Burgundy

Question 1

State and describe the climate of the region

Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand cru

Answer 1

Cool continental –temperatures below an average of 16.5 degrees during the
growth season with hot summer and cold winters

Question 2

What factors in the vineyard will equate to this being a complex wine?
Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand cru

Answer 2

Found on the most desired steep slopes, facing south on various limestone soils well- suited to the production of premium Chablis

Question 3

This wine is often medium to full bodied, complex with primary, secondary and tertiary flavours. State and explain three method a winemaker can employ to obtain this style: (9 marks)

Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru

Answer 3

• Malolatic Fermentation – a secondary fermentation through an inoculation with lactic bacteria that converts the natural malic acid into lactic acid. This creates secondary flavours such as dairy (cream, milk, butter) and imparts more body into wine
• Yeast Atuolysis – keeping the wine in contact with the fine lees for an extended time (often up to 1 year) in any vessel but often oak maximising the contact through processes such as a battonage. This creates secondary flavours such as yeast (bread, cream, dough)
• Oak fermentation and oak maturation- the use of new/ oak French oak barrels which enable secondary flavours such as oak (cedar, vanilla) and oxidative tertiary flavours such as almond, walnut

Question 4

Name two weather hazards and their effect on the vineyard in Burgundy (4 marks)

Answer 4

• A reduction of yields occurs with summer rainfall that can disrupt flowering and harvest rainfall that can cause rot

• Spring frosts can occur up to May that reduce yields by damaging or destroying
the buds

*Summer localized Hailstorms can damage or destroy the vines leading to a reduction in yields.

Question 5

Describe the likely viticultural conditions of a Grand Cru or Premier Cru vineyard (6 marks)

Answer 5

There is likely to be found on mid-slopes where there is good drainage and less frost risk.

In addition, the aspect of these slopes will often be from south to east, offering protection from westerly winds and better but gentle ripening conditions as they are facing the sun.

Question 6

Describe a reason why Pinot Noir is particularly a change to grow here in Burgundy?

Answer 6

1. Pinot noir is early budding, and therefore it is at greater risk from spring frost
2. It is susceptible to rot and yields can be dramatically affected by the harvest rainfall.