Burgundy - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What are the primary grape varieties in Burgundy?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with some plantings of Aligoté and Gamay.

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2
Q

What is the climate of Burgundy?

A

Ranges from cool continental in the north (Chablis) to moderate continental in the south (Mâconnais).

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3
Q

What are common climate challenges in Burgundy?

A

Spring frosts, hailstorms, and wet weather causing grey rot.

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4
Q

What is the importance of vineyard location in Burgundy?

A

Higher-quality vineyards are typically mid-slope with south or east-facing aspects.

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5
Q

How do soils vary in Burgundy?

A

Hillside soils are shallower with better drainage, while flatland soils are deeper and more fertile.

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6
Q

What are the characteristics of Burgundy Pinot Noir?

A

Red fruit flavors in youth, evolving to earth, game, and mushroom with age; high acidity and low to medium tannins.

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7
Q

What are the characteristics of Burgundy Chardonnay?

A

Ranges from lean, high-acid wines in Chablis to full-bodied, ripe wines in the Mâconnais.

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8
Q

What is the hierarchy of Burgundy appellations?

A

Regional appellations, village appellations, premier crus, and grand crus.

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9
Q

What is a regional appellation in Burgundy?

A

Wines labeled as Bourgogne, covering the entire region.

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10
Q

What is the difference between premier cru and grand cru vineyards?

A

Premier cru wines are high quality but grand cru wines are the pinnacle, with the vineyard name on the label (both single vineyards)

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11
Q

What are the primary characteristics of Chablis wines?

A

High acidity, green fruit, citrus, and sometimes minerality.

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12
Q

What is Petit Chablis?

A

A less prestigious appellation within Chablis, often lighter and less complex.

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13
Q

How do producers influence Chablis wine style?

A

Some use old oak barrels for texture, while others prefer stainless steel for purity.

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14
Q

What are the two main divisions of the Côte d’Or?

A

Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.

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15
Q

What type of wine is Côte de Nuits known for?

A

Full-bodied, long-lived Pinot Noir.

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16
Q

What type of wine is Côte de Beaune famous for?

A

World-renowned Chardonnay and fruitier Pinot Noir.

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17
Q

Name two famous grand cru vineyards in Côte de Nuits.

A

Chambertin and Romanée-Conti.

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18
Q

What is the premier grape in Côte Chalonnaise?

A

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

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19
Q

What distinguishes wines from Côte Chalonnaise?

A

Lighter and less concentrated than those from the Côte d’Or.

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20
Q

What is the primary sparkling wine from Burgundy?

A

Crémant de Bourgogne, made using traditional methods.

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21
Q

What are the most famous villages in the Mâconnais?

A

Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran.

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22
Q

What is the style of Pouilly-Fuissé wines?

A

Rich Chardonnays with ripe tropical and stone fruit flavors, often aged in oak.

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23
Q

What is unique about Montrachet?

A

It is a grand cru shared between Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, producing some of the finest Chardonnays.

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24
Q

What is the role of Aligoté in Burgundy?

A

A white grape producing high-acid, neutral wines, often used in Crémant or as a base for Kir cocktails.

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25
Q

What are the characteristics of Mâcon Villages wines?

A

White wines with fresh apple or citrus fruit, medium acidity, and a hint of creaminess from MLF.

26
Q

How does vineyard aspect affect quality in Burgundy?

A

South and east-facing slopes receive more sunlight, aiding ripening.

27
Q

What is the primary soil type in Chablis?

A

Kimmeridgian clay-limestone, contributing to the region’s mineral character.

28
Q

What are the aging potentials of Côte d’Or wines?

A

Both red and white wines can age for decades, developing complexity and depth.

29
Q

What challenges do producers face in Chablis?

A

Spring frosts and hail, often mitigated by sprinklers or heaters.

30
Q

What distinguishes Meursault wines in Côte de Beaune?

A

Full-bodied Chardonnays with notes of butter, nuts, and stone fruit, often aged in oak.

31
Q

How does Volnay differ from Pommard in style?

A

Volnay produces lighter, more elegant Pinot Noir, while Pommard wines are fuller-bodied and more tannic.

32
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Côte Chalonnaise’s Rully appellation?

A

Primarily white wines, often crisp and unoaked, along with sparkling wines.

33
Q

Why is Mercurey notable in Côte Chalonnaise?

A

It is known for its high-quality red wines with firm tannins and concentrated fruit flavors.

34
Q

What makes Saint-Véran a popular appellation in the Mâconnais?

A

Its Chardonnays are fresh, fruity, and offer great value for money.

35
Q

How does altitude affect wines from the Côte Chalonnaise?

A

Higher altitude leads to later harvests and lighter, less concentrated wines.

36
Q

How does whole-bunch fermentation affect Pinot Noir in Burgundy?

A

Adds complexity, freshness, and fine tannins to the wine.

37
Q

What is the importance of vertical shoot positioning in Burgundy vineyards?

A

Improves sunlight exposure and air circulation, reducing disease risks.

38
Q

What is a monopole vineyard in Burgundy?

A

A vineyard owned entirely by one producer, rare in Burgundy.

39
Q

How does Chardonnay from Chablis differ from Mâconnais?

A

Chablis wines are leaner with high acidity and minerality, while Mâconnais wines are riper and fuller-bodied.

40
Q

What is the role of lees aging in Burgundy white wines?

A

Adds texture, complexity, and flavors like bread and nuts.

41
Q

How do wines labeled “Mâcon Villages” differ from “Mâcon”?

A

Mâcon Villages wines are exclusively white and show more ripeness and character.

42
Q

How does the Massif Central influence the Côte d’Or?

A

Provides protection from westerly winds and creates favorable vineyard slopes.

43
Q

What are the characteristics of Gevrey-Chambertin wines?

A

Full-bodied Pinot Noir with firm tannins, black fruit, and earthy notes.

44
Q

Why are vines in Chablis often planted on slopes?

A

To avoid frost and ensure better sunlight exposure for ripening.

45
Q

What is the typical maturation method for grand cru Chardonnays?

A

Barrel aging, often with some new oak, to enhance texture and complexity.

46
Q

What distinguishes Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet?

A

Both produce top-quality Chardonnay, but Puligny is often more refined, while Chassagne has more body.

47
Q

How does Gamay contribute to Burgundy wines?

A

Used for early-drinking reds with ripe berry flavors and low tannins, mostly in regional appellations.

48
Q

What is the defining characteristic of regional appellations in Burgundy?

A

They cover the entire region and produce entry-level wines, labeled as Bourgogne Rouge or Bourgogne Blanc.

49
Q

Name the river in Chablis?

A

Serein

50
Q

Name two ways to protect against frost in Chablis?

A

Heaters and sprinklers.

51
Q

Name three climate problems in Burgundy?

A

Rain, frost hailstorms.

52
Q

Name 6 regional appellations in Cote d’Or?

A

Bourgogne Blanc, Bourgogne Rouge, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Boune, Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Bourgogne Hautes Cote de Beaune.

53
Q

Name regional appelations in Chalonnaise and Maconais?

A

Bourgogne Cote Chalonnaise, Macon, Macon Vilalges (only white).

54
Q

Name 2 Grand Crus in Gevrey-Chambertin?

A

Chambertin and Chambertin Clos de Beze.

55
Q

Name Grand Cru in Vougeot?

A

Clos de Vougeot.

56
Q

Name three Grand Crus in Vosne-Romanee?

A

Romanee Conti, La Tache, La Romanee

57
Q

Name important villages in Cote de Beaune?

A

Aloxe Corton, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meaursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet.

58
Q

What wines are produced in Cote de Nuits Villages and Cote de Beaune Villages?

A

Cote de Nuits Village (red and white), Cote de Beaune Villages (only red)

59
Q

What are the five main village appellations in Côte Chalonnaise?

A

Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny, and Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise.

60
Q

What is the regional appellation Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits?

A

Covers vineyards at higher altitudes west of the Côte de Nuits, producing lighter wines.