Burgundy Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate type of Côte d’Or?

A

Moderate continental climate

Characterized by cold winters and warm summers, suitable for early ripening grape varieties.

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2
Q

What geographical feature protects Côte d’Or from rainfall?

A

Morvan hills to the west

This protection helps maintain a relatively dry environment for grape growing.

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3
Q

What is the average rainfall in Côte d’Or?

A

700mm

Rainfall patterns can affect harvest conditions and grape quality.

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4
Q

What are the main factors affecting the quality of individual vineyard sites?

A
  1. Aspect
  2. Altitude
  3. Degree of slope
  4. Soils
  5. Ripening
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5
Q

What are the threats to grape yield in Côte d’Or?

A
  1. Frosts
  2. Hail
  3. Rain
  4. Drought

Each of these threats can severely impact the grape harvest and quality.

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6
Q

True or False: Pinot Noir (PN) is difficult to ripen despite warmer climate trends.

A

True

Pinot Noir still faces challenges in achieving full ripeness.

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7
Q

What is a key concern for growers regarding frost?

A

Can greatly lower yield if after budburst

Both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are early budding and thus vulnerable.

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8
Q

What type of soil is predominant in Côte de Nuits?

A

Dominated by limestone

This soil composition is ideal for growing Pinot Noir.

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9
Q

What is the significance of aspect and elevation in vineyard management?

A

Most critical factors in determining style and quality

They influence sunlight exposure and temperature conditions for grape ripening.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: Chardonnay is best grown in _______ and clay soils.

A

Limestone

This combination helps produce high-quality Chardonnay.

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11
Q

What are the main grape varieties grown in Côte d’Or?

A

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Aligoté
Gamay

While Aligoté and Gamay were historically prominent, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir dominate today.

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12
Q

What are the typical yield levels for regional appellations in Burgundy?

A

Red: 69 hL/ha
White: 75 hL/ha

Yield levels vary significantly by classification and vineyard management practices.

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13
Q

What is the purpose of debudding in vineyard management?

A

Promotes vine balance

However, it can reduce yield early in the season.

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14
Q

What type of fermentation vessels are commonly used for higher classification wines?

A

Concrete or stainless steel

These materials help preserve fruit character and avoid unwanted flavors.

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15
Q

What is the maximum enrichment allowed by chaptalization in the EU?

A

1.5 – 2%

This practice is used to increase alcohol content in wines.

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16
Q

Describe the classification hierarchy in Côte d’Or.

A
  1. Regional
  2. Communal
  3. Premier Cru
  4. Grand Cru

Each level reflects the quality and reputation of the vineyards.

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17
Q

What is the impact of Napoleonic inheritance laws on Côte d’Or vineyards?

A

Majority owned by more than one domaine

This leads to variability in quality based on vineyard management.

18
Q

What is the main characteristic of Grand Cru vineyards in Côte d’Or?

A

Mid-slope positioning

This location helps achieve full ripeness even in cooler years.

19
Q

What is the typical aging duration for red wines in Côte d’Or?

A

> 12 months ageing for $
12-20 months for $$$-$$$$

Aging duration varies based on wine style and classification.

20
Q

Fill in the blank: The classification of terroir in Côte d’Or was formalized in the _______.

A

1930s

This formalization helped categorize all lieux-dits (named places).

21
Q

What is the common practice for sorting grapes during harvest?

A

Hand sorting is common for all but cheapest wines

Sorting is essential for maintaining quality, especially in adverse weather conditions.

22
Q

What is the main objective of whole bunch fermentation?

A
  1. Aids aeration of must
  2. Adds perfume, freshness

However, unripe stems can introduce undesirable tannins.

23
Q

What are the typical characteristics of Burgundian-style Pinot Noir?

A

Nose: strawberry, raspberry; Palate:
1. Dry
2. High acid
3. Low-medium tannins

Ageing can introduce earthy, gamey notes.

24
Q

What are the characteristics of Grand Cru vineyards?

A

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.

25
Q

What is the Village Level in the context of Burgundy vineyards?

A

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.

26
Q

What does the Bourgogne AOC represent in Burgundy wine classification?

A

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.

27
Q

Which grape variety is primarily specialized in the Côtes de Nuits?

A

Pinot Noir

The region hosts some of the best Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines.

28
Q

What is the largest village in the Côte de Nuits?

A

Gevrey-Chambertin AOC

Produces red wine only
Grands crus: Charmes Chambertin AOC and Chambertin Clos de Bèze AOC

29
Q

Morey-Saint-Denis AOC

A

Exclusively red wine

Grands crus: Clos de Tart

30
Q

What type of wines does Chambolle-Musigny AOC produce?

A

Red wines only for the village wine

Grands crus: Bonnes Mares and Musigny AOC

31
Q

What types of wines are produced in Vougeot AOC?

A

Red and white wines

Grand cru: Clos de Vougeot AOC.

32
Q

Which AOC is exclusively red wine and includes Grands Crus like La Tâche?

A

Vosne-Romanée AOC.

33
Q

What is unique about Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC?

A

Almost exclusively red wines with no grands crus

Premiers crus: Les Saint-Georges and Les Vaucrains

34
Q

Côte de Beaune.

A

Whites

35
Q

What types of wines does Beaune AOC primarily produce?

A

Predominantly red wines, but white wines are also made.

Premiers crus: Le Clos des Mouches and Les Grèves.

36
Q

Pommard AOC produces what style of wine?

A

Red wines only, with prestigious premiers crus like Les Rugiens and Clos des Épeneaux.

Premiers crus: Les Rugien and Clos des Épeneaux

37
Q

What type of wines does Meursault AOC primarily produce?

A

Mostly white wines.

Premiers crus: Perrières and Genevrières.

38
Q

What type of wine is produced in Puligny-Montrachet?

A

Virtually all white

39
Q

Which two AOCs are known for their celebrated white Grands Crus?

A

Le Montrachet AOC and Bâtard-Montrachet AOC.

40
Q

What is the primary wine type produced in Saint-Aubin AOC?

A

Mostly white wines.

Premiers crus: Sur le Sentier du Clou and En Remilly.

41
Q

Santenay AOC

A

Which AOC is mainly focused on red wine?

42
Q

True or False: As demand and prices have risen, focus has turned to other villages for more accessible priced wines.

A

True.