C16 - Beaujolais Flashcards
What is the climate in Beaujolais?
Similar to Mâconnais (moderate continental)
Why is Beaujolais suited to Gamay?
Because Gamay buds and ripens early
What can happen if Gamay is not well managed?
It can produce large yields
What is the soil like in the best vineyards of Beaujolais?
Granite-based with low levels of nutrients
What is the traditional method of pruning in Beaujolais called?
Gobelet
Describe Gobelet pruning
The vines are pruned to spurs around the head
Shoots are tied together to hold them vertically
Some growers in Beaujolais are allowing for mechanisation. How?
By tying the shoots of their vines to a trellis
What is the flavour profile of Gamay in Beaujolais?
Fragrant aromas of raspberry and cherry
Medium tannin
Medium body
How many appellation ranks are there in Beaujolais? What are they?
Three
Beaujolais
Beaujolais Villages
Beaujolais Crus
Describe where generic Beaujolais is produced
To the east and south of the region, in the alluvial plain of the river Saône
What is the key process in making Beaujolais?
Carbonic Maceration/Semi-carbonic Maceration
What else is made in the plains of the Saône?
Beaujolais Nouveau
What is Beaujolais Nouveau made for?
Early drinking
When does Beaujolais Nouveau get released?
The third Thursday in November after the vintage
When can Beaujolais be sold by growers or négociants?
After 31st of August the year after the vintage
What quality must Beaujolais Nouveau be of?
Beaujolais or Beaujolais Village
What is the flavour profile of Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau?
Red berry fruit, kirsch, banana and cinnamon-like spice
Light body
Light tannin
Where are the Beaujolais Villages and Beaujolais Crus?
To the north west of Beaujolais
What is the land like where Beaujolais Villages and Crus are?
Rolling hills with granite soils
How many villages may call their wine Beaujolais Villages?
Thirty nine
Why do individual village names rarely appear on Beaujolais Villages wine bottles?
Beaujolais Villages wines are usually blends from several villages
How many villages may be classed as crus?
Ten
What are the four Beaujolais villages with the greatest production?
Brouilly
Morgon
Fleurie
Moulin-à-Vent
Which of the Beaujolais Crus produce the most structured wines?
Moulin-à-Vent
Morgon
Which cru wines of Beaujolais are most capable of improving with bottle ageing?
Moulin-à-Vent
Morgon
Which crus of Beaujolais produce the lightest, most perfumed styles of Beaujolais?
Brouilly
Fleurie
What kind of fermentation do many of the wines of Beaujolais villages and beaujolais crus undergo?
Crushed-fruit fermentation
What kind of vessel is used when Beaujolais is oak aged?
Large vats rather than casks
Why are vats used in Beaujolais rather than casks?
Because the wines rarely show flavours of new oak
How may Beaujolais producers achieve brighter fruit aromas?
Semi-carbonic maceration or a small proportion of whole bunches
