Beaujolais Flashcards
When did Beaujolais become separate from Bourgogne?
After the French Revolution. It is split between the departments of Saône et Loire and the Rhône. These are each in separate Regions of France.
How is Beaujolais wine promoted?
The inter-professional organisation, Inter Beaujolais, which operates independently of Bourgogne’s BIVB.
Where do the wines of Beaujolais and Bourgogne overlap? How is this changing?
Bourgogne AOC regional wines can incorporate grapes from certain communes in Beaujolais.
From 2035 Beaujolais Aligoté fruit will no longer be used in Bourgogne Aligoté.
What new winemaking method was introduced in Beaujolais in the 1950’s? By whom? What was his philosophy?
Carbonic and Semi-carbonic maceration. A winemaker and research chemist named Jules Chauvet was experimenting with carbonic maceration to enhance the aromas of wine which he believed should be as easy to identify as colour.
What else is Jules Chavet known for?
He is regarded as one of the best tasters in living memory and developed the INAO/ISO tasting glass. He is also considered to be the father of the natural wine movement.
What effect does carbonic maceration have on wine?
It enhances and creates fresh and highly aromatic wines.
Which French president is believed to have consumed the Beaujolais made by carbonic maceration each day?
General Charles De Gaulle.
When did Beajolais Nouveau, made by carbonic maceration, first appear commercially? When did it go into decline?
It was first commercialised in 1951 and reached it’s pinnacle in 1999.
On which date is Beaujolais Nouveau released? What was the original date?
It is officially released at 12:01 on the third Thursday in November. It was originally set as 15th November which was changed in 1985.
What has the decline of Nouveau’s popularity allowed the region to do?
It is exploring the potential of Gamay, rosé and the vineyards:
1. Since 2003, amassing 1000 Gamay clones;
2. 2009-2016, extensive soil assessment, revealing 300 soil types. Prompted terroir driven cuvées;
3. Introducing conventional fermentation;
4. Increasing rosé production using direct press and saignée methods.
How have the Romans influenced Beaujolais?
They first cultivated vines here from the Rhone to the Saône River Valley. Mont Brouilly is named after the Roman army lieutenant Brullius. The cru Juliénas is named after Julius Caesar.
Who maintained the viticulture after the Western Roman Empire decline?
The Benedictine monks kept it alive during the turbulent middle-ages. In the 10th century the region was ruled by the Lords of Beaujeu, a town from which the region took it’s name.
How did the Lyonnais stimulate the wine industry in Beaujolais?
Non-local products such as wine from the Rhone and Bourgogne were taxed heavily. The population of Lyon opted for the wine made in their region and this increased demand and production.
What is an alternative French term for “Nouveau” wine?
“Primeur”.
It is a tradition in Beaujolais to celebrate the end of harvest by drinking the Beaujolais as it is first vinified ie “vin primeur”.
Which was one of Beaujolais Nouveau’s top markets in the 1950’s?
Paris. After the expansion of the railroad in the 19th century Beaujolais expanded sales and distribution. The Parisians became enamoured with the Nouveau and created the fashionable trend.
Why is Gamay well-suited to the first release?
It has a low level of tannin and inherent soft fruitiness.
What is the UIVB and what is their role?
Union Interprofessionnelle des Vins de Beaujolais.
It set the official date for release of Beaujolais Nouveau. It is also the oversight body for the region.
Why was the release date for Nouveau changed in 1985?
It was a marketing move. They touted the wine’s superb match with turkey and ham. The new date coincides with Thanksgiving holiday in the USA.
Where is Beaujolais located?
It is in eastern France. Bordered by the Maconnais in the north, Lyon in the south, the Monts de Beaujolais mountains in the west and the Saône river to the east. It is 34ml/55km long and 7-9ml/11-14 km wide.
What is the climate of Beaujolais? Describe it.
It is regarded as semi-continental. It has high continentality between summer and winter. Summers are warm and dry, whereas winter is cold with some snow. Rainfall is average at 29in/740mm p.a.
What are the three climatic influences in Beaujolais?
- The Monts du Beaujolais provide a rain shadow and shelter the vines from cold westerly winds;
- The Saône River regulates temperature extremes;
- The relative proximity of the Mediterranean provides some warmth.
What are the climatic hazards in Beaujolais? What effect do they have on the grapes and how is it mitigated in the vineyard?
Spring frosts can damage vines and autumn rain can lead to dilution of the harvest. Gamay is also susceptible to gray rot. Canopy management is key to mitigate humidity build up.
What are the soils of northern Beaujolais? What names are given to some of them?
Granite and schist from uplift of the Massif Central circa 33mya. This is interspersed with sandy soils of weathered feldspars, micas, quartz and other minerals - known as ARÉNE or GORRHE.
What are the soils of southern Beaujolais?
Sedimentary soils. They are made of clayey-limestone.
What are Pierres Dorées? What gives them their colour?
“Golden Stones”. Broken yellow limestone. They are found among alluvial deposits in the plains of the Saone River.
The colour comes from iron oxide.
Where are the best vineyard sites located? Why is this?
They are located on the steep granite outcroppings on the Monts du Beaujolais in the NW of the region. This is where most of the grapes for the crus are grown. These slopes have a SE aspect maximising sunlight exposure and hastens ripening.
Which grapes are usually harvested first? North or South Beaujolais?
Northern vineyards as they ripen first due to better aspect.
What are the elevation of vineyards on the slopes?
650-1300 ft/195-395mtrs asl. Average is 1000ft/300mtrs asl.
Where are the Beaujolais village grapes found?
In the northern area, on the gentler slopes south and east of the granite peaks.
Where is Beaujolais AOC mainly found?
On the rolling plains to the south. However the vineyards stop before they reach the Saône river as the land here is too fertile.
What are the primary and secondary white grapes of Beaujolais?
(P) Chardonnay
(S) Aligoté and Melon de Bourgogne
What are the primary and secondary Rosé/Gris grapes of Beaujolais?
(S) Pinot Gris
What are the primary and secondary red grapes of Beaujolais?
(P) Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc
(S) Pinot Noir
What is the % planting of the main grapes in Beaujolais?
Gamay -98%;
Chardonnay -2%
Which training methods are permitted in Beaujolais?
Gobelet was mandatory for red Beaujolais Village and Beaujolais Cru AOCs. BUT cordon and éventail are now permitted.
NOTE: They are all spur pruning methods.
Guyot is only permitted for Beaujolais AOC red and white and Beaujolais Village white.
Why is Guyot not permitted for the Beaujolais Cru and Village reds?
It has a large number of fruit buds and generates higher yields.
How is Beaujolais Nouveau harvested?
Only by hand. Machine not permitted.
