Beaujolais Flashcards
What percentage of plantings does Gamay account for?
98%
Describe the climate and major influences in Beaujolais
Continental climate slightly warmer than the rest of Burgundy
- Moderated by the Saone River
- Cold Mistral winds can affect flowering and damage leaves and fruit towards the end of the growing season
What is the average yearly rainfall in Beaujolais?
740mm
What measures can winemakers take to protect against the effects of the cold Mistral wind?
Vine orientation and training vines close to the ground
What is the topography and soil type in northern Beaujolais?
Hilly (200m-500m) - vines are planted facing south/south east to maximise sun exposure
Fast draining schist, granite and Sandy soils
Describe the main characteristics of Gamay
- Thin skinned (vulnerable to disease, rot, wind)
- Early budding (spring frost)
- Vulnerable to millerandage in damp wet conditions which can affect yield
- Early ripening (can be picked before autumn rain)
- Productive - yields must be managed to control ripeness
What training method was traditionally used to protect vines from the wind?
Bush vines
Why are vines increasingly trained on trellises?
To aid mechanisation
Why is most Gamay picked by hand?
Whole bunches are required for the most common form of winemaking (semi-carbonic maceration)
Why is the majority of Beaujolais produced using semi carbonic maceration?
To enhance fruitiness and depth of colour in order to make wines suitable for early consumption
What aromas are characteristic of semi carbonic maceration?
Kirsch, banana, blueberry
Why is press run wine blended with free run wine?
To enhance colour and tannin
How long will very good quality Beaujolais Villages wine be macerated for and why?
6-9 days
In order to create wines of greater concentration
Which two winemaking methods can be used for Beaujolais Crus?
- Semi carbonic maceration with extended maceration time (10-20 days)
- Like other red wines - destemming, crushing, fermentation and maceration on the skins (often referred to as Burgundian in style)
Which wine movement has Beaujolais become a centre for?
Low intervention/natural winemaking
On what date can Beaujolais Nouveau be sold?
Third Thursday in November
Why is moderate to high use of SO2 common in Beaujolais Nouveau?
To ensure that MLF does not spontaneously occur in the bottle
What is the maximum yield in Beaujolais AOC?
60 hl/ha
Why is Beaujolais Villages AOC considered better quality than Beaujolais AOC?
Situated in the northern part of the region where grapes achieve greater ripeness
How many Beaujolais Crus are there in the northern part of the region?
10
Which is the most southerly of the Beaujolais Crus?
Brouilly
What is the style of wine produced in Fleurie AOC and why?
Sandy soils produce lighter, more fragrant wines
What style of wine is produced in Moulin a Vent AOC?
Most powerful and long lived of the Beaujolais Crus. Closer in style to Cote D’Or reds than anywhere else in Beaujolais
Why has Beaujolais attracted attention from Burgundy growers?
Land prices are cheaper for producers looking to expand and diversify
What is the size of an average vineyard holding in Beaujolais?
10 hectares
Which negociant created new markets through the promotion of Beaujolais Nouveau?
Georges DuBoeuf
What is the percentage split between domestic sales and exports?
60% domestic
40% export
What are the three largest export markets for Beaujolais ?
Japan
USA
UK
Combined account for 60% of total exports
Why have Burgundy drinkers increasingly turned their attention to Beaujolais?
Beaujolais Cru wines represent much lower priced alternatives in a similar style
What percentage of Beaujolais is made as Nouveau?
25% (approx)
