Burgundy Region Flashcards
Location/Climate
Eastern France, Central but a little north of Bordeaux in the West
Right below Burgundy is Beaujolais followed by Rhône
Continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable weather
Grapes
Pinot Noir (63%), Chardonnay (35%), Aligote (1%), a few other blends but rare
Terroir
Limestone and clay with varying amounts of gravel and sand
Soil compositions result in the production of elegant and complex wines with a strong sense of place
Wine Characteristics
Reds are light in color with Chardonnay being pale yellow to gold
Cherry, raspberry currant, spice for reds
Whites - peach, apple, citrus, herb
Medium bodied and intensely fragrant
High acid usually
Classifications
Crus
Grand Crus - Top vineyards - 33 climats (plots) in the Cote d’Or
Premier Cru - 640 official plots called climats
Villages
From a village or commune in Burgundy. Total of 44 village wines in Burgundy including Chablis, Pommard, Pouilly-Fuisse, Cote-de-Beaune-Villages, Macon-Villages
Appellation
Bourgogne - Wine from the overarching Bourgogne appellation labeled appellation.
Pinot Noir Grape
Along a sloped strip of land called the Côte d’Or grows that most sought after Pinot Noir grapes in the world
Highly aromatic bursting with red fruits, flowers, and subtle mushroom/funkiness
(Cherry, hibiscus, rose petal, mushroom, potting soil)
Chardonnay Grape
Wines from the Cotes de Beaune tend to be richer using oak aging with hazelnut and golden apple flavors. The Maconnais region are lighter and typically lightly oaked
(Yellow apple, baked quince, apple blossom, vanilla, truffle)
Chablis Region
Much cooler growing region focusing on Chardonnay. Usually lean and minerally styles as opposed to oak.
(Quince, passion fruit, lime, Brie rind, apple blossom)
Cremant de Bourgogne
Great sparkling wines using the same grapes as Champagne
(White peach, apple, cheese rind, baked bread, almond)
