Burgundy Flashcards
What is the climate type of Côte d’Or?
Moderate continental climate
Characterized by cold winters and warm summers, suitable for early ripening grape varieties.
What geographical feature protects Côte d’Or from rainfall?
Morvan hills to the west
This protection helps maintain a relatively dry environment for grape growing.
What is the average rainfall in Côte d’Or?
700mm
Rainfall patterns can affect harvest conditions and grape quality.
What are the main factors affecting the quality of individual vineyard sites?
- Aspect
- Altitude
- Degree of slope
- Soils
- Ripening
What are the threats to grape yield in Côte d’Or?
- Frosts
- Hail
- Rain
- Drought
Each of these threats can severely impact the grape harvest and quality.
True or False: Pinot Noir (PN) is difficult to ripen despite warmer climate trends.
True
Pinot Noir still faces challenges in achieving full ripeness.
What is a key concern for growers regarding frost?
Can greatly lower yield if after budburst
Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are early budding and thus vulnerable.
What type of soil is predominant in Côte de Nuits?
Dominated by limestone
This soil composition is ideal for growing Pinot Noir.
What is the significance of aspect and elevation in vineyard management?
Most critical factors in determining style and quality
They influence sunlight exposure and temperature conditions for grape ripening.
Fill in the blank: Chardonnay is best grown in _______ and clay soils.
Limestone
This combination helps produce high-quality Chardonnay.
What are the main grape varieties grown in Côte d’Or?
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Aligoté
Gamay
While Aligoté and Gamay were historically prominent, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate today.
What are the typical yield levels for regional appellations in Burgundy?
Red: 69 hL/ha
White: 75 hL/ha
Yield levels vary significantly by classification and vineyard management practices.
What is the purpose of debudding in vineyard management?
Promotes vine balance
However, it can reduce yield early in the season.
What type of fermentation vessels are commonly used for higher classification wines?
Concrete or stainless steel
These materials help preserve fruit character and avoid unwanted flavors.
What is the maximum enrichment allowed by chaptalization in the EU?
1.5 – 2%
This practice is used to increase alcohol content in wines.
Describe the classification hierarchy in Côte d’Or.
- Regional
- Communal
- Premier Cru
- Grand Cru
Each level reflects the quality and reputation of the vineyards.
What is the impact of Napoleonic inheritance laws on Côte d’Or vineyards?
Majority owned by more than one domaine
This leads to variability in quality based on vineyard management.
What is the main characteristic of Grand Cru vineyards in Côte d’Or?
Mid-slope positioning
This location helps achieve full ripeness even in cooler years.
What is the typical aging duration for red wines in Côte d’Or?
> 12 months ageing for $
12-20 months for $$$-$$$$
Aging duration varies based on wine style and classification.
Fill in the blank: The classification of terroir in Côte d’Or was formalized in the _______.
1930s
This formalization helped categorize all lieux-dits (named places).
What is the common practice for sorting grapes during harvest?
Hand sorting is common for all but cheapest wines
Sorting is essential for maintaining quality, especially in adverse weather conditions.
What is the main objective of whole bunch fermentation?
- Aids aeration of must
- Adds perfume, freshness
However, unripe stems can introduce undesirable tannins.
What are the typical characteristics of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir?
Nose: strawberry, raspberry; Palate:
1. Dry
2. High acid
3. Low-medium tannins
Ageing can introduce earthy, gamey notes.
What are the characteristics of Grand Cru vineyards?
Mid-slope with good drainage, weather protection, and good sunlight interception. Achieves full ripeness even in cooler years.
Wines are noted for concentration, balance, and strength if made properly.
What is the Village Level in the context of Burgundy vineyards?
Lowest part of the slope with richer, less drained soils, resulting in fruit that does not reach the same level of ripeness.
Can still produce good wines.
What does the Bourgogne AOC represent in Burgundy wine classification?
A generic appellation located on flat land at the slope bottom, divided from the village level by the D974 road.
This road runs from Dijon to Beaune.
Which grape variety is primarily specialized in the Côtes de Nuits?
Pinot Noir
The region hosts some of the best Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines.
What is the largest village in the Côte de Nuits?
Gevrey-Chambertin AOC
Produces red wine only
Grands crus: Charmes Chambertin AOC and Chambertin Clos de Bèze AOC
Morey-Saint-Denis AOC
Exclusively red wine
Grands crus: Clos de Tart
What type of wines does Chambolle-Musigny AOC produce?
Red wines only for the village wine
Grands crus: Bonnes Mares and Musigny AOC
What types of wines are produced in Vougeot AOC?
Red and white wines
Grand cru: Clos de Vougeot AOC.
Which AOC is exclusively red wine and includes Grands Crus like La Tâche?
Vosne-Romanée AOC.
What is unique about Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC?
Almost exclusively red wines with no grands crus
Premiers crus: Les Saint-Georges and Les Vaucrains
Côte de Beaune.
Whites
What types of wines does Beaune AOC primarily produce?
Predominantly red wines, but white wines are also made.
Premiers crus: Le Clos des Mouches and Les Grèves.
Pommard AOC produces what style of wine?
Red wines only, with prestigious premiers crus like Les Rugiens and Clos des Épeneaux.
Premiers crus: Les Rugien and Clos des Épeneaux
What type of wines does Meursault AOC primarily produce?
Mostly white wines.
Premiers crus: Perrières and Genevrières.
What type of wine is produced in Puligny-Montrachet?
Virtually all white
Which two AOCs are known for their celebrated white Grands Crus?
Le Montrachet AOC and Bâtard-Montrachet AOC.
What is the primary wine type produced in Saint-Aubin AOC?
Mostly white wines.
Premiers crus: Sur le Sentier du Clou and En Remilly.
Santenay AOC
Which AOC is mainly focused on red wine?
True or False: As demand and prices have risen, focus has turned to other villages for more accessible priced wines.
True.
