Beaujolais

Question 1

Beaujolais Nouveau is made using which vinification technique?

Answer 1

Semi-carbonic maceration

Question 2

What French term is synonymous with “nouvea”?

Answer 2

Primeur

Question 3

What is the official Beaujolais Nouveau release date each year?

Answer 3

The third Thursday in November

Question 4

In Beaujolais, what are weathered feldspars, micas, quartz, and other minerals known as?

Answer 4

Arene or gorrhe

Question 5

What is the primary white grape of Beaujolais?

Answer 5

Chardonnay

Question 6

How many Beaujolais Crus are there?

Answer 6

10

Question 7

Why is the Guyot training method not permitted for Beaujolais Crus?

Answer 7

Guyot leaves a high number of fruiting buds and generates higher yields

Question 8

What style of wine can be made in Beaujolais Crus?

Answer 8

Red wine only

Question 9

Can grapes for Beaujolais Cru wines be machine harvested?

Answer 9

No. Hand harvesting only.

Question 10

What are the Pierres Dorees?

Answer 10

“Golden stones” of broken yellow limestone.

Their distinctive color comes from iron-oxide.

Question 11

Is Beaujolais white wine typically oaked?

Answer 11

No

Question 12

Which Beaujolais Cru produces the most full-bodied and tannic wines?

Answer 12

Moulin-a-Vent

Question 13

Which Beaujolais Cru has the highest elevation and coolest climate?

Answer 13

Chiroubles

Question 14

Describe the Beaujolais AOC.

Answer 14

99% of wine is red
Generally 100% Gamay, but can contain up to 15% Aligote, Chardonnay, or Melon if incorporated as a field blend

Includes wines labeled “Beaujolais Superieur” and Beaujolais + village name

Question 15

Describe the Beaujolais Villages AOC.

Answer 15

Red and rose wine follow the same field blend rules as for Beaujolais AOC

Beaujolais Villages AOC wine has less grapiness and deeper berry fruit with minerality, due to the presence of granite

White Beaujolais Village AOC wines are 100% Chardonnay

Question 16

Describe the wine styles of the Beaujolais Cru AOCs.

Answer 16

Generally 100% Gamay, but can contain up to 15% Aligote, Chardonnay, or Melon if incorporated as a field blend

Cru wines must be harvest by hand

Only red wine is produced

Question 17

Which Beaujolais Crus produce a soft and light style of wine?

Answer 17

Saint-Amour
Fleurie
Chiroubles

*Fleurie is considered the most elegant and refined of all the crus and called the “Queen of Beaujolais”

Question 18

Which Beaujolais Crus produce a more medium-bodied style of wine?

Answer 18

Julienas
Regnie
Cote-de-Brouilly
Brouilly

*Cote-de-Brouilly wines often have a spicy, peppery quality due to volcanic soils

Question 19

Which Beaujolais Crus produce a powerful and generous style of wine?

Answer 19

Chenas
Moulin-a-Vent
Morgon

*Chenas wines often have hints of wood in their flavor, even if none was used in winemaking
*Moulin-a-Vent is considered the “King of Beaujolais” due to Pinot Noir/Bourgogne-like style
* Morgon wines often have an earthy, forest floor aroma