Beaujolais Flashcards
What is the climate like in Beaujolais ?
Like the southern Mâconnais and ideally suited to the early budding and ripening Gamay.
Where is the best Gamay grown in Beaujolais ?
Gamay is a high yielding variety and therefore the best grapes are produced from grapes grown in the granite soils with low levels of nutrients. Thus the yield is limited and the flavours in the grapes more concentrated.
What is the typical pruning method in Beaujolais ?
Gobelet: The vines are pruned to spurs around the head and then the shoots are tied together to hold them vertically. Not suited for mechanisation.
Describe a typical wine made from Gamay
Fragrant with aromas of raspberry and cherry fruit
Medium levels of tannin and body at the most
The lightest styles can be served lightly chilled.
How is the hierarchy of Beaujolais appellation ?
Regional appellations
Beaujolais villages
individual appellations of Beaujolais crus
What surrounds Beaujolais to the south and east ?
The alluvial plain of the River Saône
When can Beaujolais Noveau be sold ?
Between the third Thursday of November after the vintage (release to the consumer) and the following 31st august (deadline for sale by growers or négociants).
Can a wine labelled Beaujolais Noveau be of cru quality ?
No, only of Beaujolais or Beaujolais Villages.
Where can the vineyards in Beaujolais be found ?
To the north and west of the region, on the western bank of the River Saône, on a series of rolling hills, on granite soils.
How many villages may call their wines Beaujolais Villages ?
39
How many Beaujolais crus are there ?
10
Of the 10 Beaujolais cru villages, which 4 have the greatest production ?
Brouilly
Morgon
Fleurie
Moulin-à-Vent
Of the 4 cru villages in Beaujolas with the greatest production, which 2 are known for producing wines suitable for bottle-ageing ?
Morgon and Moulin-à-Vent.
The fruit concentration and level of tannins mean that these wines can improve with bottle-ageing.
