Burgundy

Question 1

Which of the following Chablis Grand Cru vineyards is the smallest in size?
a) Les Clos
b) Grenouilles
c) Vaudésir
d) Blanchot

Answer 1

Grenouilles is the smallest Chablis Grand Cru vineyard, covering approximately 9.38 hectares.

Question 2

True/False
The Kimmeridgian marl soil found in Chablis is unique to the region and is not present in any other wine-producing area in France.

Answer 2

False
Kimmeridgian marl is also found in other regions, such as the Aube in Champagne and parts of the Loire Valley.

Question 3

The Premier Cru vineyard Montée de Tonnerre is often considered the most prestigious Premier Cru in Chablis due to its proximity and similarity in terroir to the Grand Cru vineyard of .

Answer 3

Les Clos
Montée de Tonnerre is located adjacent to Les Clos and shares similar exposure and soil characteristics.

Question 4

Match the following Chablis producers to their signature wines or vineyard holdings:
a) Domaine François Raveneau
b) Domaine William Fèvre
c) Domaine Vincent Dauvissat
d) Domaine Christian Moreau

i) Clos des Hospices
ii) Les Preuses
iii) Montée de Tonnerre
iv) Les Clos

Answer 4

a) Domaine François Raveneau → iii) Montée de Tonnerre
b) Domaine William Fèvre → iv) Les Clos
c) Domaine Vincent Dauvissat → ii) Les Preuses
d) Domaine Christian Moreau → i) Clos des Hospices

Question 5

Arrange the following Chablis Grand Cru vineyards from west to east:

Les Clos
Blanchot
Bougros
Vaudésir

Answer 5

Bougros, Vaudesir, Les Clos, Blanchot

Question 6

What river flows through the Chablis region and explain its role in moderating the climate and influencing the terroir of the vineyards.

Answer 6

The river is the Serein. It moderates the climate by reducing the risk of frost in nearby vineyards and contributes to the unique microclimates of the region. Its proximity also influences the soil composition and drainage.

Question 7

Chablis is the only region in Burgundy where the use of oak barrels is strictly prohibited for both fermentation and aging.

Answer 7

False
While many producers in Chablis prefer stainless steel to preserve freshness and minerality, the use of oak barrels is not prohibited. Some producers, such as François Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat, use oak (often older barrels) for fermentation and aging.

Question 8

What is the minimum alcohol level required for Chablis Grand Cru wines, and how does this compare to the requirements for Chablis AOC and Chablis Premier Cru?

Answer 8

Chablis Grand Cru: Minimum 11% ABV
Chablis Premier Cru: Minimum 10.5% ABV
Chablis AOC: Minimum 10% ABV

Question 9

Warmest vintages in Chablis in the last 10 years

Answer 9

2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022 produced riper, fruit-forward wines with softer acidity.

Question 10

Coolest/coldest Chablis vintages in the last 10 years

Answer 10

2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021 stand out for their high acidity, tension, and minerality.

Question 11

Most challenging Chablis vintages last 10 years

Answer 11

2013, 2016, and 2021 had low yields due to frost and hail but resulted in concentrated, high-quality wines.

Question 12

Best Chablis vintages last 10 years

Answer 12

2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Question 13

Which of the following communes in the Mâconnais is home to all five of the Pouilly-Fuissé climats elevated to Premier Cru status in 2020?
a) Solutré-Pouilly
b) Vergisson
c) Fuissé
d) Chaintré

Answer 13

c) Fuissé
Fuissé is the only commune in Pouilly-Fuissé that contains all five Premier Cru climats elevated in 2020.

Question 14

True/False
The Mâconnais region produces more red wine than white wine

Answer 14

False

Question 15

Match the following Mâconnais appellations to their key characteristics:
a) Pouilly-Fuissé
b) Saint-Véran
c) Viré-Clessé
d) Mâcon-Villages

i) Known for its limestone-rich soils and unoaked Chardonnay wines.
ii) The only appellation in the Mâconnais with Premier Cru vineyards.
iii) A blend of two villages, producing wines with floral and honeyed notes.
iv) Often considered the most prestigious appellation in the Mâconnais.

Answer 15

a) Pouilly-Fuissé → ii) The only appellation in the Mâconnais with Premier Cru vineyards.
b) Saint-Véran → iv) Often considered the most prestigious appellation in the Mâconnais.
c) Viré-Clessé → iii) A blend of two villages, producing wines with floral and honeyed notes.
d) Mâcon-Villages → i) Known for its limestone-rich soils and unoaked Chardonnay wines.

Question 16

Arrange the following Mâconnais appellations geographically from north to south:

Saint-Véran
Pouilly-Fuissé
Viré-Clessé
Mâcon-Villages

Answer 16

Viré-Clessé (North)
Mâcon-Villages
Pouilly-Fuissé
Saint-Véran (South)

Question 17

What is the primary soil type found in the Mâconnais, and how does it influence the style of Chardonnay produced in the region?

Answer 17

The primary soil type is limestone with clay. These soils contribute to the wines’ minerality, freshness, and structure, while the clay content adds richness and weight to the Chardonnay, creating a balance between elegance and ripeness.

Question 18

The Mâconnais region is unique in Burgundy for allowing the use of Pinot Noir in its white wine blends.

Answer 18

False
Pinot Noir is not allowed in white wine blends in the Mâconnais or anywhere in Burgundy. White wines in the Mâconnais are made exclusively from Chardonnay.

Question 19

What are the key differences in style and terroir between Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran, and how do these differences impact the market perception of the wines?

Answer 19

Pouilly-Fuissé: Known for its richer, more complex wines with pronounced minerality and occasional oak influence. The terroir includes steeper slopes and more limestone-rich soils. It is perceived as the most prestigious appellation in the Mâconnais.

Saint-Véran: Produces fresher, lighter wines with less complexity and often no oak influence. The terroir is slightly less dramatic, with more clay content. It is seen as a more affordable alternative to Pouilly-Fuissé.

Question 20

Warmest vintages in the last 10 years in the Mâcon

Answer 20

2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022 produced riper, fruit-forward wines with softer acidity.

Question 21

Coolest/coldest vintages in the last 10 years in the Mâcon

Answer 21

2014, 2016, 2017, and 2021 stand out for their high acidity, tension, and minerality.

Question 22

Most challenging vintages in the last 10 years in the Mâcon

Answer 22

2013, 2016, and 2021 had low yields due to frost and hail but resulted in concentrated, high-quality wines.