Class 3 - Burgundy and the Loire Flashcards
What is Cote d’Or?
A limestone escarpment in Burgundy
Cote d’Or is known for its prestigious wine production.
What types of wines are produced in the Cote de Nuits?
Almost exclusively red wine
Cote de Nuits is the northern half of the Cote d’Or.
What types of wines are produced in the Cote de Beaune?
A mix of both red and white wines
Cote de Beaune is the southern region of the Cote d’Or.
What does Cote d’Or translate to in English?
The ‘golden slope’
This name refers to the area’s reputation for fine wine production.
What is a characteristic of wines from the Cote d’Or?
Minute quantities and extravagant prices
This region is known for producing limited quantities of high-quality wines.
What is a common issue with Burgundy wines?
A lot of bad Burgundy sold at unreasonably high prices
The romanticized reputation sometimes leads to poor quality wines being overpriced.
What happens to the quantity, price, and quality of wine as the area gets smaller?
Quantity goes down, price goes up, quality goes up (in theory)
This reflects the Burgundy AOC Pyramid structure.
What are the three main categories of Burgundy wines based on the AOC Pyramid?
- Regional appellations
- Village (commune) wines
- Premier Crus
These categories reflect the hierarchy of wine quality and production.
What is unique about Chambertin in the Cote de Nuits?
It is the northernmost wine district of Burgundy
Chambertin is separated from the Cote d’Or by the Morvan hills.
What type of soil is found in Chambertin?
Kimmeridgian Clay/Limestone soils
These soils contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines produced in the area.
What grape is Chablis made from?
100% from the Chardonnay grape
Chablis is known for its distinct style of Chardonnay.
What type of climate does Chablis have?
Semi-continental with no maritime influence
This climate impacts the characteristics of the wines produced.
What effect does the cool climate of Chablis have on its wines?
Produces wines with high acidity and less fruit than Chardonnay from warmer regions
This is due to the semi-continental climate.
What vintage variation does Chablis experience?
Dramatic vintage variation in quality and quantity due to climate conditions
Late frosts particularly impact the vintage quality.
What is the area under vine in Burgundy as of 2012?
13,497 acres (5462 hectares)
This reflects the scale of viticulture in the Burgundy region.
What is believed to be the purest expression of the varietal character of Chardonnay?
Chablis
Some experts believe that Chablis is the purest expression due to its simple winemaking process.
What are the characteristics of Chablis in terms of climate and soil?
High acidity due to calcareous soil and cool climate
Winemakers want to emphasize the terroir.
What color and clarity are typical for Chablis?
Greenish-yellow color and extreme clarity
These visual characteristics are notable in Chablis wines.
What flavor notes are commonly found in Chablis?
Flint, steel, earthiness
These notes contribute to the overall profile of Chablis.
How does bottle aging affect Chablis?
Acquires delicate honeyed notes
Chablis benefits from mild to moderate bottle aging.
What are the primary aromas detected in Chablis?
Green apple and lemon
These brisk, very dry notes are prominent in the nose.
What hints can be found in the palate of Chablis?
Vanilla, lemon, and linden
These flavors contribute to the mouthfeel of Chablis.
What are the three classifications of Chablis?
Petit Chablis, Chablis, Premier Cru Chablis, Grand Cru Chablis
These classifications represent different quality levels of Chablis wines.
Which Côte faces due east and which faces southeast?
Côte de Nuits faces due east; Côte de Beaune faces southeast
This orientation affects the vineyards’ exposure to sunlight.
Which Côte has about twice as much land under vine?
Côte de Beaune
Its strip of vineyards is wider compared to Côte de Nuits.
What is the soil composition difference between Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits?
Côte de Beaune has more marl and less limestone
This is except for the Montrachet area.
What are the classifications of French grape pickers?
Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village
These classifications indicate the quality and origin of the grapes used in wine production.
What region is associated with the term Bourgogne?
Burgundy
Bourgogne is the French name for the Burgundy wine region, known for its high-quality wines.
What is the significance of Hospice de Beaune?
Former hospital and charity that owns several vineyards in Burgundy, hosts an annual wine auction every November
The auction raises funds for charitable purposes and is a notable event in the wine industry.
How far is Hospice de Beaune from the main city?
4 kilometers
This proximity makes it easily accessible for visitors and wine enthusiasts.
Which architectural style is noted in the region related to the Flemish influence?
Flemish (Dutch speaking Belgium) roof
This architectural feature reflects the historical ties between Burgundy and parts of Belgium.
What languages are spoken in parts of Belgium?
French, Dutch, German
The linguistic diversity is a result of historical borders and conflicts, particularly following the wars.
True or False: WW1 was largely fought in Belgium.
False
While Belgium was significantly impacted, WW1 was largely fought in France.
What is the significance of the town of Puligny-Montrachet?
It is known for its high-quality vineyards and hyphenated name to align with nearby wine.
The name change aims to create a closer association with the prestigious Montrachet wine.
Why do towns around Burgundy hyphenate their names?
To create intentional confusion regarding wine quality and origin, often leading consumers to mistake village wine for Grand Cru wine.
This practice can result in consumers purchasing lower-priced wines under the impression they are higher quality.
What is the relationship between Puligny-Montrachet and Montrachet?
Puligny-Montrachet hyphenated its name to be more closely identified with the high-quality vineyard of Montrachet.
This reflects a common trend in Burgundy to enhance the perceived value of local wines.
What can lead to confusion when drinking wines from Burgundy?
The intentional naming conventions of villages can cause consumers to believe they are drinking Grand Cru wines when they are actually drinking village wines.
This confusion is particularly prevalent in regions like Puligny-Montrachet and its surrounding areas.
Fill in the blank: The vineyard of Montrachet is known for its _______.
[high quality]
True or False: The name Puligny-Montrachet was changed to mislead consumers about wine quality.
False
The name change was intended to enhance the association with a high-quality vineyard, not to mislead.
What is a potential consequence of the naming practices in Burgundy?
Consumers may purchase village wine thinking it is Grand Cru wine, resulting in unexpected pricing.
This practice can lead to a misunderstanding of the wine’s true quality and value.
What is the primary red grape produced in Cote de Nuits?
Pinot Noir
Cote de Nuits is most known for reds made from Pinot Noir.
Which white grape is most famous in Cote de Nuits?
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the most famous white grape of the region.
In Cote de Nuits, where is Pinot Noir typically planted?
Areas with high levels of marl
Pinot Noir thrives in regions with significant marl content.
What type of soil is Chardonnay grown in within Cote de Nuits?
Limestone
Chardonnay is grown in areas dominated by limestone.
What is the aging recommendation for wines from Cote de Nuits?
Three to five years
Wines from this region should only age for three to five years.
What are the typical aromas found in Cote de Nuits wines?
Fruity, red berries, licorice
Aromas are noted to be very fruity with red berries and licorice.
What is the primary grape variety used in Cote de Beaune for red wines?
Pinot Noir
Reds in this region are made from Pinot Noir.
How does the body and maturation of Cote de Beaune Pinot Noir compare to Cote de Nuits?
Lighter body and quicker maturation
Cote de Beaune Pinot Noir is known for being lighter and maturing more quickly.
What are the characteristics of whites produced in Cote de Beaune?
Straw yellow, robust, thick, smooth, very dry
Whites from Cote de Beaune are noted for their robust and dry characteristics.
What is the main soil type in Cote Chalonnaise?
Limestone
Soil is predominantly limestone, mixed with sand, clay, and iron deposits.
Which grape is primarily associated with Cote Chalonnaise?
Pinot Noir
The main grapes found in Cote Chalonnaise are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What is a significant characteristic of wines from Montagny?
Completely dedicated to Chardonnay
Montagny is known for its exclusive production of Chardonnay.
What types of wines are predominantly produced in the Mâconnais?
White wines
Almost all wines made in this region are white, primarily from Chardonnay.
What are the typical characteristics of Mâcon red wines?
Light to medium body
Mâcon reds are known for being light to medium in body.
Which grape variety is primarily used in Beaujolais for red wine?
Gamay
Red wine in Beaujolais is predominantly made from the Gamay grape.
What is the aging recommendation for Beaujolais red wines?
Best drunk after modest aging time
Beaujolais reds are typically best enjoyed after some aging.
What are the main grapes used for white wines in Beaujolais?
Chardonnay and Aligote
Whites in Beaujolais are primarily made from Chardonnay and Aligote.
What is a notable feature of the Gamay grape?
Thin skin and low tannins
Gamay has a thin skin which results in lower tannins in the wine.
What is the largest subregion of Beaujolais called?
Brouilly AOP
Brouilly AOP is the biggest commune in the Beaujolais region.
What influences the climate in Beaujolais compared to other Burgundy regions?
Similar to the Rhône
Beaujolais has weather conditions more akin to the Rhône than the rest of Burgundy.
Which wine region is known for its carbon maceration technique?
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is recognized for its long tradition of using carbon maceration.
What is Côte de Brouilly AOP?
A Beaujolais Cru wine region
Name the ten Beaujolais Crus.
- Saint-Amour AOP
- Juliénas AOP
- Chénas AOP
- Moulin-à-Vent AOP
- Fleurie AOP
- Chiroubles AOP
- Morgon AOP
- Régnié AOP
- Brouilly AOP
- Côte de Brouilly AOP
What is the significance of the Loire Valley?
Known as the Valley of the Kings
What historical event moved the capital of France from the Loire Valley?
The French Revolution in 1789
Describe the Loire Valley’s climate impact on agriculture.
Modulates the climate, making it suitable for grape growing
What is a notable geographical feature of the Loire Valley?
It is a major river that influences the climate
Which subarea of the Loire is the most famous but smallest?
Upper Loire
What is the relationship between Upper Loire and Chablis?
They share similar soils
What is Gros-Plant du pays nantais?
A type of wine from the Loire Valley
Fill in the blank: Anjou produces whites from _______ and Sauvignon Blanc.
[Chenin Blanc]
What grape is primarily used in Cabernet Franc based red wines from Anjou?
Cabernet Franc
What is unique about the Anjou-Saumur AOCs?
They have very low legally enforced yields
What is the aging potential of the best wines from Anjou?
Great aging potential
Name two vineyards that are their own AOCs within Savennières.
- Coulée de Serrant
- Roche aux Moines
What types of rosé are produced in Anjou?
- Rosé d’Anjou
- Cabernet d’Anjou
- Rosé from Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon
What is the climate like close to the sea in the Loire Valley?
More maritime and warmer than the rest of the Loire
True or False: The Loire Valley is primarily known for its mountainous terrain.
False
What is the main grape variety for dry wines in Anjou?
Chenin Blanc
What is the largest Beaujolais Cru?
Brouilly AOP
What is the smallest Beaujolais Cru?
Chénas AOP
Fill in the blank: The commune of _______ is one of the notable areas in Beaujolais.
[Fleurie]
