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Champagne Welcome

Wine Scholar Guild

Created on November 26, 2024

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Transcript

Champagne Masters

Welcome to the Champagne Masters! Before starting your online course, here is some useful information to help you navigate the online classroom. You can always refer back to this throughoput the course.

Introduction

Monthly Topics

the online clasroom

The examination

Resources

Registering for the exam

Welcome!

Welcome to the Champagne Masters Program! As a Masters student, you will analyze the myriad factors influencing the production of Champagne. By the end of this course, you will have the ability to advocate for these wines’ unique qualities, value and significance within the global market. Each month we will explore a different region of this exciting region. The next section will tell you more information about the modules.

Welcome to your Champagne course. Here you can find ways to navigate the online classroom and what everything does. Scroll over the pulsating pink dots to learn more.

Just below, you can find when your live sessions are taking place. Make sure you put them into your calendar! If you miss them, don't worry, we will upload the video 48-72 hours after the session.

Using the online classroom

Here are the large topics for each month.

Every month, we upload a new module for you to explore. These will appear in boxes at the bottom of this page. Check back at the start of each month to see the new content, exercises, and resources for you to complete that month. Ensure that you complete all of the items in each unit that month. When you click on a unit in the online classroom, you will see all the content for that month. To see how to navigate that, click the next button.

Next

When you click on a tile, it will expand like this. Scroll over the eyes to see how to navigate.

Resources

Resources

Here are all the resources you have available to you

Study guide

Wine list

Recorded instructor seminars

Blank Maps

Interviews with Champagne experts:

Vintage charts

Live review webinar

Community chat

eBook

Click to see the topics covered in each module, release date and more!

Côte des Bar July 2025

Côte des Blancs June 2025

Vallée de la Marne May 2025

Montagne & Vale de Reims April 2025

Champagne Overview Feburary/March 2025

Info

Info

Info

Info

Info

Each module can be accessed through the online classroom.

Month 1: Champagne Introduciotn

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Reading

Zoom call

Online

Zoom call

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Start here!

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Month 2: Montagne and Vale de Reims

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Reading

Zoom call

Online

Zoom call

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Start here!

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Month 3: Montagne and Vale de Reims

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Reading

Zoom call

Online

Zoom call

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Start here!

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Month 2: Montagne and Vale de Reims

In order to get the most out of your course, we recommend starting with the reading and then working your way through the videos.

Reading

Zoom call

Online

Zoom call

There are seven categories of videos and articles to explore this month.

Start here!

The link can also be found on the online Classroom.
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Month 1 Topics: Champagne Overview

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos and articles for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

History
Viticulture & winemaking
Business
Geology

01

02

04

03

House styles
Terroir
Tasting Champagne

05

06

07

Month 2 Topics: Montagne and Val de Reims

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Viticulture & winemaking
Business
House styles
Terroir
Tasting Champagne

Month 3 Topics: Vallée de la Marne

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Viticulture & winemaking
Champagne Influencers
Business
House styles
Terroir
Tasting Champagne

Month 4 Topics: Côte des Blancs

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Viticulture & winemaking
Business
House styles
Terroir
Tasting Champagne

Month 5 Topics: Côte des Bar

Click on each button above to see a summary of the videos for this month! All of the content can be found on your online classroom.

Viticulture & winemaking
Business
World of Fizz
House styles
Terroir
Tasting Champagne

The exam

The exm lasts for 2 hours and is taken online.

Multiple choice

Short Answer

Map Questions

There are 50 of these types of questions.

There are four short essay questions.

There are 10 questions on blank maps.

+ INFO

+ INFO

+ INFO

The exam tests your knowledge and your understanding of Champagne.

The examination

Here is where you can find out about your examination
20%

Material from the study guide

Online classroom videos and seminars

80%

+ INFO

+ INFO

Click down to find out how the examination is structured

Registering for the examination

Here is importnat information about your Champagne Examination. Please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@winescholarguild.com if you experience any issues scheduling your exam.

Overview
Proctoring Information

Information on time lines.

Exam Proctoring with ProctorU

Extra Time
Resit

Critical Notes on Enrollment & Exam Timeline

Business of Champagne

  • The Mythology of Champagne with Steve Charters MW
  • Champagne as a Luxury Product with Steve Charters MW
  • The Idea of Terroir in Champagne with Steve Charters MW
  • Marketing Champagne with Steve Charters MW
  • Distributing and Selling Champagne with Steve Charters MW
  • The Price of Champagne with Charles Curtis MW
  • Intreview - The Secrets of Champagne's Commercial Success with Yves Tesson
Essi Avellan MW

Exploring house styles

1. Factors that Affect House Styles: Discover the key influences, including geography, winemaking techniques, and blending philosophies, that define house styles. 2. House Styles and Varietal Composition: Learn how grape varieties and blending choices contribute to the unique identity of each Champagne house.

Champagne Influencers throughout the Ages

  • Who's Who Part 1 with Charles Curtis MW
  • Who's Who Part 1 with Charles Curtis MW
  • Members Webinar: Women in the History of Champagne with Cynthia Coutu

1. Montagne Overview with Peter Liem. 2. Grande Montagne with Peter Liem. 3. Montagne North and West with Peter Liem. 4. Interview - A Tour of the Region: the Rebirth of Terroir with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon.

4 Videos

Essay Questions

Typical Essay Question Styles

  • Compare and contrast appellations, sub-regions, grape varieties, or soil types.
  • Explain how soil, climate, or winemaking practices influence wine style.
  • Discuss traditional versus modern winemaking and viticultural practices.
  • Address current trends or controversies in the wine industry.

The examination includes four essay questions, each worth 10 points, accounting for 40% of the overall score. The essay questions assess knowledge across the full curriculum, including history, viticulture, winemaking, geology, climate, topography, and business. They are designed to evaluate your understanding and ability to apply knowledge rather than rote memorisation of facts.

You can find the Community Page in the moodle online classroom. You'll see both the Educator forum and the Student corner. Or click the pink dot in the picture opposite.

Blank map questions

There are 10 blank map questions which will ask you to identify key areas of the region. You can find plenty of practice maps in the online classroom under resrouces!

Viticulture and Winemaking

  • Growing without Chemicals with Gaylord Legras
  • Interview - 44 Years a Chef de Cave: "One of the Best Jobs on Earth"" with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon

There are 50 Multiple choice questions that cover the entire curriculum

The World of Fizz

  • Differences with other Traditional Method wines with Essi Avellan MW

There are 50 Multiple choice questions that cover the entire curriculum

Join Steve Charters MW explain the business of Champagne

1. Champagne Industry Part 1: An overview of the structure and key players in the Champagne industry. 2. Champagne Industry Part 2: A closer look at market dynamics and economic challenges facing the Champagne industry. 3. The Champagne Brand Part 1: Insights into the development and global perception of Champagne as a luxury brand. 4. The Champagne Brand Part 2: An exploration of branding strategies and their impact on Champagne’s market success.

Montagne & Val de Reims

Content goes live 1 March 2025

This month brings the first deep dive into a specific sub-region and we start at the northern end of Champagne with the Montagne and Val de Reims. We build on month 1 by examining the specific terroirs found here. We also continue with the production process by looking at the steps from blending to degorgement. Our exploration of the factors that influence style focuses on malolactic fermentation. Business topics include the Échelle des Crus and the knotty question of yields and reserves.

Viticulture and Winemaking

  • Interview - Viticulture in Champagne: Moving Forward with Cedric Moussé
  • Interview - Vineyards and Winemaking: The Fight for Freshness with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon
  • Interview - Evolution of Non-Vintage to Multi-Vintage with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon
Study Guide Reading
  • Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Resit

In the event of an exam fail, you must register for an exam re-sit prior to re-scheduling HERE.

Join Peter Liem as he explores the geology and terroir of Champagne in these three videos:

1. Geology Part 1: An introduction to the geological foundations of Champagne’s vineyards. 2. Geology Part 2: A deeper dive into the diverse soil types and their influence on viticulture. 3. Overview of Champagne’s Terroir: A comprehensive look at how geology, climate, and vineyard practices define Champagne’s unique terroir.

80%

Most of the examination will come from the study guide.

Tasting Champagne

  • Tasting reserve wines with Essi Avellin MW
To compliment this recording, you will also find a brief in the online classroom on tasting reserve wines.

Terroir

  • Côte des Bar with Peter Liem
  • Coteaux Champenois with Peter Liem
  • Rosé des Riceys with Peter Liem

Terroir

  • Vallee de la Marne Overview with Peter Liem
  • Grande Vallee with Peter Liem
  • Coteaux Sud d’Epernay with Peter Liem
  • Vallée Rive Gauche with Peter Liem
  • Vallée Rive Droite with Peter Liem
  • Vallee Ouest with Peter Liem
  • Interview - Cuisles: Portrait of a Champagne Village with Cedric Moussé

Tasting Champagne

  • Tasting: rosé with Essi Avellan MW
To compliment this recording, you will also find a brief in the online classroom on tasting rosé wines.

Interview – Meunier: “Drink Meunier, pure pleasure” with Cédric Moussé: Cédric Moussé shares his insights on the unique characteristics and growing popularity of Meunier in Champagne.

Video

Several articles explore the evolving trends in Champagne blends, including the distinctions between non-vintage (NV) and multi-vintage styles. They also discuss innovative numbering practices by houses like Roederer and Lanson, offering new perspectives on multi-vintage labelling.

Articles

&

Enrollment

You have one year from registering for the program to take your exam. You can verify your enrollment expiry date in the online classroom from the column on the right-hand side of the page. Very important note: Please take your exam before the expiry date. An exam taken on or after the enrollment expiry date cannot be supported by our system.

Two videos

1. Blending to degorgement with Nick Lane: 2. Interview - Blending: A White Page Every Year with Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon

Terroir

  • Côte des Blancs & environs with Peter Liem
  • Côte des Blancs - North with Peter Liem
  • Côte des Blancs - South with Peter Liem
  • Val du Petit Morin & Sézannais with Peter Liem
  • Vitryat & Montgueux with Peter Liem

Need extra time?

If your enrollment in this course is about to expire and you need more time to study & sit your exam, you can purchase a 1-year extension for your online course & online exam access at the link below

  • Please take your exam BEFORE the expiry date of your online course. An exam taken on or after the enrollment expiry date cannot be supported by our system.
  • You can check your online course enrollment expiration date in the right menu of this course.

Click here to purchase a year's extention
Essi Avellan MW

House Styles and Malolactic Fermentation with Essi Avellan MW

ProctorU

ProctorU is a live online proctoring service that allows you to take your exam from the comfort of your home.  ProctorU is available 24/7, however, you will need to schedule your proctoring session at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any on-demand scheduling fees (paid directly to ProctorU). In order to schedule your exam, log into your WSG account and find your exam link in your account menu under ‘My Online Courses & Exams’.  After clicking on the exam link, please follow each step detailed in your online exam classroom.

Essay Questions

Typical Essay Question Styles

  • Compare and contrast appellations, sub-regions, grape varieties, or soil types.
  • Explain how soil, climate, or winemaking practices influence wine style.
  • Discuss traditional versus modern winemaking and viticultural practices.
  • Address current trends or controversies in the wine industry.

The examination includes four essay questions, each worth 10 points, accounting for 40% of the overall score. The essay questions assess knowledge across the full curriculum, including history, viticulture, winemaking, geology, climate, topography, and business. They are designed to evaluate your understanding and ability to apply knowledge rather than rote memorisation of facts.

20%

of the exam will be from the vidoes, interviews and lectures found in the online classroom.

Join Steve Charters MW on the following Business of Champagne topics:

1. Echelle des Crus 2. Yields and Reserves

Viticulture and Winemaking

  • Changing Environment in the Vineyard with Gaylord Legras
  • Degorgement, dosage & bottling with Nick Bampied-Lane
  • Interview - Global Warming: Chaos and Adaptation with Cedric Moussé
  • Interview - A New Era For Champagne: Going Back to Craftsmanship with Jean-Baptise Lecaillon 1

Tasting Champagne

You have 4 briefs to read for this section:

  • Aging on Lees
  • Dosage
  • Oak Use
  • Prestige and Iconic Champagnes

Tasting Champagne

1. Tasting Malolactic Fermentation with Essi Avellan MW To compliment this recording, you will also find a brief in the online classroom on tasting malolactic fermentation.

History

Three videos to explore this history of this exciting region

1. History Part 1 with Steve Charters MW: Explore the early history of Champagne, focusing on its origins and cultural significance. 2. History Part 2 with Steve Charters MW: Dive deeper into the development of Champagne, highlighting key events and historical milestones. 3. Interview – From Romans to Riddling: A Short History of Champagne 0–1899 with Dr Yves Tesson: Discover Champagne’s journey through history, from Roman times to the innovations of the 19th century.

Study Guide Reading
  • Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Business of Champagne

  • The Growers with Steve Charters MW
  • Houses and Negociants with Steve Charters MW
  • The Co-operatives with Steve Charters MW
  • Interview - A Champagne Family with Cedric Moussé
  • Interview - The Grower Scene: Notes From A Revolution with Cedric Moussé
  • Interview - Brokers in Champagne: the Great Enablers with Cedric Moussé

Factors Affecting House Styles

  • House Styles and Malolactic Fermentation with Essi Avellan MW

Blank map questions

There are 10 blank map questions which will ask you to identify key areas of the region. You can find plenty of practice maps in the online classroom under resrouces!

Factors Affecting House Styles

  • House Styles - Oak and Oxidative/Reductive Styles with Essi Avellan MW
  • Interview - Enjoying and Exploring Champagne with Yves Tesson

Factors Affecting House Styles

  • House styles - rosé winemaking choices with Essi Avellan MW
  • Interview - A Winemaker's Journey with Cedric Moussé

Four articles explore key topics in Champagne, including concerns over high yields, innovations in vine row spacing, and the rise of organic and biodynamic practices. They also highlight the artistry behind blending grape varieties to craft Champagne’s unique style.

Several articles

1. In the Vineyard with Gaylord Legras: Learn about the key activities and challenges faced in Champagne vineyards throughout the growing season. 2. Plant Material with Gaylord Legras: Explore the selection and management of plant materials, including grape varieties and clones, specific to Champagne. 3. Winemaking – From Harvest to Vinification with Nick Lane: Follow the journey from grape harvest to vinification, uncovering the techniques that shape Champagne’s signature style.

Three videos

&

Study Guide Reading
  • Montagne & Val de Reims: pages 105-108, 131-132
This can also be found on the online classroom.

Business of Champagne

  • CIVC, and the management of grape and wine suppy with Steve Charters MWHouses and Negociants with Steve Charters MW
  • Protecting Champagne & champagnes with Steve Charters MW
  • The Evolving Appellation with Steve Charters MW
  • Interview - Stunts and Imposture to Contracts and Control: The Making of Modern Champagne with Yves Tesson

Study Guide

This is your main source of information throughout the course.

Every student receives a printed version of the 130+ page manual.

Study Guide Reading
  • Foreword by Andrew Jefford: pages 11-13
  • The History of the Champagne Region: pages 19-54
  • Viticulture: pages 55-70
  • Winemaking: pages 71-85, 89-90, 119-121, 127-130
  • Geology: pages 99-104, 113-115
  • Business of Champagne: pages 91-95
  • House Styles: 85-87
This full list can be found on the online classroom.