Côte d'Or, Côte Chalonnaise, and Mâconnais Flashcards
Where is the Côte d’Or situated?
It begins around Dijon, 500 km and runs south down the Saône river valley to Santenay. There are a variety of aspects and soil types.
What is the climate in the Côte d’Or?
Continental with relatively short, warm summers and cool winters.
Why are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir suitable to the climate of the Côte d’Or?
They ripen early and are therefore able to ripen fully in the short summers.
What helps to moderate the climate of the Côte d’Or?
The Morvan hills to the west of the region.
What is the average rainfall in the Côte d’Or?
700 mm
What is the climate of Mâconnais in comparison to the Côte d’Or?
The Mâconnais is typically drier and hotter than the Côte d’Or.
In the Côte d’Or, what is the weather typically like in Autumn?
Dry, though rain at harvest can be a problem
Ripening what parts of the grape is a prioirty for Pinot Noir growers?
The skins and the pips
Why are vineyard site and vintage so important for Côte d’Or growers?
The vineyards are located so far in the north that ripening depends greatly on where the grapes are facing and the weather they receive
Is there low or high vintage variability in Côte d’Or?
High vintage variability
What risks to vine growth in the Côte d’Or exist in the growing season? Why?
Spring frosts due to the early budding nature of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Hail (which can occur as late as may) can damage the vine or the berries, promoting rot
Rain during budburst can cause uneven flowering
How has climate change affected the risk of spring frosts in the Côte d’Or?
The risk has been exacerbated as warmer weather causes vines to begin growing earlier, making the vines more vulnerable to cold weather
True or False
Anti-hail netting is allowed in the Côte d’Or.
True. Limited use of netting has been allowed since June, 2018.
What are the top methods of preventing hail damage to vines in the Côte d’Or?
Anti-hail netting
Seeding clouds with silver iodide to cause precipitation away from the vineyards
What was the argument in the past against the use of anti-hail nets in the Côte d’Or?
They look like an inauthentic part of the landscape
They cause too much shading
Which area and villages of the Côte d’Or were heavily impacted by hail in 2012 and 2015?
The Côte de Beaune, especially Volnay and Pommard
Is drought stress a concern for growers in Burgundy? Why or why not?
Yes. In hot, dry vintages, the berries are at risk of shriveling. Irrigation is not permitted in Burgundy.
What soils in Burgundy are best able to cope with drier vintages?
Soils with higher clay content
What are the most critical factors determining style and quality in the Côte d’Or?
Aspect and Elevation
What is the elevation above sea level of Burgundy’s vineyards?
200-400 meters asl
What is the general orientation of the Côte d’Or? Does it change?
The Côte d’Or is a series of hills running North to South with a majority of vineyards facing East.
There are some side valleys with a more East to West direction, producing southeastern or southerly aspects
Where on a slope in Burgundy do you generally find the best vineyards? Why?
In the middle of the slope where they receive better sunlight interception, frost protection, and well-draining shallow soils.
In Burgundy, why are vineyards on the top of a slope less desirable than one in the middle of a slope?
The soils are very thin and he grapes will be exposed to cooling winds
In Burgundy, why are vineyards at the bottom of a slope less desirable than vineyards in the middle of a slope? How might these vineyards be planted or picked?
The bottom of a slope typically has deeper soil and cooler temperatures. They may be planted with Aligoté or picked earlier for the production of Crémant de Bourgogne.