets 'La Chapelle' produced from?
2nd wine?
A barrel selection based around on Le Méal, with Les Bessards, Les Greffieux and La Croix usually key components.
A common misnomer is that there have holdings in L'Hermite/Ermite .
2nd wine: Formerly ‘Le Petit Chapelle’ to ‘La Maison Bleue’ from 2015
Frey family ownership since 2006.
100
What Rhone tributary is also responsible for influencing the soils of the Crozes Herimtage AOP?
the Isère
101
Château Pichon-Longueville Baron (AXA)
2nd wine?
Side estate wine?
Bordeaux Blanc?
Les Griffons de Pichon-Baron: A true second wine, produced from lots unsuitable for the grand vin. Inaugural vintage 2012.
Les Tourelles de Longueville: A Merlot-dominated wine produced principally from a 14-ha Merlot parcel called St-Anne, acquired after AXA’s purchase. Inaugural vintage 1986.
Les Griffons de Pichon Baron 'Grand Vin Blanc Sec' (2023): 100% Semillon. ‘Boua’ vineyard is a cooler chalkier terroir of their Pauillac holdings. Massal selection from their Château Suduiraut estate was top grafted onto 20-year-old rootstocks. Bottled as AOC Bordeaux Blanc Sec.
102
Coteaux du Layon AOP & Coteaux de l’Aubance AOP
Blanc must weight and RS req?
SGN must weight? (RS remains the same)
Coteaux du Layon AOP Chaume Premier Cru
must weight & min RS?
Blanc: 238 g/L & 34 g/L RS
SGN: 323 g/L
Must Weight: 272 g/l & Min 80 g/L RS
103
Coteaux du Layon AOP
7 Village designations?
min RS?
Villages allowed to append their name to the appellation:
* Faye d'Anjou/Faye
* Rochefort-sur-Loire/Rochefort (village of Chaume is here)
* Rablay-sur-Layon/Rablay
* Beaulieu-sur-Layon/Beaulieu
* St. Aubin de Luigné/St. Aubin
* St. Lambert du Lattay/St. Lambert
* Chaume ("Premier Cru": 80 RS)
min. 51 g/L RS - must weight is 255 g/L
104
3rd wine of Chateau Lafite Rothschild?
Anseillan (Inaugural 2018. Pauillac AOP); is a lieu-dit bottling and a 3rd wine of sorts. The village of ‘Anseillan’ is located to the east between the Chateau and the Gironde. 2018 was released in 2021.
105
Most recently which famous Bordeaux Château left which Appellation and When?
Château Lafleur
As of the 2025 vintage have withdrawn from the Pomerol AOP and now bottle under VdF.
106
Name 3 AOP from the Dordogne & South West that only permitt Rouge styles?
grapes?
Pécharmant AOP
Iron rich soils for Bordeaux lookalikes.
min. blend of 3 (CF,CS, Mer, Cot)
Cahors AOP
min. 70% Malbec + Tannat & Merlot
Madiran AOP
Min. 50% Tannat + CF,CS & Fer
107
What is the IGP that covers the Dordogne region?
What is the IGP that covers the rest of the 'South West'?
Cotes Du Lot IGP
(Lot river splits the Cahors AOP)
Cotes de Gascogne
We conveniently group them togther
108
Côtes de Bergerac AOP
styles?
Blanc (4-54 g/L RS): SB, SG, Muscadelle, and Sémillon +Ugni Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Ondenc (blends)
Rouge: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot (Malbec) and Merlot
109
Where is Côtes de Duras AOP?
styles?
South West adjoining the Entre-ders-Meux.
Blanc: SB, SG, Muscadelle, and Sémillon +Ugni Blanc, CB, Ondenc, Mauzac, Colombard, Ugni Blanc.
Rosé & Rouge: CF,CS, Cot & Merlot
110
Bergerac AOP encompasses a number of smaller AOP, name 5 and the style they all have in common?
Côtes de Montravel AOP
Haut-Montravel AOP
Rosette AOP
Saussignac AOP
Monbazillac AOP
req vary but all Liquoreux/Moelleux from min. 25RS +
Sémillon, SB, SG & Muscadelle +Ondenc, CB, Ugni Blanc
111
What 2 AOP does Montravel AOP encompass?
Montravel AOP style?
Côtes de Montravel AOP
Haut-Montravel AOP
Both produce excl. Blanc Liquoreux
Montravel AOP is
Blanc: Semillon, SB, SG, Muscadelle +
Rouge: Min. 50% Merlot +
112
What is the premier sweet wine AOP from the Dordogne in the South West?
Terroir of note?
must weight & RS req?
2 producers?
Monbazillac AOP
Gardonette tributary. Sandy soils were Muscadelle excels.
min.80% Muscadelle, SB, SG & Sémillon+
Min. must weight 221 & 45 RS g/L (same as sauternes)
SGN: 225 & 85 g/L
Ch. de Monbazillac
Ch. Tirecul la Graviere
113
Name the blanc cépage & assemblage for Gaillac AOP and the 5 styles it permitts?
(excl. Methode Ancestral)
Min. 50% combined Len de l'El (#2), Mauzac (#1), Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle (#3) + Ondenc & SB
Blanc Sec,
Blanc Doux (min. 50 g/L)
Blanc VT (min. 100)
Vin Mousseux Blanc
Vin Mousseux Blanc Doux (min. 50)
114
Gaillac Premières Côtes AOP
Style, cépage & assemblage?
Blanc sec only
Same as Gaillac, just a smaller contiguous region with more limestone.
Min. 50% combined Len de l'El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, and Muscadelle + Ondenc & SB
115
Gaillac AOP
Vin Mousseux Blanc Méthode Ancestrale?
cépage & prod. req (5)
What river traverses the AOP?
(aka méthode Gaillaçoise)
Mauzac & Mauzac Rosé
single fermentation beginning in tank
min. 2m on lees
3 atm
liqueur de tirage prohibited
dosage prohibited
The Tarn
116
Gaillac AOP
cépage for:
Rose
Rouge
Rouge Primeur
Rose & Rouge
Min. 70% combined Syrah, Duras, Prunelard, and Fer + BDX varieties & Gamay Noir
Rouge Primeur
100% Gamay (vinified by carbonic maceration)
117
Name a AOP that mandates vinification by carbonic maceration?
Gaillac AOP Rouge Primeur
100% Gamay vinified by carbonic maceration.
Only one in France?
118
Marcillac AOP
Location?
cépage and styles? (2)
South West France, most North East AOP, different political department than the Dordogne even.
Rouge & Rose
min. 80% Fer + Prunelard, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
119
Which AOP would you associate Negrette with?
styles?
Fronton AOP (formerly Côtes de Frontonnais), South West, just north of Toulouse.
Rosé & Rouge
with a minimum 40% Negrette supported by Syrah, Cot, Fer & BDX varieties.
120
Saint-Mont AOP
Location?
cépage for all 3 styles?
1 producer of note?
Gers, South West
Blanc: Min. 60% Gros Manseng + Min. 20% combined Arrufiac and Petit Courbu + Courbu, Petit Manseng
Rosé: Min. 80% Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and+ Manseng, Arrufiac, Petit Courbu, Courbu, and Petit Manseng
Rouge: Min. 60% Tannat + Min. 20% combined Cabernet Sauvignon and Fer + Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and no more than 5% Manseng Noir and Tardif.
All fruit from the AOP goes to the Co-Op? Producteurs Plaimont
121
Madiran
Location?
Style, cépage & assemblage?
Gers, South West
Rouge: min. 50% Tannat, commonly blended with CF, CS & Fer - these 3 are req by Encépagement (grape planting)
122
Which AOP shares the same delimited area as Madiran AOP?
Style, cépage & assemblage?
1 Producer of note?
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOP “vineyard rows of old country”
Blanc Sec & Blanc (45 g/L)
min. 2: Petit Manseng, Courbu, Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng + Arrufiac (local), SB
Château Montus & Chateau Boucasse: Top producer, 2 labels.
123
Jurançon AOP
Accessory varieties?
Lauzet, Courbu, Petit Courbu
Principal varieties must account for the majority of the blend (Gros Manseng and/or Petit Manseng)
124
What AOP would you associate Raffiat de Moncade with?
Béarn AOP, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, SW
Blanc: min. 50% Raffiat de Moncade + Petit, Gros etc
Rose & Rouge also form Tannat, Fer + BDX
125
Herri Mina
winemakers name? and AOP he bottles under?
Jean-Claude Berrouet (fmr. Petrus - son succeded him)
Irouléguy AOP - his birthplace on the border with Navarre
Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Petit Courbu (Corbu also permitted but he doesnt use)
(AOP also permitts rose & rouge..)
126
What is Frances moust Southern Wine AOP?
Synoynm for the most planted/important variety?
Corse Figari AOP
Blanc: min. 75% Vermentino (Malvoise de Corse)
Rose & Rouge from Grenache, Nielluccio, and Sciaccarello (Mammolo)
127
What are the Corsican synonyms for
Sangiovese?
Mammolo?
Nielluccio
Sciacarello
128
4 French AOP that permit Méthode Ancestrale wines?
cepage?
Limoux AOP Méthode Ancestrale: 100% Mauzac. 9m lees, 3.5 atm.
["Blanquette de Limoux" is trad method. Min. 90% Mauzac + CH & CB]
Gaillac AOP Vin Mousseux Méthode Ancestrale: Mauzac & Mauzac Rose. 3 atm.
Clairette de Die Mousseux Blanc Méthode Ancestrale: min. 75% MBaPG, 4m lees, 3 atm. [Méthode Traditionnelle is 100% Clairette 9m lees, 3.5 atm].
Bugey Cerdon Méthode Ancestrale: Vin Mousseux Rosé: Gamay & Poulsard. min. 22-80 g/l RS (Sec-Doux+ comparativley). 3 atm.
129
Name a Languedoc AOP that permitts Chenin Blanc?
Limoux AOP
Blanc: Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay (still whites must be fermented in oak)
Mousseux Blanc "Blanquette de Limoux": Min. 90% Mauzac, plus Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc
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