Burgundy Flashcards
What historical periods does the history of Burgundy date back to?
Roman times and great monasteries
What are the main regions within Burgundy?
- Chablis
- Côte d’Or
- Côte Chalonnaise
- Mâconnais
- Beaujolais
What is the approximate north to south distance of Burgundy?
130km/80miles
What grape variety constitutes 80% of the Yonne department?
Chardonnay
What percentage of Côte d’Or is planted with Pinot Noir?
Over 60%
Where is Chablis located in relation to Dijon?
110km/70miles north-west
What is the climate of Chablis?
Continental, cold winters/short warm summers
What are the main characteristics of Chablis white wines?
- Dry
- Medium bodied
- Medium alcohol
- High acidity
- Green apple and lemon fruit
What type of oak aging is used for premier and grand crus in Chablis?
Minimal or no oak, but aging in oak is used for premier and grand crus
What significant event in 1945 affected Chablis vineyard area?
Frost reduced the area to 500 hectares
What is the current vineyard area under vine in Chablis?
5,800 hectares
What soil type is primarily found in Chablis?
Kimmeridgian soil
What are the hazards faced by vineyards in Chablis?
- Spring frosts
- Hail storms
What is a common method used to mitigate spring frost damage?
Later pruning promotes bud-burst
What is the rootstock used in Chablis that is tolerant of limestone?
41B (Vinifera x berlandieri)
What is the maximum yield allowed for Chablis Grand Cru AOC?
54 hl/ha
What is the purpose of Lieu-dit in Burgundy?
A named piece of land in centralised land register
Which organization was established to combat fraud in Chablis?
Le Syndicat de Défense de l’Appellation de Chablis
What is the climate type of Côte d’Or?
Moderate continental
What is the primary grape variety grown in Côte de Nuits?
Pinot Noir
What vineyard management technique is used to limit vigor and yields?
Cordon training system
What are the four tiers of vineyard classification in Burgundy?
- Regional or Generic appellations
- Communal or village appellations
- Premier Cru
- Grand Cru
What is the main challenge in managing Pinot Noir vineyards?
Achieving full ripeness for tannins, color, and flavor
What is the maximum permitted enrichment through chaptalisation?
+1.5-2%
What is the typical aging period for Grand Cru wines in Burgundy?
12-20 months
Which appellation is known for producing 100% Aligoté?
Bouzeron AOC
What is the primary business model of Négociants in Burgundy?
Large businesses that buy grapes, finish them, and bottle them under their own name
True or False: Irrigation is permitted in Burgundy.
False
What is the significance of the D974 road in Burgundy?
Divides village level above to generic below
Fill in the blank: The main grape variety in Côte de Beaune is _______.
Chardonnay
What are Négociants?
Large businesses that buy grapes, finish them, bottle them under their own name.
Examples include Albert Bichot, Joseph Drouhin, Faiveley, Louis Jadot, Bouchard Père et Fils.
What is the role of Micro-négociants?
Smaller businesses that buy grapes from very good to top quality vineyards and make and sell them under their own name.
An example is Benjamin Leroux.
In which regions are Co-operatives more predominant?
Chablis and Mâconnais.
An example is La Chablisienne, Cave de Lugny.
What does inheritance law state regarding children?
Children have status of equal inheritors of an estate.
What percentage of wine volume is sold in France?
Half.
What percentage of wine is exported to the USA, UK, and Canada?
Half.
What is the total production of wine compared to Bordeaux?
1/4 of that in Bordeaux.
How much wine does Domaine de la Romanée-Conti produce compared to Château Lafite Rothschild’s Grand Vin?
Produces 1/4 of what Château Lafite Rothschild’s Grand Vin in Bordeaux produces.
What is a characteristic of Aligote wine?
Way more affordable.
What is the purpose of sunlight on leaves in vineyard management?
Exposed canopy, canopy management.
What is leaf stripping used for?
To allow more sunlight on bunches.
Why is Green harvest not super common?
It is super expensive fruit.
What are some effects of climate change on vineyards?
Vintage variation, change of rootstock, declassify, buying fruit, blend down, fruit doesn’t ripen fully, hazards may ruin an entire crop, canopy management, delay winter pruning can delay budburst.
What is the significance of the podcast ‘I’ll drink to that’?
It discusses various wine-related topics.
How does more lees affect wine?
It creates a reductive quality and less need for SO2.
What is the effect of not using stems in winemaking?
Creates airways for juice to flow, integrates oxygen, aids in pressing, gentler extraction, and adds more tannin from stems.
What are the effects of using stems in winemaking?
Reduces acidity, increases volume, requires more pressing, is labor extensive, reduces alcohol and color, and makes the wine more pale.
Which region is known for more stem use?
Côtes du Nuits.
Which region is known for floral aromas from stems?
Côtes du Beaune.
