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.
What are the characteristics of Mâcon Villages wines?
White wines with fresh apple or citrus fruit, medium acidity, and a hint of creaminess from MLF.
How does vineyard aspect affect quality in Burgundy?
South and east-facing slopes receive more sunlight, aiding ripening.
What is the primary soil type in Chablis?
Kimmeridgian clay-limestone, contributing to the region’s mineral character.
What are the aging potentials of Côte d’Or wines?
Both red and white wines can age for decades, developing complexity and depth.
What challenges do producers face in Chablis?
Spring frosts and hail, often mitigated by sprinklers or heaters.
What distinguishes Meursault wines in Côte de Beaune?
Full-bodied Chardonnays with notes of butter, nuts, and stone fruit, often aged in oak.
How does Volnay differ from Pommard in style?
Volnay produces lighter, more elegant Pinot Noir, while Pommard wines are fuller-bodied and more tannic.
What are the characteristics of wines from Côte Chalonnaise’s Rully appellation?
Primarily white wines, often crisp and unoaked, along with sparkling wines.
Why is Mercurey notable in Côte Chalonnaise?
It is known for its high-quality red wines with firm tannins and concentrated fruit flavors.
What makes Saint-Véran a popular appellation in the Mâconnais?
Its Chardonnays are fresh, fruity, and offer great value for money.
How does altitude affect wines from the Côte Chalonnaise?
Higher altitude leads to later harvests and lighter, less concentrated wines.
How does whole-bunch fermentation affect Pinot Noir in Burgundy?
Adds complexity, freshness, and fine tannins to the wine.
What is the importance of vertical shoot positioning in Burgundy vineyards?
Improves sunlight exposure and air circulation, reducing disease risks.
What is a monopole vineyard in Burgundy?
A vineyard owned entirely by one producer, rare in Burgundy.
How does Chardonnay from Chablis differ from Mâconnais?
Chablis wines are leaner with high acidity and minerality, while Mâconnais wines are riper and fuller-bodied.
What is the role of lees aging in Burgundy white wines?
Adds texture, complexity, and flavors like bread and nuts.
How do wines labeled “Mâcon Villages” differ from “Mâcon”?
Mâcon Villages wines are exclusively white and show more ripeness and character.
How does the Massif Central influence the Côte d’Or?
Provides protection from westerly winds and creates favorable vineyard slopes.
What are the characteristics of Gevrey-Chambertin wines?
Full-bodied Pinot Noir with firm tannins, black fruit, and earthy notes.
Why are vines in Chablis often planted on slopes?
To avoid frost and ensure better sunlight exposure for ripening.
What is the typical maturation method for grand cru Chardonnays?
Barrel aging, often with some new oak, to enhance texture and complexity.
What distinguishes Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet?
Both produce top-quality Chardonnay, but Puligny is often more refined, while Chassagne has more body.
How does Gamay contribute to Burgundy wines?
Used for early-drinking reds with ripe berry flavors and low tannins, mostly in regional appellations.
What is the defining characteristic of regional appellations in Burgundy?
They cover the entire region and produce entry-level wines, labeled as Bourgogne Rouge or Bourgogne Blanc.
Name the river in Chablis?
Serein
Name two ways to protect against frost in Chablis?
Heaters and sprinklers.
Name three climate problems in Burgundy?
Rain, frost hailstorms.
Name 6 regional appellations in Cote d’Or?
Bourgogne Blanc, Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Boune, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Bourgogne Hautes Cote de Beaune.
Name regional appelations in Chalonnaise and Maconais?
Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise, Macon, Macon Vilalges (only white).
Name 2 Grand Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin?
Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Beze.
Name Grand Cru in Vougeot?
Clos de Vougeot.
Name three Grand Crus in Vosne-Romanee?
Romanee Conti, La Tache, La Romanee
Name important villages in Cote de Beaune?
Aloxe Corton, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meaursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet.
What wines are produced in Cote de Nuits Villages and Cote de Beaune Villages?
Cote de Nuits Village (red and white), Cote de Beaune Villages (only red)
What are the five main village appellations in Côte Chalonnaise?
Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny, and Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise.
What is the regional appellation Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits?
Covers vineyards at higher altitudes west of the Côte de Nuits, producing lighter wines.
