Beaujolais Flashcards
What wines are produced in Beaujolais
White, Rosé and Red wines
What is Beaujolais mostly famous for?
Gamay-based red wines
What are the latitude & climate in Beaujolais?
46°N
Moderate Continental (similar to Mâcon to the north)
What are some characteristics of the Gamay grape in the vineyard?
Early budding and ripening
If NOT CONTROLLED, tends to produce high-yields of low quality wines
Traditionally trained in GOBELET
Recently more wire-training to allow machine harvest.
What are some characteristics of Gamay-based wines from Beaujolais?
Fragrant wines with aromas of raspberry and cherry
Dry with rarely more than Medium levels of tannin and body. The lightest styles are served lightly chilled.
Describe the hierarchy of AOC in Beaujolais
Top Tier: The Beaujolais 10 Crus AOC
Middle Tier: The Beaujolais Villages AOC
Bottom Tier: Beaujolais AOC
Which of AOC can be sold as Beaujolais Nouveau?
Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais only (not the 10 crus)
When can Beaujolais Nouveau be commercialized?
From the 3rd Thursday of November to the 31 of August after harvest.
What are the characteristics of Beaujolais Nouveau Wines?
Light in body and tannin
Red berry fruit with kirsch, banana, cinnamon-like spices from CARBONIC MACERATION
Intended for immediate consumption.
Why are the Beaujolais Crus concentrated on the northwest of the Appellation?
Because the soils are granitic and less fertile, there.
This holds back the vine from over producing
As a result, smaller yields of concentrated grapes produce more structured wines suitable for ageing.
What techniques can be applied in the making of Beaujolais Crus?
-Crushed fruit fermentation/ semi-carbonic fermentations and a small proportion of whole bunch.
-Possible maturation in large oak vats
Name 2 crus of Beaujolais that are typically more “structured” and able to improve in the bottle?
Moulin-à-Vent
Morgon
Name 2 crus of Beaujolais that are typically lighter and more perfumed in style?
Fleurie
Brouilly
