Bourgogne Flashcards
What Côte de Nuits villages have no Grand Crus?
Marsannay, Fixin and Nuits St. Georges
Does Bourgogne produce more red or white wine?
66% of Bourgogne’s production is white
What was Philip the Bold’s contribution to Burgundian winemaking?
He outlawed Gamay in the Côte d’Or
What is a “climat”?
A named parcel of land in Bourgogne
What two grapes are typically blended to produce Passe-tout-Grains?
Pinot Noir and Gamay
What is the only Grand Cru in the Côte de Beaune for red wines?
The Corton Grand Cru makes red and white wine
What area of Bourgogne is known for Kimmeridgean marl soils?
The Grand and Premier Cru vineyards of Chablis
What style of wine is produced in the Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré Clessé AOCs?
Dry whites from Chardonnay
For every 250 foot increase in elevation, the temperature drops by how many degrees?
One
Gamay is a cross between:
Gouais Blanc x Pinot
What is the difference between Crémant de Bourgogne “Eminent” and “Grand Eminent”?
Eminent: The wines age 24 months sur lie. Grand Eminent: The wines age 36 months sur lie, plus 3 months in cellar between disgorgement and release
What is the Côte de Beaune’s southernmost village?
Maranges
What village is home to the La Tâche and Échezeaux Grand Crus?
Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits
What style of wine can be made the Macon-Villages AOC?
Dry whites only
Where do Premier Crus fit in Bourgogne’s quality pyramid?
The Premier Crus are incorporated into the village AOC category as climats.
What is the climate of Bourgogne?
Semi-continental with Atlantic (maritime) influences in the north and Mediterranean influences in the south
What are the five Bourgogne regions from north to south?
Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais
What Côte de Nuits village is known for rosé production?
Marsannay
What type of soil is preferred by Chardonnay?
Marl
What is the primary grape of the Maconnais?
Chardonnay
What is the primary soil type of the Chablis and Petit Chablis AOCs?
Portlandian marl
What Côte de Nuits Grand Cru is located at the bottom of the slope?
Clos de Vougeot
What contribution did John the Fearless make to winemaking in Bourgogne?
He convinced Charles VI to establish a fixed zone of production
For what style of wine is the Châtillonnais best known?
Crémant de Bourgogne. (The Châtillonais borders Champagne’s Côte de Bar.)
What are the seven climats of the Chablis Grand Cru AOC?
Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Blanchot, Les Preuses, Valmur and Vaudésir
What are the four AOCs of Chablis?
Chablis Grand Cru, Chablis Premier Cru, Chablis, Petit Chablis
What portion of Bourgogne’s famed slope is considered the best for growing high-quality grapes?
Mid-slope has the ideal amount of topsoils and receives the ideal amount of rain
What Côte Chalonnaise village is known for Crémant de Bourgogne?
Rully
What are the two primary grapes of Bourgogne?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
What Bourgogne village makes wines from 100% Aligoté?
Bouzeron in Côte Chalonnaise
What village is home to the Clos de Tart and Clos de la Roche Grand Crus?
Morey-Saint-Denis in the Côte de Nuits
What Côte Chalonnaise AOC produces only white wines?
Montagny
What is the primary soil type of the Côte de Nuits?
Limestone and limestone-rich marl
What Grand Cru is shared between Morey-Saint-Denis and Chambolle-Musigny?
Bonnes Mares
What Bourgogne commune was once part of Beaujolais?
Saint-Véran in the Mâconnais
What is “marl”?
A mixture of soft limestone and clay
What is the northernmost commune in the Côte de Nuits?
Marsannay
What is a synonym for Pinot Gris in Bourgogne?
Pinot Beurot
What two Côte de Beaune villages produce only red wine?
Pommard and Volnay
What are the names of the three villages in the Côte de Beaune that share the Corton Grand Cru?
Ladoix Serrigny, Aloxe-Corton, Pernand Vergelesses
What Bourgogne AOC produces wines from Sauvignon Blanc?
The St. Bris AOC in the Grand Auxerrois
What type of soil does Pinot Noir prefer?
Limestone and limestone-rich marl
What is the climate of Chablis?
Continental with Atlantic influences
Bourgogne- Background
- Burgundy in English, only principal wine region translated
- BIVB (Bureau Interprofessional des Vins de Bourgogne) has initiated a shift to French vinacular to stop confusion
- Takes terroir and whittles it down to something infintesimately exacting within the framework of AOC Law
- 500 AOCs in France, 100 are in Burgundy
- Almost every part of Burgundy is ranked or unranked, has a name that is recognised for its uniqueness
- Monks in the Middle Ages studied the uniqueness of every part of the land
- Patchwork if Soils were created in the same upheaval as the Alps
- 45 million years of geological history represented in Soils on and around escapements, combs, colluviums, fault lines and brolerms
What are the five regions of Bourgogne?
- Chablis
- Côte De Nuits
- Côte De Beaune
- Côte Challonaise
- Macconais
Celts and Romans- Burgundy
- Before 52 BC: Eudens, a Celtic tribe lived in the area major trade area between Celts and the Roman Empire. Trade based on four rivers: Saone, Rhone, Loire, Seine. Viti did not expand as a small population= not enough labour or to consume the end product.
- 5th Century AD: Invasions as relations weakened. Barbarians and remained in turmoil until 450 AD when the Germanic Burgondes tribe settled in the area. Founded a kingdom called Burgundia
- This was absolved when Clovis, king of the Franks (another German tribe) settled in Nrthn Gaul. He added it to the realm in 534.
The Monastic Orders- Burgundy
- Violence and instability during the dark ages led to increased religiousity
- Church needed wine for mass (was traditionally white, not red used today).
- May famous v/yards (inc Clos De Beze; 630 AD and a Corton; 775 AD) were delineated and named during this time
- Church was immensely powerful and influential in feudial society and possessed enourmous wealth, primarily in land (powerful currency of the day)
- 909 AD: Benedictine Abbey of Cluney founded. Largest landowner in Bourgogne until the French Rev. Destroyed in 1790. B/ ween 10th and 12th Century Most endowed in all of Europe
- 1098: Cistercians founded the Abbey of Citeaux, between Dijon and Beaune. Monks served as book copyists, illuminators, book binders. The Dukes of Bourgogne are buried here.
- 1114: Cistercian Abbey of Pontigny (near Auxerre). They first planted vines in Chablis. 1922- 1939 was an annual gathering place for intellectuals like TS Elliot and Jean Paul Sartre
The Dukes of Burgundy
- 1363- 1477: They ruled the Duchy of Bourgogne an area reaching into Belgium. A powerful kingdom, much wealth from textiles and exerted lots of influence.
- Four Dukes, although the Duke of Bourgogne title was also assumed by the King of France, Bourgogne remained independent. With the dearth of Charles the Bold, however, Bourgogne was returned to the King of France
- The Dukes placed Burgundian Wines on the tables of nobility and Popes (as they were in Avignon at the time). Vin De Bourgogne= Chablis/ Auxerre, whilst Côte d’Or wines were known as Vin De Beaune
- Phillippe the Bold outlawed Gamay within Côte d’Or. made a grape of the common folk- 14th Century
- Joh the Fearless (by Order of Charles VI) issued an edict of Production (from Sens to Macon- 1416)
- 1443: Hospice de Beaune founded by Nicholas Rolin, under auspices of Phillippe the Good. Charity hospital for the people.
Who were the four Dukes of Burgundy?
Phillippe the Bold (1363- 1404)
John the Fearless (1404- 1419)
Phillippe the Good (1419- 1467)
Charles the Bold (1467- 1477)
The End of the Golden Era- Bourgogne
- 17th Century: Wines 10x expensive. Loire Wines became popular because nobility started to build Chateaux there. Bourgogne reduced in the marketplace.
- 1784: Church lands were confiscated (French Rev.). Given to farmers. Domaines broken up and few monopoles survived.
- 1804: Nepolionic Code mandated inherited land owning. This fractured v/ yard holdings. This never effected Bordeaux (they came up with ways of trying it to the Chateau)
- 1800s: Phylloxera: V/ yards lost, economic activity down, population declined.
The Birth of Modern Bourgogne
- 1847: King Louis- Phillippe, 3rd Empire, granted the village of Gevrey the right to append its name to the v/yard Chambertin. Most Villages followed suit (except for Volnay, Meursault, Pommard)- Ladoix- Serrigny= and exception, as this is two hamlets. Serrigny is not a v/ yard.
- 1859: 1st Wine auction at the Hospice De Beaune. Continues today.
- 1861: 1st v/yard classification system in place. Carried out by Agricultural Committee of Beaune.
- Last part of the 19th Century: 30- 40 yrs of rapid change, in a region that had experienced 300- 400 yrs of tradition. Phyloxera forced the region to replant v/ yards into orderly rows and replant to Guyot trellising (this is where one long cane is used and one spur, this controls production).
- 1930; Bourgogne boundaries were legally defined
- 1936; AOC legislation gave form and structure to Bourgogne’s named parcels or climats.
- 1986; 60% of Bourgogne Production was Red. Today 66% of production is white. This flip was due to huge demand for white wine in the 80s.
Bourgogne on the French Wine Map
- Eastern section of France, two hours from Paris, 1 hour from Lyon
- Lies along the auto route Du Sud (highway to the South)
Climate of Bourgogne
- Semi- continental climate due to Oceanic influences at both its North or South extremities
- Atlantic impacts the north and Mediterranean impacts the South
- Saône River flanks the Côte De Nuits and Côte De Beaune, 12 miles away, no température moderating influence. It runs along the eastern edge of the Côte Challonaise and Macconais
- Bourgogne extends almost 140 miles/ 224 kms (Nth to Sth)- there is significant temperature and climate variation. Bud break is a week earlier in Warmer Macconais than in cooler Chablis. Harvest= early Sept for Macconais, end of September for Chablis.
Grapes of Bourgogne
Primary Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
Auxiliary Grapes
- Aligote (w)
- Sacy (w)
- Pinot Blanc (w)
- Pinot Gris (Syn; Pinot Beurot) (w)
- Sauvignon Blanc (w)
- Cesar (r)
- Gamay (r)
Varietal Wines and Blends- Bourgogne
- Most of the wine made in Bourgogne is made from straight Varietals but Bourgogne Blanc can have some Pinot Gris in it Due to rogue vines still popping up
- Bourgogne Rouge can be blended products by law:
- Bourgogne Blanc= Chardonnay
- Bourgogne Aligote= Aligote
- Bourgogne Rouge= P/ Noir
- Two more exceptions to the single Varietal rule:
# Passe- Tout- Grains AOC: Mostly Gamay, 1/3 must be composed of P/ Noir and/ or Pinot Liebault. Can contain up to 15% P/ Blanc, P/ Gris and Chardonnay (can be red or rose)
# Cremant De Bourgogne AOC: Can be composed of Sacy, Aligote, Chard, Pinot Noir, P/ Gris, Melon, P/ Noir, Cesar and Gamay
The Soils of Bourgogne
- Part of the Paris basin, like a stack of plates in the middle of France. Each plate represents a layer of soil during a specific geological epoch.
- The heart (bottom plate) is granite Massif that surfaces in Beaujolais
- 180 millions years ago, the central part of France was semi- tropical and covered by a warm and shallow sea. Shellfish abundant, they died and settled at the bottom. Under pressure, became limestone and limestone rich clays= Marl
- Each epoch was dominated by different sealife, hence different limestones and marls.
- These Soils, resting on top of one another are sedimentary in nature. The oldest deposits are located to the south in Macconais, the youngest to the Nth in Chablis
A telling Topography Atop A Fractured Geology- Bourgogne
- During the last period of Continental upheaval in Europe, Alps rose and the Besse plain sank, forming a Graben, whose uplift include the Côte d’ Or, the mountains of the Jura
- Although the Saône runs the way through it is no River Valley. Not made by water. Possess colluvial Soils (formed from Rain Driven Slope wash), rather than alluvial (formed from River sediment)
- Eight fault lines in the Côte d’ Or. lead to upheaval in the land.
- The difference in the Soils is significant. So different that the Burgundians name the different marls by the fossils found
- Most v/ yards on the slopes. In the Côte d’ Or, the crests of the Hilltops are always slated for Hautes Cotes d’ Beaune or Hautes Cotes De Nuits Production. These are v/ yards interspersed with forests
- Top of the slope has the thinnest topsoil (recieves the least amount of rain). These are usual Premier Cru
- Middle of the slope has moderate amount of topsoil and recieves an adequate amount of water. Getting rain, absorbing the additional rainwater racing down the slope from above Grand Cru v/yards.
- Bottom Slope; deepest soils, most amount of rain. Ample rainfall means lots of v/ yard growth. Plains grow grapes with the least amount of distinction and character
- This all realised by the Monks in the Middle Ages- Wines made from upper slopes= cardinals, middle= pope, Wines at the base= bishops
- Aspect is also important in Bourgogne it is east facing slopes so it catches the morning sun. This exposure dries the morning dew and quickly warms the soil
- Variation in Soils from v/ yard to v/ yard, but even within a v/ yard Clos De Vougeot has 13 climats. Variations in Soil and in slope gradients within the site
- Different Soils Can contribute to quality levels (ie In Chablis Kimmeridgian Marl is considered more superior to Portlandian limestone)
Grapes As Interpreters Of The Soil- Bourgogne
- Pinot Noir; Prefers Limestone Soil or marls with high limestone content.
- Pinot Noir + Limestone= light pigment, subliminary elegant wines; highly aromatic.
- Pinot Noir + Marl= less elegant reds with more structure and fruit
- Pinot Noir + Clay= less aromatic and less complex reds with plenty of body. Need 5- 7 yrs of bottle age to evolve and express themselves
- Chardonnay prefers marly soils
- Chardonnay + Marl= powerfully dense whites with tremendous concentration of flavour, age- worthy
- Chardonnay + Clay= Wines of structure and depth, round, earthy
- Chardonnay + Limestone= high acid whites with aromas of citrus fruits and mineral.
The Soil and Site As Translated By AOC Law- Bourgogne
- All AOC Wines undergo an annual chemical analysis and blind tasting to verify typicity before receiving certification
- ALL BOURGOGNE WINE
- All Bourgogne is at the top of the Appellation System= AOC
- The Bourgogne Wine Quality Pyramid: G/ C AOC: 33, Premier Cru AOCs: 635 Climats, Village AOC: 44 AOCs, Régional AOCs: 23 AOCs
- Burgundians classify the v/yards themselves; single unclassified v/yards all have names that respect their unique terroir. Good quality= Premier Cru, Great v/yards= Grand Cru
- Point of difference is always the terroir, have due to Nepolonic laws= producer is just as important
Regional Wine- Bourgogne
- Usually uses the word Bourgogne in the name (Macon- Village, Macon exceptions)
- Can be grown anywhere in Bourgogne. However a Macon can be labelled Bourgogne Blanc, but a Bourgogne Blanc is not neccessarily entitled to be labelled Macconais
- 23 régional AOCs within Bourgogne representing 52% of Bourgogne’s total production
- Regional Wines can indicate a wealth of specific information:
# The Grape Variety: Ex: Bourgogne Aligote
# The Production Method: Ex: Cremant De Bourgogne
# The Region Of Production; Ex: Macon
# The Production Area: Ex: Bourgogne Citry
# The climat: Ex: Bourgogne Côte- Saint- Jacques - Midst The 23 Regional AOCs is the Coteaux Bourguignons (formerly known as AOC Bourgogne Grand Ordinaire). The most général of all Regional AOCs. Under this appellation, White Wines can be made from Chardonnay, Aligote, Melon De Bourgogne and Sacy. Red wines can be made from Gamay and/ or P/ Noir. Can be grown anywhere in Bourgogne (including Beaujolais) Alc must be between 9- 12% for reds, 9.5- 12.5% for whites AOCs original name references “Grand” because it allowed for fruit from Grande Bourgogne which stretches from Chablis to Beaujolais and “ordinaire”
- Regional Bourgogne Blanc only allows for Chardonnay. Regional Bourgogne Rouge only accounts for Pinot Noir, but allows Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc (provided they represent no more than 15% as a field blend), plus a maximum of 10% Cesar (from the Yonne) and 30% max of Gamay. Min/ Max of Alc = 10- 13%. Both Bourgogne Rouge and Bourgogne Blanc may pull fruit from certain authorised Communes within Beaujolais
- 85% or more Gamay will now be labelled “Bourgogne Gamay”
- A new specificity AOC has been created called Bourgogne Cote D’Or, this encompasses inexpensive Wines from the Cote De Nuit and th3 Côte De Beaune
Village Wines- Bourgogne
- Wines from grapes from a particular region. The wines have narrower in sense of terroir than Regional Wines
- If the village wine come from one particular v/ yard the w/ maker might put down that particular climat
- 44 village Wines indicatory 36% of Production
Premier Cru- Bourgogne
- Premier Cru represents a single v/ yard or climat with a reputation for producing high quality wine
- If the village name appears on the label with Premier Cru, but does not list the v/ yard it is a blend of parcels within that village
- 635 Premier Cru v/ yards in Bourgogne responsible for 10% of the total production
Grand Cru- Bourgogne
- Single vineyard with a reputation for producing exceptional wines
- Name Of v/ yard appears on the label along with Grand Cru. The exception is in Chablis where the village of Chablis is always listed on the label along with Grand Cru v/yard name
- 33 Grand Cru v/yards in Bourgogne responsible for 2% of the production
Chablis, Grand Auxerrois, and the Chatillonnais- Bourgogne
- Red and Whites, lean and possess a racy acidity. Nervousness to them, a kinetic electric energy they vibrate
Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and the Chatillonnais- Specific Location and Climate
- Chablis= located on slopes of the Serein River Valley, Grand Auxerrois v/ yards are located around the town of Auxerre, Tonnerre, Vezelay and Joigny. V/ yards of The Chatillonnais to the east of Chablis.
- Continental Climate influenced by the Atlantic. Landscape is flat and winds swept inland along the plains. This allows cloud cover, which lowers temps and slows ripening. This allows high acid, with a reserved aromatics
- Maritime influence impacts weather patterns in Spring and Fall. Frost bookends the growing season, shortening its length
- Spring frosts kills tender shoots and lowers yields, frosts in the autumn result in leaf fall (leaves fall from the vines and the vines are no longer productive photosynthetically).
Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and the Chatillonnais- Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay (Beaunois): Chablis, Chatillonnais, appellation Of Grand Auxerrois
- Sauvignon Blanc: St Bris AOC
- Sacy: Chatillonnais
- Aligote; Chatillonais
- P/ Noir; Chatillonnais, AOCs Of Grand Auxerrois
- Cesar; Irancy AOC
- Gamay; Chatillonais
Unique Attributes of the Soils Of Chablis
- Grand Cru/ Premier Cru Of Chablis= Kimmeridgian Marl (sedimentary Soil a special kind of limestone- rich clay formed 160 million years ago)- Wines are almost electric)
- Chablis AOC and Petit Chablis AOC located on Portlandian marl. Sedimentary soil formed 140- 150 million yrs ago. Crafts high acid whites with more broad, less- chiselled flavours than Kimmeridgian soils.
- Chatillonais/ Grand Auxerrois mostly Portlandian Marl, yielding white Wines with more broad flavours; less nervosity.
Production- Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonais
- Chablis; 100% White
- Grand Auxerrois; 67% white, 33% Red
- Chatillonnais; 95% white, 5% Red
The AOCs of Chablis
- 4 Different AOC catégories hierachy is based on soil type/ Location (site/ Aspect)- Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Chablis and Petit Chablis
Chablis Crand Cru AOC
- 7 Climats Located on one SthWSt facing slope, they share a single hillside. This is why they are one Grand cru
- Kimmeridgian Marl
Bougros- Chablis Grand Cru
Easy to approach Chablis with well balanced fruit and minerality
Les Clos- Chablis Grand Cru
Lean Wines that need bottle age to develop maximum flavour
Grenouilles- Chablis Grand Cru
Complex, multi- faceted Chablis
Blanchot- Chablis Grand Cru
Powerful, rich Chablis
Les Preuses- Chablis Grand Cru
Age- worthy Wines of intense minerality
Valmur- Chablis Grand Cru
Rich Wines with immense minerality
Vaudesir- Chablis Grand Cru
Powerful, rich Chablis with rich flavour
Chablis AOC and Petit Chablis AOC
- Some Chablis v/ yards are located on the slopes; some are on the plains around Chablis
- Most Petit Chablis is Located on the plains
- As a rule the poor/ thin soils of Chablis slopes produce wines of more character
- Soils are Portlandian Marl
Chablis Premier Cru
- 89 Climats, spread along the banks of the Serein River; v/ yards all Located on slopes in close proximity to the river
- Kimmeridgian Marl
Bourgogne Côte Saint- Jacques AOC (Red, White, Rose, Vin Gris)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
- Cote Saint Jacques, Most Nth of the Burgundian v/ yards. Overlook the town of Joieny. Reds, Roses and vin Gris crafted from P/ Noir and p/ gris, whites from Chardonnay
Bourgogne Citry- Near Auxerre (SthWSt of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
Red and White
Reds are crafted from Pinot Noir and Whites from Chardonnay. Roses must be bottled as Bourgogne Rose or Clairet
Bourgogne Cotes D’ Auxerre AOC (near Auxerre, SthWSt Of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
Red, White, Rose
Bourgogne Cotes D’ Auxerre crafts reds and roses, Pinot Noir= Red, Chardonnay= Whites
Bourgogne Coulanges- La Vineuse AOC (near Auxerrois, SthWSt Of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
Reds= Pinot Noir, Whites= Chardonnay. Roses are produced but must be bottled as Bourgogne Rose or Bourgogne Clairet
Saint Bris AOC (near Auxerre, SthWSt Of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
White
Saint Bris crafts whites out of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. The only appellation in Bourgogne planted to these two grapes
Irancy AOC (near Auxerre, SthWSt Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
Red
Signature Red is crafted from Pinot Noir and optionally blended with up to 10% Cesar
Bourgogne Epineuil AOC (near Tonnerre, nthest Of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
Red
Crafted from Pinot Noir. Although whites are produced from Chardonnay they are not part of the Bourgogne Epineuil AOC. Roses crafted from P/ Noir/ P/ Gris but bottled as Bourgogne Rose or Bourgogne Clairet
Bourgogne Tonnerre AOC (Near Tonnerre, nthest Of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
White
Wines produced from Chardonnay
Bourgogne Vezelay AOC (Near Vezelay, south of Chablis)- The Principal AOCs Of Grand Auxerois
White
Produced from Chardonnay
Principal AOC of Chatillonais
- Regional bottlings Only
- East Of Tonnerre/ Nthwst Of Dijon
- Niche Of making Crèmant De Bourgogne out of P/ Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay and Aligote
The Cote De Nuits
- Reds are firmly structured; dark berry fruits/ earth/ spice
- Chambolle- Musigny is the exception= delicately perfumed, gossamer in the palate
- Whites of the Côte De Nuit are elegant and finely structured with apple fruit
Specific Location and Climate- Cote De Nuits
- Extend 12 miles / 19 kms between Dijon and Corgoloin (often referred to as the “Champs- Élysées De La Bourgogne”)
- C De Nuits is an escarpé mtn whose altitutude avgs 1000 ft/ 300 m
- Most v/yards face east
- v/yards of Hautes Cotes De Nuits Regional AOC include a dozen villages above and behind the escarpment- robust and firm with significant tannin, acid and structure, requiring time in the bottle to mature and mellow
- Cote De Nuits/ Côte De Beaune comprise the escarpment or steep slope known as the Cote d’Or (Golden Slope)
- Cote De Nuit (and the Côte De Beaune/ Côte Challonaise)= Continental Climate hallmarked by considerable seasonal and diurnal temp variation
- Summers are hot, Winters are Cold. Vine experiences true dormancy (vital for its health)
- Great diurnal Range. This preserves the grape’s natural acidity (Heat breaks down grape acids)
- Because the growing season is short, every non- sunny day will impact the nature of the harvest
Grape Varieities of the Cote De Nuits
P/ Noir
Chardonnay
Aligote
Pinot Gris (locally known as Pinot Beurot)
Attributes of the soil of Cote De Nuit?
- Limestone
- Limestone rich Marl
- Formed 180 to 170 million years ago
- Cote De Nuit= perfect for Pinot Noir, whilst Cote De Beaune evenly good for both P/ Noir and Chardonnay
Production- Cote De Nuit
- CdN: 84% Red (some villages produce small quantities of white wine: Marsannay, Fixin, Vougeot, Morey-Saint-Denis, Nuits- Saint- George- Marsannay also produces rose
- 24 Grand Crus: Only 1 White Musigny (Bonnes Mares is shared b/ween Chambolle and Morey)
Marsannay- Cote De Nuit
No 1er Cru, No G/C
Best known for its production of delicate fruity rose
Fixin- Cote De Nuit
6 er cru, No G/C
Structured, robust, earthy reds, firm tannins; great for declaring
Gevrey- Chambertin- Cote De Nuit
26 er Cru, 9 G/ Cs
- 20% classified as 1er Cru
- G/Cs: Chambertin, Chambertin Clos De Beze, Chapelle- Chambertin, Charmes- Chambertin, Mazoyeres- Chambertin, Griotte- Chambertin, Latriciere- Chambertin, Mazis- Chambertin, Ruchottes- Chambertin
- Wines carry enough acid, tannin and fruit to have earned a reputation as being age worthy
Morey- Saint- Denis- Cote De Nuit
20 er Cru/ 5 G/C
- G/ Cs: Clos De La Roche, Clos Saint Denis, Clos De Lambrays, Clos De Tart, Bonne Mares
- Located 1/2 way point within Cote De Nuits, this AOC combines power of Gevrey with the delicate nature of Chambolle
Chambolle- Musigny- Cote De Nuits
24 Er Cru/ 2 G/Cs
- Bonnes Mares and Musigny- G/c (Both are red and whites, delicate and racy character)
Vougeot- Cote De Nuit
4 Er Cru/ 1 G/Cs
- Red Wines almost exclusively, 3/4 of the production ends up in its single G/C, Clos De Vougeot
- Develop (with time) complex aromas of berry and hints of Forest under growth, only g/ c in CDN that rests at the base of a slope
Vosne- Romanee- Cote De Nuit
14 Er Cru/ 8 G/C
- 8 of the most prestigious G/Cs are from here; La Romanee, Romanee- Conti, Romanee- Saint- Vivant, Richeborg, La Tâche, Echezeaux, Grands Echezeaux, La Grande Rue
- Velvet, mélange Of berry fruit, violet perfume, shoveled earth
Nuit- Saint- George: Cote De Nuit
- 1 Er cru= 45%
- Meaty, spicy, earthy, deep wines
Cote De Nuit- Villages AOC
- Appellation shared by 5 Villages; Fixin, Brochen, Premeaux, Comblanchin, Corgoloin
- Fixin and Brochon= Nth, Premeaux, Comblanchein, Corgoloin= Sth
- Mostly Red Wines
- Can either be firmly structured, or soft upon the palate (South)
Cote De Beaune
- Each white wine shows pure, concentrated flavour. Powerful.
- Reds (for the most part) are elegant, full of finesse (more depth and concentration from Volnay, Pommard, Beaune, Aloxe- Corton)
Specific Location and Climate of the CDB
- Sth of Cote De Nuit, north of Cote Challonaise
- Narrow stretch of v/yards from Ladoix- Serrigny to Maranges
- Escarpment, altitude averages 1,000 ft/ 300 m, most v/yards face est
- Above the escarpment; altitude of 1200 ft/ 360 m one dozen villages comprise the Hautes- Cotes De Beaune appellation both red and white, firm tannins, firm acid (need time in the bottle to mellow and mature)
- Climate is continental
Grape Varieties of CDB
Same as CdN
Unique Attributes of the Soils Of the CdB
- Limestone
- Limestone- rich marls
- 160- 150 million yrs ago, slightly younger than the CDN
- Red and Whites Of minerality and acidity
Production- Cote De Beaune
- 57% Red, 43% White
- 8 G/Cs (only one is red) Corton
- Corton is both red and white
Ladoix- Serrigny- Cote De Beaune
11 Er Cru, 2 G/Cs (shared with Aloxe- Corton and Pernand- Vergelesses)
- Most of the production is bottled as Cote- De- Beaune Villages, although a 1/4 of the v/yard area lies within the G/C of Corton, a Grand Cru shared by Aloxe- Corton and Pernand- Vergelesses
- Small portion of white Corton- Charlemagne also lies within this commune and is thus shared with Aloxe- Corton and Pernand- Vergelesses
- White Corton= Golden Delicious, Apple, pear and hazelnut. Red Corton= Both power and suppleness, rich, earthy, gamey
- Commune Level reds have tender- tannins and soft red berry fruit
- Corton- Charlemagne, a unique weight and minerality. It’s almost thick. Rivals in power= Montrachet and Chevalier Montrachet
Aloxe Corton- Cote De Beaune
14 Er Cru/ 3 Gcs
- Large part of the appellation belongs to G/ C of Red Corton and Corton Charlemagne. Both share a single hillside.
- 28 Climat with Corton, this shows the size of the G/C (230 acres)
- Shares G/C of Corton and Corton- Charlemagne with Ladoix- Serrigny and Pernand- Vergelesses
- W G/C of Charlemagne (0.7 acres) is Located only in Aloxe- Corton
Pernand- Vergelesses- Cote De Beaune
8 Er Cru/ 2 GC
- Sth WST slope of the Corton hill
- Ripe Apple and toasted nut all wrapped around a tight core cone of minerality and acid
- Reds= 5 yrs in bottle to age due to iron rich nature of its clay- rich marls
Chorey- Les Beaune (Cote De Beaune)
No Premier Cru, No Grand Cru
- Flat plains just above Beaune
- Les refers to the Latin word ‘latus’, meaning “at the side”
- Chorey neighbours Beaune
- Reds are marked by delicate tannins and slight acidity, making them supple, elegant
- Aromas Of raspberry and cherry
Savigny- Les- Beaune (Cote De Beaune)
22 Premier Crus, No Grand Cru
- Whites= Apple and hazelnut, Reds= supple with silkier tannins and soft berry fruit
- Most Production is red
Beaune- Cote De Beaune
42 Premier Cru, No Grand Cru
- Wine capital of Bougogne
- Mostly Red wines Of tannic grip, 2/3rds of which 1er cru
- Reds= perfumed with hints of violets, black cherry, blackcurrents, underscored with heady fragrances of autumn leaves
- Upon age pick up Truffles, spice and leather
Pommard- Cote De Beaune
28 Er Cru, No Grand Cru
- Only red wine
- High percentage of clay yields reds with intense flavours and aromas
- Blackberry, blueberry and plum
- Astringent in youth, require several years to mellow and soften in order to express subtle hints of leather and wild animal
Volnay- Cote De Beaune
29 Er Cru/ No Grand Cru
- Only Red Wines, 45% of production is 1er cru
- Soft, supple mouthfeel. Aromatic with soft, subtle mouthfeel (dark berry, by woody, wild animal notes
- With age the wine picks up notes of prune and spice
- 1300s; Knights Of Melta, it became most famous Bourgogne wine due to their network of connections- reputation was built when Pinot Gris was planted
Monthelie- Cote De Beaune
15 Er Cru/ No Grand Cru
- Clustered around the mouth of the coomb
- Coomb= cut into the hillside made by the river
- V/ yards on alluvial deposits of high quality
- Reds= delicate perfume, soft silky tannins. Gossamer across the palate and sublte….these Pinot Noir are more aroma than flavour
- Not much white is produced
Auxey- Duresses (Cote De Beaune)
9 Er Cru/ No Grand Cru
- 1/2 way point of Cote De Beaune (between Volnay and Meursault)
- Tight lean Wines from both Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir
- Whites hint of Apple and almond; Reds= firm, but silken tannins, red berry fruit
Meursault (Cote De Beaune)
18 Er Cru/ No Grand Cru
- 96.5% of Meursault’s production is white, 1/3 is 1er cru
- Lies at the centre of a broad coomb, Sth of Auxey- Duresses
- Whites= rich, creamy texture, apples, oatmeal (coffee, hazelnuts, cinnamon, honey when aged)
Saint Romain (Cote De Beaune)
No 1er Cru/ No Grand Cru
- 62% White, 38% Red, it is at a big elevation
- For every 250 ft increase in altitude, temps drops 1 degree
- Meaning Saint- Romain is a good 5 degrees cooler than the plains below it
- Reds and Whites are lean and crisp, chiseled
Puligny- Montrachet (Cote De Beaune)
17 1er Cru, 4 G/Cs
- 99% white wine appellation less than 1 hectare Of Pinot Noir is in the ground
- G/Cs: Montrachet, Batard- Montrachet, Chevalier- Montrachet
- Bienvenue- Batard- Montrachet- 1st 2 are shared with Chassagne
- Whites Of Puligny- powerful, meaty, hints of marzipan, golden apple, warm butter, toasted almond, honey
- Alexandre Dumas “Montrachet should be drunk kneeling with one’s hat off”
Chassagne- Montrachet (Cote De Beaune)
19 1er Cru/ 3 GCs
- 3 GCs: Montrachet, Batard- Montrachet, Criots- Batard- Montrachet
- Chassagne: powerful, meaty, hints of apple, honey, toasted nuts
- Chassagne (Red)= kirsch, blackcurrent, under brush. Upon age= leather and fur
Saint Aubin (Cote De Beaune)
16 Premier Cru/ No Grand Cru
- Both red and white- wine- 39% and 61%
- Noted for its whites- bracing acid, minerality. Reds= delicate tannins, raspberry- cherry tannins
Santenay (Cote De Beaune)
11 1Er Cru/ No GC
- Most of the appellation and 1er Crus are red
- Santenay reds possess many of the same flavours as red Chassagne but package them in a delicate robe of tannin
Maranges (Cote De Beaune)
7 1er Cru/ No GCs
- Sthernmost appellation in Cote De Beaune
- Reds Of Maranges possess many of the same flavours as red Chassagne, delicate tannic structure
Cote De Beaune Villages AOC
- All Appellations Can call themselves Cote De Beaune Village, except Beaune, Aloxe- Corton, Pommard, Volnay
- Cote De Beaune Village wines exclusively red and characterised by firm tannins, firm acidity, red fruits
- Need time to mellow and mature in bottle
Cote Challonaise
- Reds= firm and full bodied, substantial tannin. Whites= well balanced, aromas of white flowers and ripe apple fruit
Specific Location and Climate- Cote Challonaise
- Sth of the CDB, Nth Of Macconais
- To the Wst lies the wine region of Crouchois, to the est, Saône River
- Climate is continental
Grapes of The a Cote Challonaise
- Chardonnay
- Aligote (Bouzeron AOC)
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay (in Corp into Coteaux Bourguignons and Passetoutgrains, two regional AOCs)
Unique Attributes of the Soils- Cote Challonaise
- Limestone and Marl
- Sedimentary Soils formed 160- 220 million yrs ago, constitute some of the oldest in Bourgogne
Bouzeron- Cote Challonaise
No Premier cru
- Known for Aligote
Rully- Cote De Beaune
23 1er Cru
- Red and White still wine, known for Cremant De Bourgogne Production
- Whites= soft and generous, Reds= subtle tannin, highly aromatic, cherry/ blackcurrant fruit
- Cremant is made according to the classic or traditional method
Mercurey- Cote De Beaune
31 1er Cru
- Most is red
- Reds= Chalky tannins, firm acidity with hints of strawberry, cherry and underbrush
- Whites= in minority, full bodied, broad across the palate, hints of toasted bread and dried apple
Givry- Cote De Beaune
26 1er Cru
- Most of the production is red
- Reds= firm, but polished tannins, intense berry fruit
- Whites= hint of almond and apple
Montagne- Cote De Beaune
41 1er Cru
- Produces Only AOC Wines
- White= medium bodied, moderate acidity, delicate mineral undertones coupled with hazelnut and fern
The Macconais
- Whites= fruitfulness, distinctive aromas of hawthorn and acacia blossom
- Reds/ Roses: Gamay and express Gamay’s typical flavour profile of red fruits, flowers
- Light reds with silken tannins and refreshing acidity
Specific Location and Climate- The Macconais
- Bordered by Cote Challonaise to the Nth Grosne Valley to the WST, Saône Valley to the Est, Beaujolais to the Sth
- Largest v/yard area within Bourgogne
- Climate influenced by Mediterranean. Landscape gently undulating. Sunshine abundant and temps can get quite warm during growing season, this means riper grapes with more pronounced fruit aromas and flavours
- Mediterranean influence impacts summer weather patterns, warm and dry. Winters are mild.
Grape Varieties- The Macconais
- Chardonnay
- Aligote
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
Unique Attributes of the Soils- The Macconais
- Limestone and Marl- Formed 160- 229 million years ago, constitue some of the oldest in Bourgogne
- Granite on Schist- Only Region in Bourgogne where Granite and schist appear. Located in Srthn region of the Macconaise (where the macconaise borders Beaujolais)
Production- Macconais
- 85% of v/yards planted to Chardonnay on limestone, marls, flinty, clays. Not always the case. Until the 18th Century, Macconais was dominated by Gamay….grape that was appropriate to most of its terroir. Switch to Chardy took place in 19th Century
- 80% of Production regional level Macon AOC. Most white wine labelled Macon villages or Macon plus the name of a wine production village (26 villages have the right to append their name to the regional Macon AOC. Ex Macon- Lugny, Macon- Viré, Macon- Fuisse
- There is no red or rose Macon Villages AOC. Red or rose wines from this region are labelled Macon, Macon Superiere Or Macon plus the name of 1 Of 20 wine producing villages
Pouilly- Fuisse (Macconais)
- Flagship of The Macconais, lies with a typographical bowl rimmed by 3 biotherms, reef like composites of starfish limestone.
- Biotherms are the rock of Solutre, Rock of Vergisson, the mont De Pouilly. Spills similar to those round in the Côte d’Or
- Neighbouring AOCs Of Pouilly- Vincelles and Pouilly- Locke, capitalising on terroir and Pouilly name and putting their products to market
- Three Villages possess delicate fruit and floral aromas all wrapped around solid core of minerality
Saint- Veran (Cote De Beaune)
- Once a part of Beaujolais sold as Beaujolais Blanc, was incorporated into the Macconais in 1971.
- Grows Chardonnay, makes soft, quaffable Wines for everyday drinking
Vire- Clesse (Cote De Beaune)
- Newest of the Macconais AOCs (1999), Located b/ween the towns of Macon
- Produces ripe, fruit- forward Chardonnay that hint of soft Golden Delicious apple
Burgundian Winemaking Tradition- Negotiants
- Companies that purchase grapes or wine from growers who are two small or don’t have an inclination to bottle and market their own wine
- Avg holding is 15.5 acres/ 6.2 ha. This size makes it hard for domaine bottling
- 2,828 Domaines, 113 wine merchants, 52% of all the wine is produced sold through Negotiants. Fractionalised of the Burgundian v/yard has led to the rise of the négociants, a concern that can in essence, unite a crop or several crops into something meaningful and marketplace
- Just as Produces there are levels of négociants. Plus some growers can be négociants and vice versa
- Level and depth of experience and professionalism has increased at the négocient level. Additionally it is the négociant that has the capital o purchase new equipment, barrels and tanks , to help quality of their bottlings.
Global Warming: Le Bon Problème- Bourgogne
- Now the harvest is 10 days earlier than 20 years ago
- Warmer temps means that fruit needs to be cooled before ferment
Winemaking Styles- Bourgogne
- Bourgogne must be made either through acidify or chaptalise. Can’t both be done to same wine
- Most made with wild yeasts. Native to Bourgogne, this stays true to terroir
- Old Oak is used not to impart noticeable wood tannins, to the finished product
- Some new oak is used at Grand Cru Level- fruit and structure to handle the wood
- Wines of Bourgogne are subtle and nuanced to appreciate their delicacy, their flavours cannot be masked by oak
- 1990s- experimentation to create bigger wines to impart more on the palate. Most are back to the old ways.
When to Drink Bourgogne….
- Need some time in bottle to express terroir
- When you drink young G/C for example you drink a wine at 25% potential.
- G/C Chablis needs 3-4 yrs of bottle age
- Chablis 1er Cru is ready to drink 2-3 yrs of bottle age, but can keep longer
- Chablis can be enjoyed 1-2 yrs, Petit Chablis, year after harvest
- Wines of Cote D’Or should be 4- 8 yrs of bottle aging before drinking, the better vintage, higher the pedigree, the longer you should wait.
- Red Wines of the Macconais should be consumed young. White Wines can be consumed when young, but high quality producers will benefit from 1-2 yrs in bottle
The Impact Of Vintage- Bourgogne
- Good vintages tend to hide subtle difference b/ween Various Burgundian climats
- Soft vintages show many more subtle differences b/ween climats
- After a year, Wines made in great vintages, will close down for 2-3 yrs and should be cellared until they open back up
What makes Burgundy unique?
- There simplicity of focus, meaning reds are pinot noir and whites are chardonnay
- Exacting differentiation (ie Aspect, different vineyards, specificity of soil, sunlight hours, etc)
- Historic differentiation of vineyards
- Place means everything
- Fractionalised Vineyard Ownership (Nepolonic Sales)
Who planted the first vines in Bourgogne?
It was bought there by the Celts or the Romans, but viti did not fluctuate as there was not a strong labor force
The Burgondes and the Franks- Burgundy
5th Century: barbarian invasions
450 AD: the German Burgondes people settled in the area and founded a kingdom known as Burgundia
Burgundia was absorbed into the neighbouring Frankish Kingdom in 534.
The Franks is where France gets its name from.
The Benedictine Abbey of Cluny….
Was founded near Macon in 990 AD. It was the riches owner of land in Bourgogne. It was destroyed by revolutionaries in 1790.
The Abbey of Pontigny….
A Cistercian abbey founded in 1114 near Auxerre. The monks of this abbey were famous for planting the great vineyards of Chablis.
What took place in 1395 concerning Gamay growth in Bourgogne?
Phillippe the Bold banned it from being grown. However this really didn’t take effect until the 19th century when Phylloxera meant that Pinot Noir was replanted in full.
What did John the Fearless do?
He petitioned King Charles VI to issue an edict that Bourgogne’s Zone of Production was from Sens to Macon
What charity hospital did Phillippe the Good build in 1443, that still exists today?
The Hospice de Beaune
What influenced the downfall of Bourgogne wines in the 17th Century?
The prices had increased 10 fold and the french nobility had all build chateaux along the Loire. This meant they were drinking the less expensive Loire wines.
What happened to the vineyards of Burgundy during the french revolution?
They were confiscated and given back to the farmers who worked the lands. The great domaines were broken up and few monopoles remained.
In the 1800s Phylloxera did what to Burgundy?
It decreased the area under vine substantially and the area lost its moment of growth
In 1847 King Louis- Phillippe did what?
He appended the name Gevrey to Gevrey- Chambertin
In what year were the boundaries of Bourgogne legally defined?
1930
How long is Bourgogne from Chablis to the Maconnais?
140 mile or 224 kms
What percentage of AOCs is within Bourgogne?
20% (100 out of 500 AOCs)
Who has an earlier vintage window, Chablis in the North or the Macconais in the South?
Macconais (warmer), end of September for Chablis (colder)
What is the climate of Burgundy?
Semi- Continental
What is the river that accompanies to the side of Burgundy?
The Saone River
Soane Graben- Burgundy
- During the last period of continental upheaval, the Alps rose and the Bresse plain sunk forming a graben r geological trough whose uplifts include the Cote d’Or and the mountains of the Jura
- Marls plus colluvial soils formed from rain- driven slope wash and alluvial soils deposited by the Saone River
What contributes to a vineyards potential quality?
Aspect and direction
Top of the Slope- Burgundy
- The thinnest topsoil, receives the least amount of rain
- Rain water runs downhill too, before the earth has time to absorb it
- Can be of good quality, but the slope is not ideal, so the wines usually rank as 1er Cru
Mid Slope- Burgundy
- Moderate amount of topsoil and receives and adequate amount of water
- Most of the Grand Cru vineyards are located mid-slope
Bottom of the Slope- Burgundy
- Deepest soils and the most amount of rain
Layers of Soils- Burgundy
- Paris Basin
- A pile of elliptical plates that stack in the middle of France from smallest to largest, and from youngest to oldest, working from top down
Limestones and Marls- Burgundy
- Burgundy was covered by a shallow sea
- Different shellfish rained in different epochs. These shellfish died and their fossils turned into Limestone and marls
- The oldest marine deposits are in the Macconais, whilst the youngest is located in Chablis
A clay limstone mix is known as a?
Marl
The Cote d’ Or is the Western uplift of the Soane Graben? True or False
True
The Southern most subregion of Bourgogne is?
The Macconais
The Soils of Bourgogne are sedmentary in nature. True or False?
True
In Bourgogne a named parcel of land is often referred to as a?
Climat
Where in Bourgogne will you find Granite and Schist?
The Macconais as it is close to Beaujolais
Bourgogne’s colluvial soils are caused by…
Erosion
Chardonnay- Bourgogne
- Pinot x gouais cross
- Soils: Limestone, limestone rich marls
- Early- budding, early- ripening, productive
- Ripens to high sugar and high extract levels
- Runs the risk of being low acid
Pinot Noir- Bourgogne
- Pinot derived from the word ‘Pineau’ or pine cone; Noir is from the word black
- Soils: Limestone, limestone rich marls
- Early budding, early ripening
- Aromatic, good acidity, moderate tannin, moderate to light in colour
Auxillary Grapes- Bourgogne
Aligote
- Pinot x Gouais cross
- Early-budding, early ripening, vigorous
- Aromatic; ripens to moderate sugar levels and high acidity
Gamay
- Pinot x Gouais cross
- Thin- skinned and aromatic
- Ripens to moderate sugar levels, low tannins, low pigment and high acidity
Note: A small amount of Sacy and Cesar is also grown while Melon, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris generally appear as rogue vines.
Varietal Wines- Bourgogne
- Bourgogne Blanc: Chardonnay (incorporates rouge Pinot Gris vines
- Bourgogne Rouge: allows Chardonnay, P. Blanc, P. Gris as a field blend, plus up to 10% Cesar and 30% Gamay
- Bourgogne Gamay and Bourgogne Pinot Noir: minimum 85% varietal
- Coteaux Bourguignons Blanc: Chardonnay, Aligote, Melon, and Sacy, no specific proportions
- Coteaux Bourguignons Rouge: Gamay, and/or Pinot Noir, no specific proportions
Blends- Bourgogne
- Passe-tout- Grains: Mostly Gamay with a min. of 1/3 must be Pinot Noir (Pinot Liebaut) and a max of 15% P. Blanc, P. Gris and Chardonnay
- Cremant de Bourgogne: Sacy, Aligote, Chardonnay, P. Gris, P. Blanc, Melon, P. Noir, Cesar, Gamay
Chardonnay prefers Marly soils in Bourgogne…..
- Chardonnay + Marl= yields powerfully dense whites with tremendous dense whites with tremendous concentration of flavour; age- worthy
- Chardonnay + Clay= produces wines of structure and depth; that are round, earthy
- Chardonnay +Limstone= delivers high acid whites with aromas of citrus fruits and mineral
Pinot Noir prefers limestone soils or marls with high limestone content Bourgogne…..
- Limestone+ lightly pigmented but sublimely elegant; highly aromatic
- Marl+ less elegant with more structure and fruit
- Clay+ less aromatic and less complex with plenty of body; they need5-7 years of bottle age
Limestone…- Bourgogne
- Pinot Noir + Limestone+ lightly pigmented but sublimely elegant wine; highly aromatic
- Chardonnay + Limestone= high acid whites with aromas of citrus fruits and mineral
Marls….- Bourgogne
- Chardonnay + Marl= powerfully dense whites with tremendous concentration of flavour; age-worthy
- Pinot Noir + Marl= less elegant reds with more structure and fruit
Clay- Bourgogne….
- Chardonnay + Clay= wines of structure and depth; round, earthy
- Pinot Noir + Clay= less aromatic and less complex with plenty of body; need 5-7 years of bottle age
What is a negociant- Bourgogne?
- Companies that purchase grapes or wine from growers who are too small to bottle and market their own wine
- Average individual vineyard holding in Bourgogne is 15.5 acres
- This diminutive sizing makes very difficult to produce proprietary labels
Why are negociants key to the Burgundy wine trade?
- There are 2,828 domaines and 113 wine merchants in Bourgogne
- 52% of all the wine produced is sold through negociants
Are negotiant’s wines inherently inferior to domaine bottlings?
- Just as within the producer arena, negociants possess different levels of talent
- More often than not, it is the negotiant that has the capital to purchase new tanks, barrels and tanks
- Today, many negociants are also growers have become negociants
Le Bon Probleme- Burgundy
- Burgundian harvest is 10 days earlier than 20 years ago
- Warmer temps and warm fruit now make it necessary to chill the grapes before ferment begins
- Increased maturity resulting in change of cap management practices (punch down–pump over)
- Increased ripeness and maturity levels equates to shorter maceration periods
Yeasts and Barrels- Burgundy
- Most Burgundians use wild yeast fermentation
- Most Burgundians use the oak barrel judiciously; overt oak influence is not desired
- In the 90s a lot of new oak was used but Burgundian winemakers have now reverted back to the old ways of doing things
What is the main point of differentiation of quality in Burgundy?
Terroir
Grand Crus of Burgundy?
33 vineyards, 2% of production
Premier Cru of Burgundy?
635 vineyards, 10% of the total production
Village AOCs of Burgundy?
44 Village Appellations, 36% of the production
Regional AOCs of Burgundy?
- Usually have Bourgogne Blanc or Rouge (except for Macon)
- 23 regional AOCs, 52% of total production
What is tipicity of a wine from Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and the Chatillonnais?
Red and White wines are lean and possess a racy acidity. Minerality and flinty. Nervousness; a kinetic, electric energy
Where is Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonnais?
Chablis- slopes of the Serein River Valley
Grand Auxerrois- Around the towns of Auxerre, Tonnerre, Vezelay and Joigny
Chatillonnais- Immediate east of Chablis
What is the Climate of Chablis?
- Continental with influences from the Atlantic
- Maritime Influences which impact weather patterns in spring and fall
- Frosts shorten the growing season
What is the primary grape of Chablis?
Chardonnay…. but Sauvignon Blanc (St Bris) Sacy and Aligote (for Crement) and Pinot Noir and Cesar (for Irancy)
What are the soils of Chablis?
Kimmeridgean Marl (Chablis Grand Cru AOC and Chablis 1er Cru)
Portlandian Marl (Petit Chablis AOC and Chablis AOC)
What is unique to the Grand Crus of Chablis?
They are all on one hill and this means they are considered one Grand Cru
The premier crus of Chablis are located on….
Both sides of the slopes of the Serein River. Meaning all vineyards are on slopes.
Petit Chablis is planted where…
On the plains. This is due to the need for more wine in the 80s
Grand Auxerrois?
Portlandian Marl Soils
Production: 67% white, 33% red
8 AOCs;
- Bourgogne Cotes Saint- Jacques
- Bourgogne Chitry
- Bourgogne Cotes d’Auxerre
- Bourgogne Coulanges-La-Vineuse
- Saint Bris
- Irancy
- Bourgogne Epineuil
- Bourgogne Vezelay
What is the red blend of Irancy?
Pinot Noir and up to 10% of Cesar (adds grip) and rusticity
Saint Bris?
- Southwest of Chablis
- Sauv Blanc and Sauv Gris
- Only appellation to be planted to these two grapes
Chatillonnais?
- Soils are mostly Portlandian marl
- Production is 95% white, 5% red
- Vineyards are located south east of Chablis between Chablis and Dijon
Cremant de Bourgogne..
- Known for its top quality Cremant de Bougogne
- Aligote and Sacy often incorporated into the cuvee
- Only regional bottlings are produced here
What is the tipicity of wines of Cote de Nuits and Hautes Cotes de Nuits?
- Firmly structured reds with dar berry fruits and earth and spice
- Exception: Chambolle- Musigny
- Elegant and finely structured whites with delicate apple fruit
What is the climate and when does rain fall in the Cote de Nuit?
It is a continental climate. Rain falls in May, June and October and hail storms are not uncommon
Cote de Nuit’s soils are predominately suited to Pinot Noir, whilst Cote de Beaune….
Is divided equally between P/Noir and Chardonnay
Grape Varieties and Soils of the Cote de Nuit?
Grapes:
- P/Noir
- Chardonnay
- Aligote
- Pinot Gris (Known locally as Pinot Beurot)
Soils:
- Limestone
- Limestone- rich marls
Production of Cote de Nuit?
Prodcution: 89 red
- Small quantities of white wine
- Marsaanay produces top quality rose
- There are 24 GCs in the Cote de Nuit (1 is white, Musigny, but that is mainly red)
Cote de Nuits- Village
5 villages: Fixin and Brochon (Nth). Premeaux, Comblanchien and Corgoloin (Sth)
Produces mostly red wines
North: firmly structured, chalky tannins and bracing acid
South: soft upon the palate with a rich amalgamation of spice and earth
Where does the fruit for the Hautes Cotes de Nuits come from?
A dozen villages located above and behind the escarpment
What is Marsannay mainly known for?
The production of delicate and fruity rose
How is Fixin pronounced?
Fixun
What percentage of production is Gevery- Chambertin premier cru?
20%
What is the tipicity of Gevery- Chambertin?
BIG AND POWERFUL
Where is Morey- Saint Denis?
Halfway down the Cote De Nuit. It combines the power of Gevery- Chambertin and the finesse and delicacy of Chambolle- Musigny.
What is the appeal of Chambolle- Musigny?
Its delicate and lacy character
What is unique about Clos de Vougeot?
It is the only Grand Cru in the Cote d’Or that sits at the bottom of the slope
Nuits- Saint- George premier crus count for 45% of the area’s production…what are they like?
Meaty, earthy, spicy and deeply concentrated
Cote de Beaune?
- South of the Cote de Nuit
- Nth of the Cote Chalonnaise
- An escarpment whose altitude averages 1000 ft/ 300m; most vineyards face east
- Contintenal climate
Cote De Beaune Grape Varieties and Soils?
- Chardonnay
- Aligote
- Pinot Gris (known as Pinot Beurot)
- Pinot Noir
Unique Attributes of the Soils:
- Limestone
- Limestone- rich marls, formed 160 to 150 million years ago
What is the production of the Cote de Beaune?
57% red and 43% white. 8 GCs only one is red (Corton- can also be white)
How many villages of the Hautes Cotes de Beaune?
- Above the escarpment. Same principle at as Hautes Cote de Nuit
What are the 4 villages that can’t be labelled Cote de Beaune Village?
Beaune, Aloxe- Corton, Pommard and Volnay
What are the characters of Cote de Beaune Village?
Red only and characterised by firm tannins, firm acid and red fruits. They need time in the bottle to mellow and mature
Which is the white Grand Cru that is only in Aloxe- Corton?
Charlemagne
Why should you not drink Pernard- Vergelesses too young?
Because of the iron rich marls. They are very powerful
Where did Chorey les Beaune get its name?
Les means ‘latis’ or near because Chorey is right near the town of Beaune. The vineyards lie on the flat plains just north of the town of Beaune
What type of wine does Beaune produce?
Mostly red wines of substantial tannic grip; two- thirds of which are 1er Cru
Pommard only produces….
Red Wines
Monthelie…
Vineyards all lie around a coomb ( a cut in the hillside made by a river). Produces bth red and white wine, but very little white is made
Meursault….
lies at the centre of a broad coomb to the south of Auxey- Duresses
What is the Southern most Appellation of the Cote De Beaune?
Maranges
Cote Chalonnaise
- South of the Cote de Beaune
- North of the Maconnais
- Couchois to the West
- Contintenal climate
What are the grapes and the soils of Cote Chalonnaise?
Chardonnay
Aligote (Bouzeron AOC)
Pinot Noir
Gamay (Coteaux Bourguignons AOC and Passe-Tout-Grains AOC)
Unique Attributes of the Soils:
Limestone
Marl
What is the production of the Cote Challonnaise?
62% red and 38% white
Wide variety of wines: red, white, rose and sparkling
Rully is famous for….
Red and White wine production and also Cremant De Bourgogne
Macconais….
- The Cote Chalonnaise to the north
- The Gorsne Valley to the west
- The Saone Valley to the east
- Beaujolais to the south
The Village of St Amour within the Northernmost of the Beaujolais Crus, is only 1.8 miles/ 3 km away from St. Veran
Macconais- Climate
- Climate influenced by the Mediterranean
- Sunshine is abundent
- Summers are warm and dry
- Winters are mild
What are the grape varieties and soils of the Macconais?
Chardonnay
Aligote
Pinot Noir
Gamay
Soils:
Limestone and marl: formed 220-160 million years ago
Granite and schist: formed 300 million years ago
Production in the Macconais is predominately?
Chardonnay. Used to be Gamay, but switched in the 19th Century
Macon- Macon Villages?
- 80% of the production at the regional AOC
- Most white wine is labelled Macon- Villages or Macon plus the name of a wine producing village
- 26 villages have the right to append their name to the regional Macon AOC (Ex Macon-Lugny, Macon- Vire, Macon- Fuisse)
- No red or rose Macon- Villages AOC
- Red or Rose wines from this region are labeled Macon, Macon Superieur or Macon plus the name of one of 20 wine producing villages`
Pouilly- Fuisse…
Within a typographical bowl rimmed by three bioherms:
- Rock of Solutre
- Rock of Vergisson
- Mont de Pouilly
Soils similar to those of the Cote D’Or
White wines from Chardonnay
What are the two appellations that are using the name of Pouilly Fuisse to get some recognition?
Pouilly- Vinzelles and Pouilly- Loche
What is the AOC that was once a part of Beaujolais but became a part of the Macconais in 1971?
St Veran, it used to sell it under Beaujolais Blanc
