Burgundy Flashcards
What is the origin of Burgundy’s fragmented vineyard ownership?
The Napoleonic Code mandated inheritance laws that divided vineyards among heirs.
What are the two primary fault lines influencing the Côte d’Or’s geology?
Saône Fault and Bresse Rift.
Define the term climat in Burgundy.
A precisely defined vineyard site with unique terroir and historical delineation.
What is lutte raisonnée and how is it relevant in Burgundy?
A sustainable viticultural approach involving minimal intervention, often practiced in Burgundy.
What are the four key soil types in Burgundy’s Côte d’Or?
- Marl
- Limestone
- Clay
- Scree
What is the difference between marl and limestone in wine production?
Marl (clay-rich limestone) is better for Chardonnay, while limestone provides ideal drainage for Pinot Noir.
What is the importance of the Clos designation?
Indicates a walled vineyard, historically signifying importance; many are Grand Crus today.
What are lieux-dits?
Non-classified, named vineyard plots used for labeling at the village level.
What geological distinction separates Petit Chablis from Chablis AOC?
Petit Chablis is planted on Portlandian limestone, while Chablis AOC is on Kimmeridgian marl.
What is pied de cuve and how is it used in Chablis?
A starter culture of native yeast used to encourage fermentation in traditional winemaking.
Which Chablis Grand Cru is the largest?
Les Clos.
Which Chablis Grand Cru faces the most westward and often produces the richest wines?
Vaudésir.
What is the primary climate hazard in Chablis, and how is it mitigated?
Frost; mitigated by heaters (chaufferettes) and sprinklers (aspersion).
Why might some Chablis producers use oak for aging?
To add texture and complexity, particularly for Grand Cru wines.
What is vin de goutte versus vin de presse in Chablis winemaking?
Vin de goutte is free-run juice, while vin de presse is extracted under pressure.
What is the key difference between the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune in wine production?
Côte de Nuits specializes in Pinot Noir; Côte de Beaune produces more white wine.
What is the monopole Grand Cru in Vosne-Romanée owned by Domaine de la Romanée-Conti?
Romanée-Conti.
Name three producers in Gevrey-Chambertin known for Grand Cru holdings.
- Domaine Armand Rousseau
- Domaine Fourrier
- Domaine Dugat-Py
What is the highest-altitude Grand Cru in the Côte de Nuits?
Clos de Vougeot.
What is the primary soil composition of Montrachet Grand Cru?
Brown limestone with fine gravel and marl.
What is the primary soil composition of Romanée-Conti?
Deep clay-limestone with excellent drainage.
Name a Grand Cru in Côte de Beaune known for red wine.
Corton.
What is the significance of Les Amoureuses in Chambolle-Musigny?
A Premier Cru often considered Grand Cru quality.
Name three factors that contribute to the elegance of Chambolle-Musigny wines.
- Higher limestone content
- Lower clay
- An east-facing aspect
What is the only Grand Cru of Puligny-Montrachet entirely within its borders?
Chevalier-Montrachet.
What is the smallest Grand Cru in Burgundy?
La Romanée.
Which Grand Cru straddles both Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet?
Montrachet.
What unique style of red wine can be found in Volnay?
Elegantly structured, lighter-bodied Pinot Noir with floral notes.
Which Grand Cru vineyard in Aloxe-Corton is shared between three communes?
Corton.
Name the five key appellations of the Côte Chalonnaise.
- Bouzeron
- Rully
- Mercurey
- Givry
- Montagny
What grape is exclusively grown in Bouzeron?
Aligoté.
What is the primary soil composition of Mercurey?
Marl and limestone.
Why are wines from Givry often less expensive than those from the Côte d’Or?
Lower classification prestige and smaller vineyard holdings.
What distinguishes Montagny Premier Cru wines?
They are all white wines made from Chardonnay.
What are the five main village appellations of Mâconnais?
- Pouilly-Fuissé
- Pouilly-Loché
- Pouilly-Vinzelles
- Saint-Véran
- Viré-Clessé
What soil type is dominant in Pouilly-Fuissé?
Marl and limestone.
What geological landmark is significant in Pouilly-Fuissé?
Rock of Solutré.
Which Mâconnais AOC was the first to gain recognition for quality wines?
Pouilly-Fuissé.
What style of wine is Viré-Clessé known for?
High-acid Chardonnay with potential for botrytis influence.
What is the difference between Mâcon AOC and Mâcon-Villages AOC?
Mâcon AOC includes red, white, and rosé, while Mâcon-Villages is strictly white.
What is the Saône Plain, and how does it affect Burgundy’s terroir?
A geological fault creating the escarpment of the Côte d’Or, influencing slope orientation and drainage.
What is the significance of Burgundy’s east-facing slopes?
Maximizes sunlight exposure, aiding ripening in a cool continental climate.
What are ban des vendanges?
Traditional regulations setting the start date for harvest.
How does elevation impact vineyard classification in the Côte d’Or?
Mid-slope sites are typically Premier Cru or Grand Cru due to optimal drainage, exposure, and soil composition.
What is the role of scree in Côte d’Or soils?
Provides excellent drainage and moderates vine stress.
What is the key difference in marl content between Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune?
Côte de Nuits has more clay-rich marl, favoring Pinot Noir; Côte de Beaune is more limestone-rich, benefiting Chardonnay.
What is the combe phenomenon in Burgundy?
Valleys that funnel cool air through vineyards, affecting ripeness and freshness.
Which Grand Cru in Gevrey-Chambertin is known for the most structured wines?
Chambertin.