Burgundy Flashcards
What are some weather hazards that exist in Burgundy? Explain their implications.
Rain - During flowering in June which will disrupt overall fruit set. Rain occuring in September before harvest which can create off flavours in the wine.
Spring frosts - Cause damage to Punot and Chardonnay which are both early budding varieties.
Hail storms - Any that occur throughout summer which shread leaves, damage leaves and grapes.
What direction of slope do the vineyards lie on and what are they being protected from?
The westerly side, while vineyards are on the east. Protected from the gulf stream (westerly wind).
Why is an east facing slope better in Burgundy?
Grapes get the morning sunshine which is gentler. This will allow the grapes to ripen more elegantly leading towards a more feminine wine.
What are the key grapes of Burgundy and what percentage do they make up?
- Chardonnay 1/2 production.
- Pinot noir 1/3 Production.
-Aligote - Cousin of chardonnay and pinot noir. Usually found on flatter land so produces more neutral wines. - Gamay - High yielding and light gentle easy drinking.
What is the Burgundy hierachy from bottom to top?
- Regional appellations - Bourgogne Rouge/Blanc, flatter land.
- Sub Regional appellations - Bourgogne Hautes Cote de nuits, Bourgogne Hautes de beaune, Bourgogne Macon and Macon Village.
- Commune (village) - Chablis, Meusault, Pouilly -Fume, Beaune and Gervey-Chambertin.
- 1er/Premier Cru - Commune with named Vineyard
- Grand cru - highest quality vineyard
What is the climate of Chablis?
Cool continetal with average growing season dropping below 16.5. This is not as affected by the atlantic.
What are some weather hazards in Chablis and what can be done to help?
- Rainfall which causes mild dew and rot later in the season. Good canopy management to improve air circulation and spraying with sulfur can be helpful.
- Spring frosts - a big issue as chardonnay is an early budding varietal. This can be prevented by planning your vineyard. Ensure that the vineyard is on a slope or hillside. Could also use sprinklers, heaters and wind machines.
- Hail which is localised and very damaging. Can cause entire loss of crop.
What are the two main types of Limestone in Chablis?
Kimmeridigan Marls and Portlandian limestone.
Chablis and Petit Chablis are typically found on ____ land and produce ______ styles of wine. These wines still show _______.
Flatter, fruitier and mineralilty.
What are the names of the grand cru chablis sites?
B, L, V, G, V, L and B
Bourgros, Les Preves, Vaudesir, Grenouilles, Valmur, Les Clos and Blanchot.
What is a definition of malolactic fermentation?
A secondary fermentation through an inoculation of lactic bacteria that converts the natural malic acid into lactic acid. This creates dairy aromas and adds more body to the wine.
What is the definition of yeast autolysis?
Keeping the wine in contact with fine lees for an extended period of time in any vessel. Most commonly oak is used to battonage can be completed as well. This creates secondary flavours of bread, cream and dough. Increases overall body.
What is the definition of oak fermentation?
The use of new/old oak barriques which will enable secondary flavours such as oak (cedar and vanilla) and oxidative tertiary flavours (kernel, almond and walnut).
What flavours does a classic burgundian pinot start with and develop?
Begin with red fruits and develops into earth, game and mushroom.
Describe a Chablis and a chardonnay from Macon?
Chablis - lean, steely and mineral.
Macon - riper and more fullbodied.
