Bourgogne: Appellations Part 2 Flashcards
What is the meaning of the name Cote d’Or?
This region name translates to “golden slope.”
Many claim the name is derived from the yellowing of the vine leaves in autumn.
Bill Nanson, a wine writer, argues that it is simply a contraction of Cote d’Orient or east-facing hillside.
Name the wine regions of Cote d’Or.
- Cote de Nuits
- Cote de Beaune
Where is Cote de Nuits located?
This region extends 12mi/19km between Dijon and Corgoloin in Bourgogne.
Where are the vineyards of Cote de Nuits planted?
On the slopes of an escarpment between 720-1,150ft/220-350m in elevation.
Most vineyards face east.
The vineyards of the Hautes Cotes de Nuits are located above and behind this escarpment.
What is the climate in Cote d’Or?
Cote de Nuits and Cote de Beaune possess a:
* continental climate
* considerable seasonal and diurnal temperature variations
* Summers are hot
* Winters are cold
* Significant rain falls in May, June & October
* Hailstorms are not uncommon
What soil types are found in Cote de Nuits?
- Sedimentary limestones
- Limestone-rich marls
Note: formed 170-160mya
Which grape variety are the soils and aspects of the Cote de Nuits better suited to?
Pinot Noir
What are some typical characteristics of red wines from Cote de Nuits?
Firmly structured with dark berry fruits, earth and spice
Chambolle-Musigny, however, is delicately perfumed and silken on the palate.
Name the appellations of Cote de Nuits.
- Marsannay AOC (1987): 12%
- Fixin AOC (1936): 5%
- Gevrey-Chambertin AOC (1936): 21%
- Morey-Saint-Denis AOC (1936): 6%
- Chambolle-Musigny AOC (1936): 8%
- Vougeot AOC (1936): 1%
- Vosne-Romanee AOC (1936): 8%
- Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC (1936): 16%
- Cote de Nuits-Village AOC (1937): 9%
[Cote de Nuits Grands Crus (14%)]
What are the authorized grape varieties for the village AOCs of the Cote de Nuits?
White:
* [P or S] Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Pinot Noir
White varieties are considered primary in appellations authorized to make white wines; otherwise, they are considered secondary.
Name the 2 lesser-known AOCs located in the north of the Cote de Nuits.
- Marsannay AOC
- Fixin AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Marsannay AOC?
- Dry White
- Rose
- Red
This appellation is known for its production of delicate and fruity rose, which can be made from Pinot Gris and/or Pinot Noir.
Which grapes are permitted in the Marsannay AOC?
White:
* [P] Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [P] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Pinot Noir
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Marsannay AOC?
0
Which appellation’s wines were more highly regarded than those of Gevrey up until the end of the 17th century?
Fixin AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Fixin AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Production here is mostly red.
Which grape varieties are permitted in Fixin AOC?
White:
* [P] Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Pinot Noir
What topographical feature provides the vineyards of Fixin AOC protection from hail?
A forested windbreak on the western ridgeline.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Fixin AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 6 Premiers Crus
The northern portion of the Cote de Nuits encompasses the villages and Grands Crus of which AOCs?
- Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
- Morey-Saint-Denis AOC
- Chambolle-Musigny AOC
Which is the largest village appellation in the Cote d’Or?
Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
It has more Grands Crus than any other.
What style of wine is produced in Gevrey-Chambertin AOC?
Red
Based on Pinot Noir.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Gevrey-Chambertin AOC?
- 9 Grands Crus
- 26 Premiers Crus
Name the Grands Crus of Gevrey-Chambertin AOC.
- Chambertin
- Chambertin-Clos de Beze
- Chapelle-Chambertin
- Chames-Chambertin
- Mazoyeres-Chambertin
- Griotte-Chambertin
- Latricieres-Chambertin
- Mazis-Chambertin
- Ruchottes-Chambertin
What is important to know about quality in regards to wines from Gevrey-Chambertin AOC?
Although 20% of its vineyards are classified as Premiers Crus, quality depends upon the producer.
How did Gevrey-Chambertin AOC get its name?
Chambertin was reputed to be Napoleon’s favourite wine.
Gevrey petitioned to add the vineyard name (Chambertin) to that of the village (Gevrey) in 1847.
Prior to the establishment of the AOC system, which relatively unknown area had its wines marked as Gevrey-Chambertin or Chambolle-Musigny?
Morey-Saint-Denis AOC
The quality of wines were such that modern Pinot Noir clones were developed from one of this region’s Grand Crus vineyards (Clos de la Roche).
Note: Clones taken included 113, 114, 115, 667, 777, 778
What wine styles are produced in Morey-Saint-Denis AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Which grapes are permitted in Morey-Saint-Denis AOC?
White:
* [P] Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Aligote (in climat Mons Luisant)
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Pinot Noir
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Morey-Saint-Denis AOC?
- 5 Grands Crus (1 shared with Chambolle-Musigny)
- 20 Premiers Crus
Name the Grands Crus of Morey-Saint-Denis AOC.
- Clos de la Roche
- Clos Saint-Denis
- Clos des Lambrays
- Clos de Tart
- Bonnes-Mares (shared with Chambolle-Musigny)
Which Cote de Nuits appellation produces the most delicate wines?
Chambolle-Musigny AOC
They are often described as “silk and lace.”
What styles of wine are produced in Chambolle-Musigny AOC?
Red
Based on Pinot Noir.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Chambolle-Musigny AOC?
- 2 Grands Crus
- 24 Premiers Crus
Name the Grands Crus of Chambolle-Musigny AOC.
- Bonnes-Mares (shared with Morey-Saint-Denis AOC)
- Musigny
Name the only 2 Grands Crus in Bourgogne permitted to produce both red and white wine.
- Musigny (belonging to the Chambolle-Musigny AOC in the Cote de Nuits)
- Corton (belonging to the Aloxe-Corton AOC in the Cote de Beaune)
Name the 3 villages located in the southern portion of the Cote de Nuits.
- Vougeot AOC
- Vosne-Romanee AOC
- Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
Which village in the Cote d’Or represents the smallest wine commune, but the largest Grand Cru in the Cote de Nuits?
Vougeot AOC
Three-quarters of this AOCs production is from its single Grand Cru.
* Errata 2022
What styles of wine are produced in Vougeot AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
This AOC produces red wines (based on Pinot Noir) almost exclusively.
How many Grand/Premiers Crus are there in Vougeot AOC?
- 1 Grand Cru
- 4 Premiers Crus
Name the only Grand Cru in Vougeot AOC.
Clos de Vougeot
This is the only Grand Cru in the Cote d’Or that rests at the bottom of the slope.
What is the Chateau du Clos de Vougeot?
This is a national monument and home to Bourgogne’s promotional organization, La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin.
It is located in the village of Vougeot, in Cote de Nuits.
Which village in Bourgogne is referred to as “the Pearl of the Cote?”
Vosne-Romanee AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Vosne-Romanee AOC?
Red
Based on Pinot Noir.
Describe the wines of Vosne-Romanee AOC.
Its wines combine as intensity of flavour with refinement, as in “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Vosne-Romanee AOC?
- 8 Grands Crus
- 14 Premiers Crus
8 of the most prestigious Grands Crus are located here.
Name the Grands Crus of Vosne-Romanee AOC.
- La Romanee *
- Romanee-Conti *
- Romanee-Saint-Vivant
- Richebourg
- La Tache *
- Echezeaux
- Grands-Echezeaux
- La Grande Rue *
Most are small and half (marked with asterisks) are monopoles.
Which is the second-largest village in the Cote de Nuits?
Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 41 Premiers Crus
Premier Cru vineyards account for over 45% of this area’s production.
The flagship Premier Cru vineyard, Saint-Georges, is believed to be Grand Cru-worthy.
Who does Nuits-Saint-Georges serve as a center for?
- Wine Shippers
- Brokers
- Negociants
- Cooperages
- Cremant producers
What is the Cote de Nuits-Villages AOC for?
This appellation allows lesser-known villages to use a more well-known name.
It is shared by 5 villages:
1. Fixin (in the north)
2. Brochon (in the north)
3. Premeaux (in the south)
4. Comblanchien (in the south)
5. Corgoloin (in the south)
What styles of wine are produced in Cote de Nuits-Villages AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
This AOC produces mostly red wines.
What are the characteristics of wines produced under Cote de Nuits-Villages AOC?
Depending on where the majority of the fruit is sourced, these wines can be:
* firmly structured with chalky tannins and bracing acidity (north)
* soft upon the palate with a rich amalgamation of spice and earth (south)
Where is the Cote de Beaune located?
This wine sub-region lies south of the Cote de Nuits and north of the Cote Chalonnais in Bourgogne.
It comprises a narrow stretch of vineyard land from the town of Ladoix-Serrigny to Maranges.
How do the vineyard slopes in Cote de Nuits compare to those in Cote de Beaune?
Cote de Beaune:
* slopes tend to face southeast
* escarpment is softer in profile & more broken
Cote de Nuits:
* faces east.
* escarpment is generally steeper & more consistent
Where are the vineyards planted in Cote de Beaune?
On an escarpment between 720-1,150ft/220-350m in elevation.
Behind the escarpment (to the west) is the Hautes Cotes de Beaune at 1,300ft/400m in elevation.
What soil types are found in Cote de Beaune?
- Limestone
- Limestone-rich marls
These soils were formed 160-150mya and are slightly younger than the soils of the Cote de Nuits.
How much of the wine produced in Cote de Beaune is red or white?
- approx. two-thirds red
- one-third white
What are the characteristics of white wines from Cote de Beaune?
The soils and topography of this sub-region give rise to a range of white wines, who styles varies:
* from rich & intense
* to taut & fresh
What are the characteristics of red wines from Cote de Beaune?
Elegant & full of finesse with more depth and concentration coming from:
* Volnay
* Pommard
* Beaune
* Aloxe-Corton
Name the appellations of Cote de Beaune.
- Ladoix AOC (1937)
- Aloxe-Corton AOC (1938)
- Pernand-Vergelesses AOC (1936)
- Chorey-les-Beaunes AOC (1937): 7%
- Savigny-les-Beaune AOC (1937): 8%
- Beaune AOC (1936): 10%
- Cote de Beaune AOC (1937)
- Pommard AOC (1936): 8%
- Volnay AOC (1937): 5%
- Monthelie AOC (1937)
- Saint-Romain AOC: (1947)
- Auxey-Duresses AOC (1937)
- Saint-Aubin AOC (1937)
- Meursault AOC (1937): 10%
- Puligny-Montrachet AOC (1937): 5%
- Chassagne-Montrachet AOC (1937): 8%
- Blagny AOC (1937)
- Santenay AOC (1936): 8%
- Maranges AOC (1989): 4%
-
Cote de Beaune-Villages AOC (1937)
Other: 23%
[Cote de Beaune Grands Crus: 4%]
What are the authorized grapes of the Cote de Beaune appellations?
White:
* [P or S] Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Rose/Gris:
* [S] Pinot Gris
Red:
* [P] Pinot Noir
In general, white varieties are considered primary in appellations authorized to make white wines; otherwise they are considered secondary.
Which 3 appellations are found around the famous hill of Corton in the Cote de Beaune?
- Ladoix AOC
- Aloxe-Corton AOC
- Pernand-Vergelesses AOC
Name the 3 Grands Crus vineyards located on the hill of Corton.
- Corton: mostly red wine, with a small amount of white.
- Corton-Charlemagne: white wine
- Charlemagne: white wine
What styles of wine are produced in Ladoix AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Ladoix AOC?
- 2 Grands Crus
- 11 Premiers Crus
Both Grands Crus are shared with Aloxe-Corton & Pernand-Vergelesses which are:
* Corton
* Corton-Charlemagne
How are the wines from the village of Ladoix-Serrigny labeled?
- Ladoix AOC
- Cote de Beaune-Villages AOC (most wine is released under this)
- Corton Grand Cru: a quarter of this village’s vineyard area lies within this area
- Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru: a small portion of vineyards lie here
What styles of wine are produced in Aloxe-Corton AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Aloxe-Corton AOC?
-
3 Grands Crus
* Corton: shared with Ladoix-Serrigny & Pernand-Vergelesses
* Corton-Charlemagne: shared with Ladoix-Serrigny & Pernand-Vergelesses
* Charlemagne: shared with Pernand-Vergelesses - 14 Premiers Crus
What percentage of the Aloxe-Corton commune belongs to the Grand Cru appellations of Corton & Corton-Charlemagne?
73%
How does village-level wine from Aloxe-Corton AOC compare to that from Ladoix or Pernand-Vergeless?
It is more widely known and more expressive.
What styles of wine are produced in Pernand-Vergelesses AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Pernand-Vergelesses AOC?
-
3 Grands Crus
-
Corton: shared with Ladoix-Serrigny & Aloxe-Corton
* Corton-Charlemagne: shared with Ladoix-Serrigny & Aloxe-Corton
* Charlemagne: shared with Aloxe-Corton
-
Corton: shared with Ladoix-Serrigny & Aloxe-Corton
- 8 Premiers Crus
Where are the vineyards of Pernand-Vergelesses AOC located?
A significant portion lie on the southwestern slope of the Corton hill.
What is a valuable thing to know about the wines of Pernand-Vergelesses AOC?
At the village level, both reds & whites are often overlooked and offer excellent value.
What is the wine capital of Bourgogne?
Beaune
Name the 4 appellations situated around the town of Beaune.
- Chorey-les-Beaune AOC
- Savigny-les-Beaune AOC
- Beaune AOC
- Cote de Beaune AOC
What is the meaning of the word “les” in the AOCs Chorey-les-Beaune AOC and Savigny-les-Beaune AOC?
It is derived from the Latin word “latus,” meaning “at the side.”
These appellations are located beside Beaune.
What styles of wine are produced in Chorey-les-Beaune AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Chorey-les-Beaune AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 0 Premiers Crus
Where are the vineyards of Chorey-les-Beaune AOC located and on what soil?
This appellation lies mostly on the flat plains just north of the town of Beaune.
Its potential was boosted by a top-dressing of alluvial limestone scree deposited by the Rhoin River in ancient times.
More than half of Chorey-les-Beaune’s production is bottled under which AOC?
Cote de Beaune-Villages
Why is it that the wines of Chorey-les-Beaune AOC are quite popular?
- affordability
- easy-drinking style
What styles of wine are produced in Savigny-les-Beaune AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Most wine production is red.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Savigny-les-Beaune AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 22 Premiers Crus
How is it that the vineyards of Savigny-les-Beaune AOC produce 2 different styles of wine?
The vineyards are bisected by the Rhoin River (flows east to west) and the different styles are influenced by aspect.
* Red wines from south-facing slopes on Mont Battois are structured & generous
* Wines from north-facing slopes on the Bois de Noel are finer & more elegant: most vineyards, including 12 Premiers Crus, are located here
Which appellation is the largest commercial center in Bourgogne?
Beaune AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Beaune AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Wine production is mostly red.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Beaune AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 42 Premiers Crus
Nearly 75% of wine produced is Premier Cru level.
Beaune AOC is home to many negociants. Name a few.
- Jadot
- Latour
- Drouhin
- Bouchard
Their cellars all lie under the city streets.
Where are the vineyards of Beaune AOC located?
Most, including all 42 Premiers Crus, are found on a large, contiguous, southeast-facing slope just to the west of the town of Beaune.
What styles of wine are produced in Cote de Beaune AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Its small production is evenly split between the two.
Where is the Cote de Beaune AOC located?
In the higher-altitude vineyards around Beaune.
Note: do not confuse this AOC with Cote de Beaune-Villages.
Which 2 appellations produce the most famous red wines of the Cote de Beaune?
- Pommard AOC
- Volnay AOC
Note: these wines are produced in different styles.
What style of wine is produced in Pommard AOC?
Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Pommard AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 28 Premiers Crus
What makes Pommard AOC’s terroir unique?
There is a high concentration of clay and active limestone (high lime content).
In combination, the two improve soil structure and drainage and give the vine more access to nutrients.
This is unique within the Cote de Beaune but similar to the soil dynamics of the Cote de Nuits and translates into powerful, robust bottlings.
What styles of wine are produced in Volnay AOC?
Red
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Volnay AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 29 Premiers Crus
60% of the total area under production is ranked Premier Cru.
How are red wines from Volnay AOC characterized?
By a soft, supple mouthfeel; characteristics touted since antiquity.
Which was the most famous and sought-after wine from Bourgogne in the 1300s?
Volnay
This was thanks to the commercial network of the Knights of Malta, a military-religious order.
This reputation was built when its vineyards were planted to Pinot Gris.
Name 4 oft-overlooked appellations of the Cote de Beaune that offer quality wine at affordable prices.
- Monthelie AOC
- Saint-Romain AOC
- Auxey-Duresses AOC
- Saint-Aubin AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Monthelie AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Production is primarily red.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Monthelie AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 15 Premiers Crus
Which villages are located near Monthelie AOC?
This small village appellation is nearly surrounded by:
* Volnay
* Meursault
* Saint-Romain
It occupies prime real-estate but has historically been overlooked due to the fact that it was largely planted to Gamay during the 19th century.
Which is the smallest wine-producing village of the Cote de Beaune?
Saint-Romain AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Romain AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Two-thirds of the wines produced are white.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Saint-Romain AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 0 Premiers Crus
Where are the vineyards located in Saint-Romain AOC?
They are set back in a side valley away from the main Cote at high elevation with no open exposure to the east or south.
How are the white wines of Saint-Romain AOC characterized?
- Piercing acidity
- Reminiscent of young Chablis
What styles of wine are produced in Auxey-Duresses AOC?
- Dry White: similar to but lighter than Meursault
- Red
Production is two-thirds red.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Auxey-Duresses AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 9 Premiers Crus
What can Auxey-Duresses AOC’s lack of fame be attributed to?
Prior to the AOC system, most of these wines were bottled as:
* Volnay
* Pommard or
* Meursault
What styles of wine are produced in Saint-Aubin AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Production is approx. 80% white.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Saint-Aubin AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 30 Premiers Crus
Approx. 75% of this AOC’s vineyards are ranked as Premiers Crus.
Where are the vineyards of Saint-Aubin AOC located?
On the back slope of the Montrachet hill, sharing some of the same soils.
How much has wine production in Saint-Aubin AOC increased over the past 40 years?
Over 600% and prices have climbed.
Name the 3 appellations located in the southeast of the Cote de Beaune that specialize in white wines and produce some of the most famous wines in the world.
- Meursault AOC
- Puligny-Montrachet AOC
- Chassagne-Montrachet AOC
Which is the largest wine-producing village in the Cote d’Or?
Meursault AOC
With over 120 producers in residence.
Where is Meursault AOC located?
At the center of a broad coomb to the southeast of Auxey-Duresses.
What styles of wine are produced in Meursault AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
The vast majority (96.5%) of total productioin is white.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Meursault AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 19 Premiers Crus
Over one-quarter (25%) of production is ranked Premier Crus.
Where does Meursault AOC’s strength and popularity lie?
Its strength lies in its high-quality village-level wine.
Its popularity lies in its palate-appealing nature. “If gold were a flavor, it would taste like Meursault.” -Matt Kramer (wine writer)
Which appellation boasts more white wine Grands Crus than any other village in Bourgogne?
Puligny-Montrachet AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Puligny-Montrachet AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Production is mostly white wine.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Puligny-Montrachet AOC?
-
4 Grands Crus:
- Montrachet (shared with Chassagne-Montrachet)
- Batard-Montrachet (shared with Chassagne-Montrachet)
- Chevalier-Montrachet
- Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet
- 17 Premiers Crus
What is Puligny-Montrachet AOC’s claim to fame?
- it possesses the majority of the Montrachet hill
- the most white wine Grands Crus in Bourgogne
Why are there so few cellars in Puligny-Montrachet AOC?
The water table is too high to dig them.
How much Pinot Noir is planted in Puligny-Montrachet AOC?
Less than 2.5ac/1ha is in the ground.
What styles of wine are produced in Chassagne-Montrachet AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Production is two-thirds white, one-third red.
Red wines have always been important here and have been compared to those of Nuits-Saint-Georges, but the whites have earned the most acclaim. This lead to an expansion of Chardonnay plantings in the 20th century.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Chassagne-Montrachet AOC?
-
3 Grands Crus
- Montrachet (shared with Puligny-Montrachet)
- Batard-Montrachet (shared with Puligny-Montrachet)
- Criots-Batard-Montrachet
- 55 **Premiers Crus
What style of wine is produced in Blagny AOC?
Red
Where is Blagny located?
This commune straddles both Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.
How are the wines of Blagny AOC marketed?
- Red wines: labeled Blagny
- Whites: labeled Meursault-Blagny, Meursult or Puligny-Montrachet (depending on where the grapes are grown)
Which village AOC is in an area known for its thermal springs?
Santenay AOC
These have been enjoyed since Roman times.
Where is Santenay AOC located?
This appellation lies on the banks of the Dheune River and the Canal du Centre (which connects the Saone River to the Loire River).
What styles of wine are produced in Santenay AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
Predominantly red due to fertile soils.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Santenay AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 12 Premiers Crus
Which vine training system is used in the fertile soils of Santenay AOC
Cordon pruning allows vinerons to curtail the yields.
What is the southernmost appellation in the Cote de Beaune?
Maranges AOC
Note: this AOC consists of 3 villages.
What styles of wine are produced in Maranges AOC?
- Dry White
- Red
This appellation is almost entirely red.
Whites do not allow Pinot Blanc.
Red & whites are soft & supple, and both offer fine value.
How many Grands/Premiers Crus are there in Maranges AOC?
- 0 Grands Crus
- 7 Premiers Crus
What style of wine is produced under Cote de Beaune-Village AOC?
Exclusively red.
All village appellations have the option of labeling their wines as Cote de Beaune-Village AOC with what exceptions?
- Beaune
- Aloxe-Corton
- Pommard
- Volnay