Bourgogne Flashcards
What has happened recently to Burgundy’s name?
The Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB) initiated a major platform shift transitioning all reference of region to French name
How many AOCs are in Bourgogne?
100 of 500 in France
How big is Bourgogne and where is it located?
Bourgogne represents 140 miles stretch from Chablis to Maconnaise (6% of French wine production, 20% of French AOCs)
What was Bourgogne’s importance historically? How did this impact the wine production there?
Major trade crossroads between northern Celtics tribes and the Roman empire. Vines arrived by trading Celts or visiting Romans- viticulture did not expand much at the time due to small population
When was the Kingdom of Burgundia founded
In 450AD after years of invasions as Roman ties weakened, Germanic Burgondes settled in region and founded kingdom of Burgundia, later absorbed into Frankish kingdom
How did religion impact the history of wine in Burgundy?
Instability of Dark Ages led to increased religiousity, churches needed wine for mass and vineyards expanded- most of famous vineyards in modern-day Bourgogne delineated/named during that time
How did the Dukes of Bourgogne impact Burgundian wine history?
Four dukes of Bourgogne served as strong advocates and ambassadors for Burgundian wine and had long lasting effect on establishing quality reputation for wine region, put Bourgogne wines on the tables of popes, French kings, and nobility
When was Gamay outlawed in Bourgogne and by who?
Philippe the Bold outlawed Gamay within the Cote d’Or in 14th century because Gamay was grape for the common folk, Pinot Noir served to nobility
How did Burgundian wines relate to those of the rest of France by the 17th century? What happened after that?
They were 10 times more expensive, so only rich could afford, then rich began buying houses along Loire and drank Loire wine to the detriment of Bourgogne.
What happened to Burgundian wineries during the French Revolution?
Church lands confiscated and redistributed to farmers who worked those lands, few monopoles (vineyards owned by one person) survived; Napoleon mandated inherited property be equally divided between siblings- began long history of fractionalization of Bourgogne vineyards
How did phylloxera impact Bourgogne?
Reduced area under vine significantly, area lost dynamic momentum
What was the village naming convention in Bourgogne started in 1847
Most famous vineyard name appended to name of village, done to help growers who did not have parcel of flagship vineyard
When/where was the first wine auction held and why was it important?
At Hospices de Beaune in 1859- precedent setting step forward in wine tourism and wine charity events
Where/when was the first vineyard classification system carried out and why is it important?
Carried out by Agricultural Committee of Beaune in 1861, set stage for hierarchical quality pyramid we know today
How were Burgundian vineyards replanted after phylloxera?
Set into orderly rows and most employed Guyot training system (previously vineyards had been haphazardly planted en foule)
When were Bourgogne’s boundaries legally defined?
1930
When did the AOC legislation give form and structure to Bourgogne’s named parcels or climats?
1936
What happened to the proportion of red wine vs. white wine planted in Bourgogne over time?
In 1986 60% of production was red, today 66% of production is white- due to skyrocketing demand for white wine in 1980s
Where is Bourgogne located?
In the eastern section of France, two hours from Paris and one hour from Lyon
How big is Bourgogne and where does it rank in AOCs?
It is 1/5th the size of Bordeaux, has more AOCs than any other French region
What is the climate of Bourgogne?
The narrow strip of vineyard lays deep within France and is surrounded by land, has semi-continental climate due to oceanic influences at north and south extremities (Atlantic north, Mediterranean south), Saone flanks Burgundy but is 12 miles away so doesn’t impact climate- 140 miles north to south so significant temperature and climate variations
What are the primary grapes of Bourgogne?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What are the ancillary grapes of Bourgogne?
Aligote (w), Sacy (w), Pinot Blanc (w), Pinot Gris (w), Sauvignon Blanc (w), Cesar (r) and Gamay (r)
Are most Bourgogne wines varietal or blends? How much of the variety is required in varietal wines?
Most are varietals, Bourgogne Blanc must be only Chardonnay (but rogue vines can still pop up in vineyard), Bourgogne Gamay and Bourgogne Pinot Noir only require 85% of grape listed, Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc and Rouge and Bourgogne Rouge can be blend
What are Burgundian expressions of red and white wines
Pure unadulterated expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; red Burgundies have very polished tannins and display more spice/early elements than fruit forward new world PNs
What is Passe-Tout-Grains AOC
Mostly Gamay, must be 1/3 Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Liebault. May contain up to 15% Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, or Chardonnay (red or rose)
Cremant de Bourgogne AOC
Sparkling wine made of Sacy, Aligote, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Girs, Melon, Pinot Noir, Cesar, and Gamay
What is the geology of Bourgogne?
Sits amid Paris basin, pile of elliptical plates that stack from youngest to oldest, bottom plate is granite massif that surfaces in Beaujolais, each plate is different geological epoch and shellfish limestone/marl, all sedimentary- oldest in Maconnais, youngest in Chablis
What contributes to the patchwork of soils in Bourgogne?
Cote d’Or is uplift of graben, colluvial soils formed from rain-driven slope wash, 8 fault lines run through Cote d’Or causing shuffling
Where are most the vineyards of Bourgogne planted? How does this location impact quality status?
Most planted on slopes.
- Top of slope has thinnest topsoil and receives least rain and rain doesn’t have time to absorb, not idea, generally Premier Cru
- Mid slope has moderate topsoil and adequate amount of water, absorbs rain water from above, ideal amount of rain, generally Grand Cru
- bottom of slope has deepest soils, receives most rain, energy directed to shoot growth, wine cna be less pigmented/flavorful, plains grow grapes with least distinction
What is the most desired slope direction?
The aspect (direction) of the slope contributes to potential quality- most desired is east facing to catch morning sun, dries morning dew and warms the soil
What type of soil does Pinot Noir prefer?
Limestone soils or marls with high limestone content
How do different types of soil impact Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir + Limestone: lightly pigmented, elegant, highly aromatic
Pinot Noir + Marl: Less elegant, more structure and fruit
Pinot Noir + Clay: Less aromatic, less complex, lots of body, 5-7 years in bottle to evolve and express themselves
What type of soil does Chardonnay prefer?
Marly
How do different types of soil impact Chardonnay
Chardonnay + Marl: Powerfully dense, tremendous concentration of flavor, age-worthy
Chardonnay + Clay: Structure and depth, round, earthy
Chardonnay + Limestone: High acid, aromas of citrus and mineral
How does the law ensure that wines are reflective of their terroir?
All AOC wines undergo annual chemical analysis and blind taste testing to verify typicity before recieving certification
How does Bourgogne wine rank in quality pyramid? What other quality metrics does Bourgogne use?
All Bourgogne wine is AOC. Bourgogne wine pyramid has Regional AOCs (52% - 23 AOCs), Village AOCs (36%), Premier Cru AOCs (10%) and Grand Cru AOCs (2%)
How does Bourgogne classify wine into tiers
Classify the vineyards themselves
What word is generally incorporated into regional wines? What are the exceptions?
“Bourgogne,” Macon and Macon-Villages are exceptions, regional wine can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Bourgogne or in specific region
What is the most general of Bourgogne’s AOCs?
Coteaux Bourguignons
What is the new not yet authorized new regional AOC?
Bourgogne Cote d’Or, from Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune, only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What are village wines?
Village wines are made from grapes grown within a specific zone of production surrounding a specific village within Bourgogne, there are 44 Villages representing 36% of total production
What is a premier cru?
A single vineyard or climat with reputation for producing high quality wine, name of vineyard appears on label along with village name and word Premier Cru or 1er Cru
What does it mean if label has “Premier Cru” on label but not name of vineyard
The wine is a blend of more than one premier cru vineyard
How many premier crus are there in Bourgogne?
635 Premier Crus, 10% of production- Incorporated into village AOC category as separate climat NOT as separate and individual AOCs
What is a grand cru?
Single vineyard with a reputation for producing truly exceptional wine, name of vineyard appears on label along with word ‘Grand Cru’- 33 grand curs, 2% of production, don’t include village/region name except Chablis
What are the Five Wine Regions of Bourgogne?
- Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and the Chatillonnais
- The Cote de Nuits
- The Cote de Beaune
- The Cote Chalonnaise
- The Maconnais
What are the characteristics of wine from Chablis, Grand Auxerrois, and the Chatillonais?
Reds and whites, lean and possess racy acidity, pronounced minerality and flintiness (nervousness, kinetic electric energy)
What is the location of Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and the Chatillonais?
Chablis is located on slopes of Serein River Valley, Grand Auxerrois located around towns of Auxerre, Tonnerre, Vezelay, adn Joigny; vineyards of Chatillonais east of Chablis
What is the climate of Chablis?
Continental, influenced by the Atlantic, landscape is flat and winds sweep inland along plains- bring cloud cover which lowers temperatures and slows ripening, results in high acidity and reserved aromatic profile; maritime influence affects weather in spring and fall- frost, shorten length of growing season (spring kills shoots and lowers yeilds, fall causes leaf fall)
What are the grape varieties of Chablis, Grand Auxerrois, and the Chatillonnais?
Chardonnay (Beaunois): Chablis, Chatillonnais, appellations of Grand Auxerrois
Sauvignon Blanc: St. Bris AOC
Sacy: Chatillonnais
Aligote: Chatillonnais
Pinot Noir: Chatillonnais, AOCs of Grand Auxerrois
Cesar: Irancy AOC
Gamay: Chatillonais
What are the unique attributes of the soils of premier and grand crus in Chablis?
Premier and Grand Cru situated on Kimmeridgean Marl- special limestone rich clay from 160 million years ago, conveys strength and racy acidity
What is the soil of Petit Chablis and Chablis AOC?
Portlandian Marl, not quite as old as Kimmeridgean, high acid whites and more broad, less chiseled flavors
What are the soils of Chatillonnais and Grand Auxerrois?
Mostly Portlandian Marl
What percentage of white and red wine does Chablis make?
100% white
What percentage of red and white wine does Grand Auxerrois make?
67% white, 33% red
What percentage of red and white wine does Chatillonnais make?
95% white, 5% red
How are the AOCs and quality levels of Chablis divided?
Chablis produces wine under three AOCs in four different categories- Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Chablis, Petit Chablis
What are the AOCs of Chablis?
-Chablis Grand Cru AOC: 7 climats on one southwest-facing slope, share single hillside so considered one Grand Cru, Kimmeridgean marl soil
What are the 7 Climats of Chablis Grand Cru AOC
- Bougros (easy to approach Chablis, well balanced fruit and mierality)
- Les Clos (lean wines, need bottle aging)
- Grenouilles (complex, multi-faceted Chablis)
- Blanchot (powerful, rich Chablis)
- Les Preuses (age-worthy wines, intense minerality)
- Vaudesir (powerful, rich Chablis with ripe fruit)
Where are Chablis AOC and Petit Chablis AOC vineyards located?
Some Chablis vineyards located on slopes, some on plains, all cluster around village of Chablis; most Petit Chablis is on plains
How many Chablis Premier Crus are there and where are they located in what soil?
89 climats are spread on slopes on both banks of Serein River, soil is Kimmeridgean
What are the principle AOCs of Grand Auxerrois?
-Bourgogne Cote Saint-Jacques AOC (most Northerly) - red, white, rose, vin gris
-Bourgogne Chitry AOC: red, white
-Bourgogne Cote d’Auxerre AOC: red, white, rose
-Bourgogne Coulanges-la-Vineuse: red, white
-Saint-Bris AOC: white, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris (only appelation planted to these two grapes)
-Irancy AOC: Signature red is crafted from Pinot Noir, optional blend up to 10% Cesar
-Bourgogne Epineuil AOC: red
-Bourgogne Tonnerre AOC: white
Bourgogne Vezelay AOC: white
What is the principle AOC of Chatillonnais?
Only regional bottlings are produced in the Chatillonnais, niche for producing regional Cremant de Bourgogne out of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnary, and Aligote
What are the characteristics of wines from the Cote de Nuits?
Reds are firmly structured with dark berry fruits and earth and spice (Chambolle-Musigny exception, delicately perfumed and gossamer on palate); whites are elegant and finely structured with delicate apple fruit
What is the specific location of Cote de Nuits?
Extend 12 miles between Dijon and Corgoloin, referred to as “Champs-Elysees de la Bourgogne”, Cote de Nuits is an escarpment whose altitude averages 1000 ft, most vineyards face east
How many villages are included in the Hautes Cotes de Nuits?
12 villages above and behind the escarpment
What are the characteristics of the wine from the Hautes Cotes de Nuits villages?
Robust and firm with significant tannic acid structure, requiring time in the bottle to mature and mellow
Which two areas comprise the Cote d’Or?
Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune
What does Cote d’Or mean?
Golden slope, also could be contraction Cote d’Orient (east facing hillside)
What is the climate of the Cote de Nuits?
Purely continental climate, considerable seasonal and diurnal temperature variation- summers hot, winters cold, vines experience true dormancy, diurnal swing preserve acidity
Significant rain in May, June, and October, hail storms common, growing season short (every non-sunny day impacts nature of harvest), vintage year translates into meaningful information on the label
What are the grape varieties of the Cote de Nuits?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligote, and Pinot Gris (known as Pinot Beurot)
What are the unique attributes of the Soils in Cote de Nuits?
Soils are limestone and limestone rich marl, soils of Cote de Nuits are much better suited to Pinot Noir
What percent of wine produced in the Cote de Nuits is red?
89%
How many Grand Crus are in the Cote de Nuits?
24 Grand Crus, only one is white (Musigny)
What are the principle villages of Cote de Nuits from North to South?
- Marsannay: (no Premier Cru, no Grand Cru) known for delicate and fruity rose
- Fixin: (6 Premier Cru, No Grand Cru) Well structured, robust, earthy reds with firm tannins, perfect for cellaring
- Gevrey-Chambertin: (26 Premier Crus, 9 Grand Crus) best known for Grand Crus
- Morey-Saint-Denis: (20 Premier Crus, 5 Grand Crus) Combines power of northern neighbor Gevrey and delicate profile of southern neighbor Chambolle, located at halfway point of Cote de Nuits
- Chambolle-Musigny: (24 Premier Crus, 2 Grand Crus) Reds and whites have delicate and lacy character
- Vougeot: (4 Premier Crus, One Grand Cru) almost exclusively red wine, 3/4 in single Grand Cru, Clos de Vougeot; develop complex aromas of berry and forest undergrowth (rests at bottom of slope)
- Vosne-Romanee (14 Premier Cru, 8 Grand Cru) Eight of most prestigeous Grand Crus crafted here, velvet texture and melange of berry fruit, violet perfume, and freshly shoveled earth
- Nuits-Saint-George: (41 Premier Cru, no Grand Cru) Premier Cru is 45% of production, wines are meaty, spicy, earthy, and deep
What are the Grand Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin?
Chambertin, Chambertin Clos de Beze, Chapelle-Chambertin, Charmes-Chambertin, Mazoyeres-Chambertin, Griotte-Chambertin, Latricieres-Chambertin, Mazis-Chambertin, and Ruchottes-Chambertin
What are the Grand Crus of Morey-Saint-Denis?
Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis, Clos des Lambrays, Clos de Tart, Bonnes Mares
What are the Grand Crus of Chambolle-Musigny?
Bonnes Mares and Musigny
What are the Grand Crus of Vosne-Romanee?
La Romanee, Romanee-Conti, Romanee Saint-Vivant, Richebourg, La Tache, Echezeaux, Grands Echezeaux and La Grand Rue
Which five villages make up the appellation of Cote de Nuits-Villages? How are the wines?
Fixin, Brochon, Premeaux, Comblanchien and Corgoloin (north to south), mostly red- can be firmly structured with chalky tannins and bracing acidity (north) or soft on palate with rich spice and earth (south)
What are the characteristics of the wines in the Cote de Beaune?
Whites are powerful, reds are elegant and full of finesse (more depth/concentration from Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Aloxe,-Corton)
What is the specific location of the Cote de Beaune?
Lies south of Cote de Nuits and north of Cote Chalonnaise, narrow stretch of vineyard, escarpment with average altitude of 1000ft, most vineyards face east, above escarpment at 1200ft are Hautes-Cotes de beaune appellation
What are Hautes-Cote de Beaune wines characterized by?
Both reds and whites- firm tannins and firm acidity, need time in bottle to mellow and mature
What is the climate of the Cote de Beaune?
Continental
What are the grape varieties of the Cote de Beaune?
Chardonnay, Aligote, Pinot Gris (known as Pinot Beurot), Pinot Noir
What are the unique attributes of the soils of the Cote de Beaune?
Slightly younger than soils of the Cote de Nuits, Limestone and Limestone rich marls- crafts red and whites of minerality and acidity
What percent of wine produced in the Cote de Beaune is red and white?
57% red, 43% white
What is the one red Grand Cru of the Cote de Beaune?
Corton (both red and white)
What are the principle villages of cote de beaune from north to south?
Ladoix-serrigny: 11 premier crus, two grand crus
Aloxe-corton: 14 premier crus, 3 grand crus
Pernard-vergelesses: 8 premier crus, 2 grand crus
Chorey-les-beaune: no premier cru, no grand cru
Savigny-des-beaune: 22 premier crus, no grand cru
Beaune: 42 premier crus, no grand crus
Pommard: 28 premier crus, no grand crus
Volnay: 29 premier crus, no grand cru
Monthelie: 15 premier crus, no grand crus
Auxey-Duresses: 9 premier crus, no grand crus
Meursault: 18 premier crus, no grand crus
Saint-Romain: no premier crus, no grand crus
Puligny-montrachet: 17 premier cru, 4 grand cru
Chassagne-Montrachet: 19 premier cru, 3 grand cru
Saint-aubin: 16 premier cru, no grand cru
Santenay: 11 premier crus, no grand crus
Maranges: 7 premier cru, no grand cru
How much if Ladoix-Serrigny (cote de beaune) is bottled under cote-de-beaune villages? What percent of vineyard area is within grand cru?
Most of production bottled as cote de beaune-villages, 1/4 of vineyard lies within grand cru Corton (shared with Aloxe-Corton and Pernard-Vergelesses), small portion of Corton-charlemagne also within commune (also shared with same villages)
What are the characteristics of White Corton?
Over time yield aromas of golden delicious apple, pear, and hazelnut
What are the characteristics of red Corton?
Possesses power and suppleness, coupled with rich, earthy, Gamey notes; commune level red has tender tannins and soft red berry fruit
What are the characteristics of Corton-charlemagne?
Unique weight and mineral impact, wine almost thick (rivals power of grand crus of Montrachet and Chevalier-Montrachet
How much of Aloxe-Corton is Grand Cru?
Large portion of commune is red Corton and white Corton-Charlemagne, share a single hillside (230 acres/28 climats within Corton), Charlemagne grand cru only in Aloxe-Corton
Where do the vineyards if Pernand-Vergelesses lie?
Southwest slope of Corton hill
What are the characteristics of the whites of Pernand -vergelesses (cote de beaune)?
Flavors of ripe apple and toasted nut, minerality and acidity
What are the characteristics of the reds if Pernand-Vergelesses?
Take at least 5 years of bottle age to mature due to iron rich nature clay-rich marls
What are the grand crus within Pernand-Vergelesses?
Corton and Corton-Charlemagne (shared with Aloxe and Ladoix-Serrigny)
What is the location of Chorey-les-Beaune?
Mostly on flat plain just north of town of beaune
What are the characteristics of the reds of Chorey-les-Beaune?
Reds have delicate tannins, slight acidity- supple and elegant, aromas of raspberry and cherry
What are the characteristics of the reds and whites of Savigny-les-Beaune? What is the majority of production?
Whites have hints of apple and hazelnut; reds supple, silken tannins and soft berry fruit- most of production is red
What is unique about Beaune commune?
It is bourgogne’s wine capital
What is the majority of production in Beaune? What are the characteristics?
Mostly red wines, 2/3 are premier cru; substantial tannins, perfumed- hints of violet, black cherry, black currants, autumn leaves, as they age- notes of truffle, spice, and leather
What does Pommard produce and what are the characteristics?
Produces only red wine, high percentage of clay in soil- reds have intense flavors and aromas, blackberry, blueberry, and plum; astringent in their youth, need several years to mellow and soften, hints if leather and wild animal with age
What does Volnay produce? What are the characteristics of the wine?
Only red wine, 45% Is premier cru- wines have soft, supple mouth feel; aromatic with dark berry fruit; woody, wild animal notes; with age notes of prune and spice
What was Volnay’s reputation historically?
In 1300s it became most famous and sought-after wine from Bourgogne due to commercial network of Knights of Malta (military religious order)
Where are the vineyards of Monthelie and what impact does that have on the wine?
Vineyards are clustered around mouth of a coomb (a cut into hillside made by river), vineyards lie on alluvial deposits of high quality
What are the characteristics of Monthelie reds?
Delicate perfume and soft, silken tannins; light subtle flavors, PN more aroma than flavor (very little white produced)
Where is Auxey-Duresses located?
Located at halfway point of Cote de Beaune between red Volnay and white Meursault
What style of wines does Auxey-Duresses make?
Tight lean wines from Chardonnay and Pinot noir, whites have hints of apple and almonds, reds firm but silken tannins and red berry fruit
What percent of Mersault’s production is white?
96.5%
What percent if mersault is premier cru?
Nearly 1/3
Where is Mersault located?
Center of broad coomb to the south of Auxey-Duresses
What are the characteristics of Mersault wine?
Whites have rich, creamy texture; flavors hint of apple and oatmeal when young; coffee, hazelnuts, cinnamon and honey when aged
What percent of Saint Romain is red vs white?
62% white and 38% red
Where is Saint-Romain located? How does that impact the wines?
High elevation, every 250 ft of altitude the temperature drops one degree- Saint Romain 5 degrees cooler than plains below; reds and whites are lean, crisp, and chiseled
What is the percent of red and white wine in Puligny-Montrachet?
99% + white
What are the Grand Crus of Puligny-Montrachet?
Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Bienvenues-Bacardi Montrachet
What is the style of the whites in Puligny-Montrachet?
Powerful and meaty, hints of marzipan, golden apple, warm butter, toasted almond, and honey
What are the three grand crus of Chassagne-Montrachet?
Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet, and Criots-Batard-Montrachet
What is the style of the whites of Chassagne-Montrachet?
Powerful and meaty with hints of apple, honey, and toasted nuts
What is the style of the reds of Chassagne-Montrachet?
Reds are redolent/fragrant, aromas of Kirsch, black currant, and underbrush; notes of leather and fur with age
What is the percent of reds and whites in Saint-Aubin? What are they known for?
White is 61%, red is 39%; noted for its whites
What is the style of the red and white wines if Saint-Aubin?
Whites possess a bracing acidity, pronounced minerality; reds have delicate tannins and raspberry-cherry aromas
What is most of Satenay sold as?
Its premier cru red
What are the characteristics of Santenay reds?
Kirsch, black currant, underbrush, leather and for with age- same flavors as red Chassagne but more delicate tannins structure
Where is Maranges located?
Southernmost appellation in Cotes de Beaune
What is the style of reds in Maranges?
Same flavors as red Chassagne (kirsch, black currant, underbrush, leather and fur with age) but more delicate tannin structure
All villages have option of labeling wines as Cote de Beaune Villages except which ones?
Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Pommard, and Volnay
What are the characteristics of Cote de Beaune Villages AOC?
Exclusively red, characterized by firm tannins, firm acidity, and red fruits; need time in bottle to mellow and mature
What are the characteristics of the reds and whites of The Cote Chalonnais?
Reds are firm and full bodied with substantial tannin, whites well balanced, aromas of white flowers and ripe apple fruit
What is the specific location and climate of the cote chalonnaise?
Region lies to south of Cote de Beaune and north of Maconnaise, to the west is the wine region of Couchois, to the east is the Saone River; climate is continental
What are the grapes if the Cote Chalonnaise?
Chardonnay, Aligote (Bouzeron AOC), Pinot Noir, Gamay (in Coteaux Bourguignons and Passé-tout-grains regional AOCs)
What is the soil of the Cote Chalonnaise?
Limestone and marl, some of oldest sedimentary soils in Bourgogne
What is the production of the Cote Chalonnais?
62% red, 38% white (most of red is Pinot noir), offers wide variety- red, white, rose and sparkling
What are the principal villages of the Cote Chalonnaise from north to South?
-Bouzeron: no premier crus
-Rully: 23 premier crus
-Mercurey: 21 premier crus
Givry: 26 Premier Crus
Montagny: 49 premier crus
What is Bouzeron known for?
Perfumed Aligote
What is Rully known for?
Its Cremant de Bourgogne production made in traditional method
What is the style of the reds and whites in Rully?
Whites are soft and generous; reds have subtle tannins, highly aromatic, cherry and blackcurrant
What is the majority of production and style of wines in Mercurey?
Most of production is red; reds have chalky tannins and firm acidity, hints of strawberry, cherry, underbrush; whites are full bodied, hints of toasted bread and dried apples
What is the production and style of wines in Givry?
Most of production is red; reds have firm but polished tannins, intense berry fruit; whites have hints of almond and apple
What is the production of Montagny and what is the style of the wines?
Only white AOC wines; medium bodied, moderate acidity, delicate mineral undertones, notes of hazelnut and fern
What are the whites and reds of the Maconnais known for?
The whites of the Maconnais are known for their fruitiness and distinctive aromas of hawthorn and acacia blossom . The reds and roses are made from gamay and express gamay flavor profile of red fruits and flowers, light reds with silken tannins and refreshing acidity
What is the specific location of the Maconnais?
Bordered by the Cote Chalonnaise to the north, the grosne valley to the west, the Saone valley to the east, Beaujolais to the south. Represents largest vineyard area within Bourgogne
What is the climate of the Maconnaise?
Influenced by the Mediterranean, landscape gently undulating, plenty of sunshine and temps can get quite warm during growing season- riper grapes with more pronounced fruit aromas/flavors; summers warm and dry, winters mild
What are the grape varieties in the Maconnais?
Chardonnay, aligote, Pinot noir (only for Macon AOC), Gamay
What is the soil of the Maconnais?
Limestone and Karl-sedimentary soils are some of oldest in Bourgogne
Granite and schist- only region in Bourgogne where Beaujolais’ soil of granite and schist appear, located in southern portion of the Maconnais
What is the production of Maconnais? How does this differ from historic production?
85% of vineyards planted to Chardonnay on limestone, marls and flinty clay; up until 18th century Maconnais dominated by Gamay (not appropriate for most of its terroirs)
What percent of Maconnais is region level Macon AOC? How is most white wine labeled?
85% is regional level Macon AOC, white wine is labeled as Macon-Villages or Macon + village (26 can append their name to regional level AOC)
How are reds and roses in the Maconnais labeled?
No red or rose Macon Village AOC, reds/roses Macon, Macon Superieur, or Macon plus one of 20 wine producing villages
What is Pouilly-Fuisse’s importance to the Maconnais and where is it located?
Vinous flagship of the Maconnais, lies within topographical bowl rimmed by three bioherms (reeflike composites of starfish limestone)
What are the soils of Pouilly-Fuisse?
Similar to those in Côte d’Or (limestone, limestone rich marls)
What style are the wines of Pouilly-Fuisse and neighboring villages Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loche?
Delicate fruit and floral aromas, solid cote of minerality
When did Saint-Veran become part of Bourgogne?
Once part of Beaujolais and sold as Bourgogne Blanc, incorporated into Maconnais in 1971
What type of wine does Saint-Veran make?
Soft quaffable Chardonnay’s for everyday drinking
What is unique about Vire-clesse?
Newest Maconnais AOC (1999) - located between vire and clesse
What type of wine does vire clesse produce?
Ripe, fruit forward Chardonnay’s, hints of soft golden delicious apple
What is a negociant?
Negociants are companies that purchase grapes or wines from growers who are too small or don’t want to bottle/market own wine
Why are negociants so important in Bourgogne?
Average individual vineyard is 15.2 acres, small so difficult to produce proprietary label, in Bourgogne 15.2 acres are rarely contiguous so many wines could produce many wines but none of viable quantity
What percent of wine in Bourgogne is sold through negociants? What is the quality level of the wine?
52%; negociants possess different levels of talent
How has global warming impacted the wines of burgundy?
Harvest 10 days earlier than it was 20 years ago, grapes now chilled before fermentation begins (helps preserve delicate aromas, inhibits growing and bacteria growth)- warmer temps/warm fruit at harvest now make this necessary; switching from punching cap down to pump over method because riper tannins and greater pigment level are more easily extracted, increased ripeness and maturity means shorter maceration times
What is the winemaking style of Bourgogne?
You may acidify or chapitalize, can’t do both to same wine; most fermentation carried out by wild yeast; most use old oak barrels to not impart wood tannins on final product; wines subtle and nuanced so can’t be masked by oak
When should you drink Bourgogne?
All great Bourgogne needs a few years in bottle to express depth of character
-grand cru needs at least 3-4 years of bottle aging, several more years to reach peak
Chablis Premier Cru- ready to drink in 2-3 years, can age longer
Chablis 1-2 years; Petit Chablis year after harvest
Côte d’Or- 4-8 years before drinking, better vintage/higher pedigree, the longer you should wait
Cote Chalonnaise- reds: 2-3 years bottle age, whites can be consumed young but benefit from 1-2 years in bottle
Maconnais- reds should be consumed young, whites can be consumed young but high quality wines from top producers benefit from 1-2 years in bottle
What impact does a great vintage year have?
Hides subtle differences between different Burgundian climats
