Bourgogne AOCs - Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonais. Flashcards
Which are the northernmost sub-regions of Bourgogne?
Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonais (CGC)
What are the character of red and white wines from Chablis, Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonais area?
They are typically lean with racy acidity. Saline flavours which are hard to assign to fruit, vinification or cellaring techniques, often considered “mineral”.
Where are Chablis vineyards located?
On the slopes of the Serein River Valley.
Where are Grand Auxerrois vineyards located?
Around the towns of Auxerre, Tonnerre, Joigny and Vézelay.
Where are Chatillonais vineyards located?
To the east of Chablis and Tonnerre.
Describe the climate of Chablis? What are the climate risks? How does the climate influence the grapes?
It has a CONTINENTAL climate with oceanic influences. Summers are warm; winters are cold. Rainfall is sufficient for the vine. Autumn can be dry and sunny with wide diurnal swings. Springs are susceptible to frost and severe hailstorms can occur at any time.
The cloud cover lowers temperatures, slows ripening and helps Chablis retain its typical high acidity.
What type of soils are the Grand Cru AOC and Premier Crus of Chablis AOC vineyards on?
They are on Kimmeridgian marl, a sedimentary soil of limestone-rich clay formed 160 mya.
What effect does Kimmeridgian Marl have on the wines from Chablis?
At these latitudes it conveys a high-tensile strength and racy edge to wine. They are almost “electric”. They give the signature minerality to the wines.
Where are Petit Chablis AOC. vineyards located. How do they differ from the other Chablis wines? What type of soils are the vineyards on?
They tend to be away from the principal valley and slopes, at higher altitude and therefore cooler.
Wines are sharper and more tart and lack minerality associated with Kimmeridgian marl.
They are on Portlandian marl from 140 mya.
What soils are the vineyards of Grand Auxerrois and Chatillonais located on?
They are on Portlandian marl and in cooler locations.
What is the only grape permitted in any of the Chablis AOCs?
Chardonnay
How many AOC in Chablis? What are the four categories of wine?
Three:
Chablis Grand Cru AOC;
Chablis AOC;
Petit Chablis AOC.
Categories : Grand Cru, 1er Cru, Chablis, Petit Chablis. This hierarchy is based on soil and location.
When was Chablis Grand Cru AOC awarded? What wine styles? Grapes permitted?
Awarded 1938 for dry white wine only made from Chardonnay grapes only.
What are the 7 official climats in the Chablis Grand Cru hillside? What is unofficial one?
Official : Blanchot, Bougros, Le Clos, Grenouilles, Preuse, Valmur, Vaudesir.
Unofficial : La Moutonne
When was Chablis AOC awarded? What wine styles? Grapes permitted?
Awarded 1938 for dry white wine from Chardonnay grapes only.
