3.0 Bourgogne copied to L4.3 WoW Flashcards
What are the two classic grapes of Burgundy?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
What grape is associated with Chablis?
Chardonnay
What is the climate in Burgundy?
Northern continental climate
Winters can be severe (much more severe than in Bordeaux where the ocean plays a moderating role)
Hot summers
Autumn are cool and rain is frequent at harvest
What is the annual rainfall in Bourgogne?
650mm per year
Distinctly lower than in Bordeaux which has 890mm rain per year
What is the 3 main natural climatic hazards in Bourgogne?
- Spring frosts, particularly in Chablis when they can appear as late as May
- Summer rain - causing grey rot
- Summer hailstorms
What are the three main soil types in Bourgogne?
- Calcareous clay dominated and Chardonnay is usually planted on this
- Pinot Noir is planted where there is more limy marl
- Further south in Beaujolais, Gamay plantings enjoy granite soils
Where are the best sites located in the Bourgogne?
Mid slopes which catch the deepest layer of slope wash and act as sun traps
Even here would are shallow, rarely more than a metre and vine roots penetrate deep into the limestone bedrock.
What are the two red grapes associated with Bourgogne?
Pinot Noir
Gamay
What are the two white grapes associated with Bourgogne?
Chardonnay
Aligoté
Why is terroir considered important in Bourgogne?
- Because both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are very sensitive to subtle variations in terroir
- The steepness or direction of the slopes, depth, drainage and mineral content of the soils can vary dramatically within small areas
Why are the vineyards in Bourgogne fragmented?
Due to Napoleonic law of inheritance
How much of Burgundy wine is domaine bottled?
40%
Why has price risen for negociants in Burgundy?
More growers choose to domaine bottle, wine available for large negociants has decreased resulting in a price rise
Who knows the quantities and prices of wine for sale from different growers in Burgundy?
Brokers or courtiers
Are the majority of wines grower vinified in Burgundy?
Yes growers will vinify their own wines generally before either domaine bottling (40%) or selling to a négociant
Why is there a large rise in single producers buying wine from their neighbours?
As it is cheaper than purchasing land