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

Lesson Overview
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4.0
4.1
4.2
4.3

4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
4.11
4.12
4.13
4.14

Introduction.
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
China
Czech Republic
England and Wales
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
India

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4.15
4.16
4.17
4.18
4.19
4.20
4.21
4.22
4.23
4.24
4.25

Conclusions
References

Israel
Italy
Japan
Macedonia
New Zealand

Portugal
Romania
South Africa
Spain
Switzerland
United States of America


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

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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

4.0 Introduction
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the world of wine is constantly changing and evolving
through investment, innovation, the application of
new scientific techniques higher quality wines are
being produced.
wine is a gift of nature and the earth’s geology but is
mother nature who is the ultimate boss in the end,
the countries explored in this lesson require so many
factors to fall into place to produce good wines
consistently.


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.1 Argentina
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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.
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Torrontes (Cafayate) produces full-bodied, dry white wines with Muscat-like aromas.
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Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot (Cafayate, Mendoza) planted widely for red wines.
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Chardonnay and Viognier (Mendoza) for white wines.
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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.
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Rio Negro: located in the far south, this cool region produces a lot of Malbec


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World


4.2 Australia
[ Wine map of Australia ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.2 Australia
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(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
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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

4.3 Austria
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.
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Trockenbeernaulese (top level)
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Eiswein
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Ausbruch
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Beerauslese
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Auslese
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Strohwein or Shilfwein.
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
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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.
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Niederosterreich Lower Austria: Key wines: Wachau, Kamptal, Kremstal using Gruner Veltliner or Riesling and
Weinvieretel DAC using Gruner Vertliner.
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Burgenland: Key wines: BA, TBA, Eisewein using various GV and Burgenland reds using Blaufrankisch, cuvees.
Burgenland lies to the east of Austria on the Hungarian border and produces outstanding sweet wines.



Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

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;
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Standard wines: bottom level, light wines drank locally, Special wines: covers sparkling, liqueur and fruit wines.
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High quality wines geographical origin: wines from unspecified region sold under a brand name, the lowest export
standard.
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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.
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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.
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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

4.5 Canada
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
(15,000 acres of vineyards) recognised located in southern Ontario and British Columbia they account for 98% of Canada’s
premium wine.


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.6


Chile

[ Wine map of Chile ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.6
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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;
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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
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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
region), which contains the Colchagua Valley famous for single and blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Camenere, these individual

wines are expensive. Curico (sub region) grows lots of international varieties, Miguel Torres starting here in 1975. Maule
Southern Zone Southern Valley Region: this area mainly consists of hillside and vineyards closer to the Pacific Ocean, white wine become
more important in the south, its main sub regions Itata and Bio-Bio grow Gewurztraminer and Riesling.


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

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
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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

4.8 Czech Republic
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;
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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.
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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.
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Mikulov: largest area 2, 500 hectares, Valtice is the centre and home of the Czech wine producer Valtice Wine Cellars.
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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;
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Melnik: producing Muller Thurgau
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Litomerice: serious rival to Melnik. Best kniown cellars are Zernoseky. Varieties include Rulandske bile, Rulandske
sede, Ryzlink rynsky
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Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.9 England and Wales
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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:
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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

4.10 France
[ Wine map of France ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.10 France


(continued)

[ Alsace - The fairytale region ]
Key facts regarding Alsace: (also chapter 4 – pp. 88-89)
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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
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the lesser vineyards are located on the plains with the majority of vineyards are small holdings
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famous for small growers, highest yield allowance for France 70 hectolitres per hectare.
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2nd most Northern AC wine producing region for still white wine, 99% of Alsace wine is white.
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all Alsace wine is bone dry except Vandage Tardive or Botrytis wines, extra long corks are used for bottling Alsace wines
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Alsace was only returned to France after WW2, therefore it only got AC in 1962 – totally different AC system to the rest of France
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first to call wines after varietal names this helped Alsace wines to be noticed and recognised
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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
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

4.10 France

(continued)

[ Bordeaux Region – Wine Map ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World


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).
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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.
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Dry wines: Bordeaux, Entre-deux-Mers, Graves.
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Medium Dry White: Bordeaux Blanc, Cotes de Blaye.
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Sweet White: Barsac, Cerons, Loupiac, Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux, Sauternes, Ste-Croix du Mont.
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Red: Bordeaux, Cotes de Blaye, Cotes de Bourg, Graves, Margaux, Medoc, Pauillac, Pomerol, St. Emilion,
St. Estephe, St. Julien.
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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)
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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 ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

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.
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INAO regulations for the top wines of Burgundy state that the grapes used are Pinot Noir for red wine, Chardonnay for white wine
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Yield: is set at 40 hectolitres per hectares for the best, 60 for ordinary (this can change).
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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
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South (Beaujolais): Gobelet-pruned, freestanding vines. The best vineyards are on the hillsides in north.
Winemaking:
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Red: Traditional fermentation with very little use of new oak maturation for Pinot Noir. Carbonic maceration for Beaujolais.
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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:
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Generic: for wines that do not quality for higher AC, must have Bourgogne in title.
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District: used for wines from a single district or group of better villages within a district (Cote de Beaume, Macon, Beaujolais).
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Commune: used for wines from single communes (villages) allowed own AC (i.e. Gevrey Chambertin, Pommard, Aloxe Corton, Meursault).
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Premier Cru: village name followed by vineyard name, used for better vineyards (i.e. Beaume(commune) Bressandeo(vineyard)’.
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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

4.10 France

(continued)

[ Champagne Region – Wine Map ]


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

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


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

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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
Paille (straw wine) aged for 3 years.
When you taste Jura wines always taste the red before the whites because of the white wine strengths.


Lesson 4: Principle Wine Regions of the World

4.10 France

(continued)

[ Loire Valley Region – Wine Map ]