Beaujolais Flashcards
What is the latitude of Beaujolais?
46ºN
What is the range of Growing Degree Days in Beaujolais?
1500-2000
What is the average annual rainfall in Beaujolais?
700mm pa
What climate type does Beaujolais have?
Continental climate, a little warmer than Burgundy
How does the Saone river affect Beaujolais?
Moderates temperatures
What is the Mistral and how does it affect Beaujolais?
A wind that can affect flowering and lead to millerandage in cold, damp early summer; can damage leaves and grapes near the end of ripening
What are important tools to offset the effects of Mistral in Beaujolais?
Vine orientation and low training
What is the elevation range of the northern part of Beaujolais?
200-500 masl
What types of soils are found in the hillier northern part of Beaujolais?
Fast draining granite, schist, and sandy soils
What is the significance of Beaujolais Village?
It uses a Burgundian planting orientation for maximum exposure and has earlier harvests
What is the primary grape variety grown in Beaujolais?
Gamay Noir
What are the characteristics of Gamay Noir?
Early budding, susceptible to spring frost, vulnerable to damp conditions, early ripening
How can the yields of Gamay be controlled?
By removing buds
What is the traditional training method for Gamay?
Bush training
Where is Chardonnay primarily found in Beaujolais?
In northern Beaujolais, close to Macon Villages
What type of soils does Chardonnay prefer in Beaujolais?
Cooler marl or limestone soils
What is the primary winemaking technique used in Beaujolais?
Semi-carbonic maceration
What is Chaptalisation?
A common practice in Beaujolais winemaking to enhance alcohol content
What is the typical skin contact time for Beaujolais wines?
4-5 days
What is Beaujolais Nouveau?
A style of wine that can be released on the third Thursday of November
What is the maximum yield for Beaujolais AOC?
60 hl/ha
What distinguishes Beaujolais Village from Beaujolais AOC?
Higher quality due to better ripeness in the northern half
What are the typical flavor characteristics of Beaujolais wines?
Fresh red cherry, raspberry, red plum
How many Beaujolais Crus are there?
10
Which Beaujolais Crus are significantly larger than the others?
Brouilly and Morgon
What are the soil types of Moulin à Vent?
Granite and volcanic soils
Which Beaujolais Cru is known for its high altitude?
Chiroubles
What is unique about Morgon in Beaujolais?
Includes the famous Cote de Py vineyard
What is the average estate size in Beaujolais?
8 hectares
What percentage of Beaujolais sales are made by cooperatives?
Around 25%
What impact did Beaujolais Nouveau have on the region?
Increased visibility but also led to low-quality wine production
What are the top four export markets for Beaujolais?
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Japan
Who is an important producer known for promoting Beaujolais Nouveau?
George Debouf
What percentage of all Beaujolais sold is Nouveau?
About a quarter
True or False: Beaujolais and Cru Beaujolais have gained a following, especially in the USA.
True
