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Wset L4 - D4 Sparkling Wines/
Comprehensive Q&A For Certification
Success
Most dominant variety grown in Montagne de Reims-correct-answer-Pinot Noir
Most dominant variety grown in Vallée de la Marne-correct-answer-Meunier
Most dominant variety grown in Côte des Blancs-correct-answer-Chardonnay
Most dominant variety grown in Côte de Sézanne-correct-answer-Chardonnay
Most dominant variety grown in Côte des Bar-correct-answer-Pinot Noir
Characteristics of the Meunier grape and what style of wine it produces/its role in
blends-correct-answer-- Mutation of Pinot Noir
- White hairs that grown on the underside of the leaf
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- Early budding and ripening
- Buts later than Pinot Noir and ripens earlier
- Grows very well in heavy clay
- Useful in cooler vintages when Pinot Noir might struggle to fully ripen
- Lighter and fruitier than Pinot Noir
- Ideal for NV blends for early drinking
Region in Champagne where soils in Grand Crus are chalky.-correct-answer-
Montagne de Reims
Region in Champagne where are soils are clay, marl and sandy soils.-correct-
answer-Vallee de la Marne
Region in Champagne where soils are the purest form of chalk.-correct-answer-
Cotes des Blancs
Region in Champagne where soils are clay and clay/silt soils and some pockets of
chalk.-correct-answer-Côte de Sézanne
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Region in Champagne where soils are Kimmeridgian calcareous marls.-correct-
answer-Cote des Bar
Describe the topography and soils of Montagne de Reims-correct-answer-
Montagne de Reims, despite what the name suggests, is more of a plateau than a
mountain with some of the top villages facing north, meaning cooler sites and
greater risk of frost. It is more known for black grapes, particularly Pinot Noir as it
buds early and ripens early, but Chardonnay does extremely well in parts. The
soils are chalk which provides enough moisture but more importantly excellent
drainage.
Describe the topography and soils of Vallée de la Marne-correct-answer-Vallée de
la Marne is prone to frost and as a result Meunier is the most planted grape
variety, as it buds later than Pinot Noir and ripens earlier. The vines are planted on
south facing slopes to optimize heat during the growing season. The soils include
clay, marl and sand, so relatively cool but suitable for Meunier to ripen
successfully.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte des Blancs-correct-answer-As the name
suggests this area is predominantly planted with Chardonnay and the soils are
chalk which provides excellent drainage and water retention in dry periods. Many
of the vineyards are east facing, taking advantage of the warm afternoon sun
during the growing season.
Wset L4 - D4 Sparkling Wines/
Comprehensive Q&A For Certification
Success
Most dominant variety grown in Montagne de Reims-correct-answer-Pinot Noir
Most dominant variety grown in Vallée de la Marne-correct-answer-Meunier
Most dominant variety grown in Côte des Blancs-correct-answer-Chardonnay
Most dominant variety grown in Côte de Sézanne-correct-answer-Chardonnay
Most dominant variety grown in Côte des Bar-correct-answer-Pinot Noir
Characteristics of the Meunier grape and what style of wine it produces/its role in
blends-correct-answer-- Mutation of Pinot Noir
- White hairs that grown on the underside of the leaf
,2|Page
- Early budding and ripening
- Buts later than Pinot Noir and ripens earlier
- Grows very well in heavy clay
- Useful in cooler vintages when Pinot Noir might struggle to fully ripen
- Lighter and fruitier than Pinot Noir
- Ideal for NV blends for early drinking
Region in Champagne where soils in Grand Crus are chalky.-correct-answer-
Montagne de Reims
Region in Champagne where are soils are clay, marl and sandy soils.-correct-
answer-Vallee de la Marne
Region in Champagne where soils are the purest form of chalk.-correct-answer-
Cotes des Blancs
Region in Champagne where soils are clay and clay/silt soils and some pockets of
chalk.-correct-answer-Côte de Sézanne
, 3|Page
Region in Champagne where soils are Kimmeridgian calcareous marls.-correct-
answer-Cote des Bar
Describe the topography and soils of Montagne de Reims-correct-answer-
Montagne de Reims, despite what the name suggests, is more of a plateau than a
mountain with some of the top villages facing north, meaning cooler sites and
greater risk of frost. It is more known for black grapes, particularly Pinot Noir as it
buds early and ripens early, but Chardonnay does extremely well in parts. The
soils are chalk which provides enough moisture but more importantly excellent
drainage.
Describe the topography and soils of Vallée de la Marne-correct-answer-Vallée de
la Marne is prone to frost and as a result Meunier is the most planted grape
variety, as it buds later than Pinot Noir and ripens earlier. The vines are planted on
south facing slopes to optimize heat during the growing season. The soils include
clay, marl and sand, so relatively cool but suitable for Meunier to ripen
successfully.
Describe the topography and soils of Côte des Blancs-correct-answer-As the name
suggests this area is predominantly planted with Chardonnay and the soils are
chalk which provides excellent drainage and water retention in dry periods. Many
of the vineyards are east facing, taking advantage of the warm afternoon sun
during the growing season.
