4. Beaujolais Flashcards
What is the climate of Beaujolais?
Continental, but slightly warmer than the rest of Burgundy
Which river acts as a moderator of extreme temperatures?
The Saone River
What wind can affect flowering and the ripening of Gamay in Beaujolais?
The Mistral
At what altitude are the Beaujolais Cru and Beaujolais-Villages AOCs planted?
200-500m
Describe the soil of Beaujolais Cru and Beaujolais-Villages AOCs (3)
Fast-draining granite, schist and sand
How are vines for Beaujolais Cru and Beaujolais-Villages AOCs oriented?
South and south-east facing slopes for maximum sun exposure
When does Gamay bud?
Early
What is Gamay vulnerable to? (4)
1) Millerandage
2) Rot
3) Wind (can damage its thin skins)
4) Spring frost
When does Gamay ripen?
Early
How are vines traditionally trained in Beaujolais and why?
1) Gobelet/bush (no trellis) - head trained, spur pruned
2) To offer some wind protection
How are modern, higher volume Beaujolais vines trained and why?
1) VSP on trellises
2) To aid mechanisation for inexpensive wine
What is the white grape variety permitted in Beaujolais?
Chardonnay
Where is Chardonnay often found when grown in Beaujolais?
In the north bordering the Macon Villages appellation
What are the 10 crus of Beaujolais north to south?
1) Saint-Amour
2) Julienas
3) Chenas
4) Moulin-a-Vent*
5) Fleurie*
6) Chiroubles*
7) Morgon*
8) Regnie
9) Brouilly*
10) Cote de Brouilly
Is chaptalisation allowed?
Yes. It’s common in cooler years
What is the typical maceration time for Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages?
4-5 days to enhance the fruitiness and depth of colour suited for early consumption
What is the typical maceration time for Cru Beaujolais?
10-20 days
What winemaking choice can contribute to higher production costs of Cru Beaujolais?
Maturation in small or large barrels
Beaujolais that is destemmed and crushed followed by traditional fermentation and maceration on skins produce what style of wine? (3)
Deeper in colour
Fuller bodied
Higher tannin levels
Name two pioneers of France’s natural wine movement who were from Beaujolais
Jules Chauvet
Marcel Lapierre
Who are the gang of four?
Marcel Lapierre
Jean Foillard
Guy Breton
Jean-Paul Thévenet
According to French wine law, the earliest any AOC wine can be sold is 15 December. Beaujolais Nouveau is an exception. When is it released?
From the third Thursday in November
Beaujolais AOC is a regional appellation, but in practice the majority of vineyards are situated where?
In the south
When is Beaujolais AOC permitted to be sold?
From mid-January of the year after harvest
