Burgundy (Part I - History -> Regional AOCs) Flashcards
Why does quality vary greatly even within a single Grand Cru parcel?
Many producers can farm the same vineyard 2/2 to fragmentation of land with the Napoleon Code of Inheritance
What is a “climat”?
A named parcel of land in Bourgogne associated with Grand Crus and Premier Crus; a vigneron’s notion of a site
Name the four Dukes of Burgundy
Philippe the Bold
John the Fearless
Philippe the Good
Charles the Rash
What was the influence of Philippe the Bold?
Outlawed Gamay to promote Pinot Noir
What was the influence of John the Fearless?
Appointed guardian of the future King of France. Assassinated for being power hungry
What was the influence of Philippe the Good?
Captured Joan of Arc and surrendered her to the British. Established the Hospices de Beaune
What was the influence of Charles the Rash?
Died attempting to conquer Alsace and Lorraine
How did the French Revolution impact the Burgundian wine industry?
The great domaines were broken up and only a few monopoles survived
How did King Louis-Philippe influence the Burgundian wine industry?
Allowed Gevrey to append Chambertin to its name. Other villages followed suit to assist with marketing efforts of growers who were not associated with the most famous flagship vineyards
What prompted a shift in focus from red to white wine in the 1980s?
Surge in worldwide demand for white wine. Production flipped from 60% red production to 60% white production
What is the general climate of Bourgogne? How does it vary from north to south?
Continental with oceanic influences in the north and Mediterranean influences in the south. The increased warmth as you travel south results in earlier bud break and harvest in these regions
What are the main climatic threats in Burgundy?
Spring frosts and summer hail
Does the Saone River have a temperature moderating influence on the region?
No, it is too far away (~12 miles) to have a temperature moderating influence
What are the two uplifts of the Saone Graben?
Jura Mountains (E) and Cote d’Or escarpment and Morvan uplands (W)
What are the geologic forces that formed the Bourgogne region, especially the Cote d’Or escarpment?
When the Alps rose and the Bresse Plain sank, it formed the Saone Graben. The continental upheaval also led to 8 fault lines that run through the Cote d’Or which are responsible for the shifting of sedimentary deposits. Additionally, erosion and slope wash added to the complex variety of soil types seen in the region
Where are the youngest and oldest marine deposits found in Burgundy?
Oldest are in the south (Maconnais) and youngest in the north (Chablis)
Does the Saone Graben possess alluvial or colluvial soils?
Colluvial as they are formed from rain-driven slope wash vs river sediment
Describe the relative location of Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village, and Regional wine growing sites in Bourgogne.
Premier Cru = top of slope with the thinnest soil and least precipitation
Grand Cru = Mid-slope with moderate topsoil and adequate water. Maximum sunlight.
Village = Bottom of the slope with deepest soil and most water. Can also be located at top of slope
Regional = flatter plains
Can there be soil variation within a Grand Cru site? If so, provide an example
Yes, Clos de Vougeot has 13 climats
What is marl?
Limestone-rich clay
What type of soil does Pinot Noir prefer?
Limestone or marls with higher limestone content
What type of soil does Chardonnay prefer?
Marl
What is the preferred type of marl in Chablis and why?
Kimmeridgean marl is preferred over Portlandian marl because it is found at the more optimal slope location
What are other grape varieties grown in Bourgogne?
Pinot Blanc, Aligote, Melon B, Sacy, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Gris, Gamay, Cesar
What wines are usually, if not always, a blend?
Cremant de Bourgogne, Coteaux Bourguignons, Bourgogne Passe-Tout-Grains