Burgundy - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What are the primary grape varieties in Burgundy?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with some plantings of Aligoté and Gamay.
What is the climate of Burgundy?
Ranges from cool continental in the north (Chablis) to moderate continental in the south (Mâconnais).
What are common climate challenges in Burgundy?
Spring frosts, hailstorms, and wet weather causing grey rot.
What is the importance of vineyard location in Burgundy?
Higher-quality vineyards are typically mid-slope with south or east-facing aspects.
How do soils vary in Burgundy?
Hillside soils are shallower with better drainage, while flatland soils are deeper and more fertile.
What are the characteristics of Burgundy Pinot Noir?
Red fruit flavors in youth, evolving to earth, game, and mushroom with age; high acidity and low to medium tannins.
What are the characteristics of Burgundy Chardonnay?
Ranges from lean, high-acid wines in Chablis to full-bodied, ripe wines in the Mâconnais.
What is the hierarchy of Burgundy appellations?
Regional appellations, village appellations, premier crus, and grand crus.
What is a regional appellation in Burgundy?
Wines labeled as Bourgogne, covering the entire region.
What is the difference between premier cru and grand cru vineyards?
Premier cru wines are high quality but grand cru wines are the pinnacle, with the vineyard name on the label (both single vineyards)
What are the primary characteristics of Chablis wines?
High acidity, green fruit, citrus, and sometimes minerality.
What is Petit Chablis?
A less prestigious appellation within Chablis, often lighter and less complex.
How do producers influence Chablis wine style?
Some use old oak barrels for texture, while others prefer stainless steel for purity.
What are the two main divisions of the Côte d’Or?
Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.
What type of wine is Côte de Nuits known for?
Full-bodied, long-lived Pinot Noir.
What type of wine is Côte de Beaune famous for?
World-renowned Chardonnay and fruitier Pinot Noir.
Name two famous grand cru vineyards in Côte de Nuits.
Chambertin and Romanée-Conti.
What is the premier grape in Côte Chalonnaise?
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What distinguishes wines from Côte Chalonnaise?
Lighter and less concentrated than those from the Côte d’Or.
What is the primary sparkling wine from Burgundy?
Crémant de Bourgogne, made using traditional methods.
What are the most famous villages in the Mâconnais?
Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran.
What is the style of Pouilly-Fuissé wines?
Rich Chardonnays with ripe tropical and stone fruit flavors, often aged in oak.
What is unique about Montrachet?
It is a grand cru shared between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, producing some of the finest Chardonnays.
What is the role of Aligoté in Burgundy?
A white grape producing high-acid, neutral wines, often used in Crémant or as a base for Kir cocktails.