Wine Classification Systems Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the term for the great growth/vineyard of Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, Bersac?

cru

What does the 1855 Bordeaux classification refer to?

Wines ranked according to a cru system (correct)

Wines on the right bank of the Gironde estuary

Wines produced in Italy

Wines made exclusively from Merlot

What is the lowest rank in the Bordeaux classification?

cinquieme grand cru classé

What is the highest rank in the Bordeaux classification?

premier grand cru superieur classé Signup and view all the answers

Which Chateau is given the premier grand cru superieur classé rank?

Chateau d'Yquem, Sauternes Signup and view all the answers

What is the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine?

Created in France in 1935 to regulate and delineate wine regions Signup and view all the answers

What classification system does St-Emillon use?

Premier grand cru classé A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is the highest rank in Burgundy and Alsace classifications?

grand cru classé Signup and view all the answers

What does AOC stand for?

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum maturity of wines in AOC classification?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What designation is allowed for wines outside of AOC?

table wine Signup and view all the answers

What is the Italian version of AOC?

Denominazione di Origine Controllata Signup and view all the answers

What is the German version of AOC?

Qualitatswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the Spanish version of AOC?

denominacion di origen Signup and view all the answers

What is the German version of vin de pays?

landwein Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'vini da tavola' refer to?

Italian version of table wine Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the highest Prädikatswein rank?

eiswein Signup and view all the answers

What varieties are allowed in Champagne?

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier Signup and view all the answers

What defines the terroir in the Loire Valley?

Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc Signup and view all the answers

What varieties are allowed in Alsace?

Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris Signup and view all the answers

What are the main grape varieties used in Bordeaux?

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc Signup and view all the answers

What are the grape varieties allowed in Burgundy?

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Signup and view all the answers

What grape varieties are prevalent in the Rhône Valley?

Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a single vineyard in German?

Einzellage Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for dry wine in German?

trocken Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wine Classification Systems Overview

Cru: Refers to great growth or vineyard, especially in Medoc, Graves, Sauternes, and Barsac regions.
1855 Bordeaux Classification: Ranked wines on the left bank of the Gironde estuary using a cru system.
Cinquieme Grand Cru Classé: The lowest rank in the Bordeaux classification hierarchy.
Premier Grand Cru Supérieur Classé: The highest rank in the Bordeaux classification, awarded to Château d'Yquem, Sauternes.

Regulatory Bodies and Regions

Institut National des Appellations d'Origine: Established in France in 1935 to oversee and define wine regions.
St-Emillon Classification (1955): Categorized wines into 1er Grand Cru Classé A, B, and Grand Cru Classé.
Graves Classification (1959): Implemented a cru ranking system for wines.

Appellation Systems

AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée): Regulations ensuring grapes originate from designated regions and meet quality standards, including variety restrictions and yield limits.
Minimum Maturity: Wines classified under AOC must age for at least 2 years.
Table Wine: Designation for wines outside AOC with no varietal or regional claims.

International Designations

Italian AOC Equivalent: Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) represents the Italian version of AOC.
Spanish AOC Equivalent: Denominación de Origen (DO) aligns with AOC standards.
German AOC Equivalent: Qualitatswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete denotes quality wines from specific growing areas.

Quality Categories in German Wine

Kabinett: The lowest rank in the Prädikatswein category.
Eiswein: The highest rank within the Prädikatswein classification.

Grape Varieties by Region

Champagne: Primarily allows Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.
Loire Valley: Cultivated varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc.
Bordeaux: Known for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Semillon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Bordeaux Classification Elements

Cru Bourgeois: A classification lower than cru classé wines in Bordeaux.
Pauillac: Features primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and is home to three Premier Grand Cru Classé estates.
Right Bank: Pomerol region, known for its clay soils favoring Merlot with many small holdings.

Burgundy and Alsace Regions

Grand Cru Classé: Highest classification in Burgundy and Alsace wine regions.
Chablis: Noted for its cool climate and unique chalky soils advantageous for wine production.
Cotes de Nuits and Cotes de Beaune: Key areas within Burgundy, famous for their premier Cru vineyards.

General Wine Terms

Estate Bottled: Indicates wine bottled at the vineyard itself.
Single Vineyard: Refers to wine sourced from a single location with specific characteristics.

Miscellaneous

Vin de Pays: Non-AOC wine with varied restrictions regarding variety and harvest.
Tafelwein: The German term for table wine.
Einzellage: Represents a single vineyard in German wine classification.

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Description

Test your knowledge of wine classification with these flashcards. Explore terms like cru, the 1855 Bordeaux classification, and the different ranks within the Bordeaux system. Perfect for wine enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding.