Cremant de Bourgogne

Question 1

What are the two grape varieties used to create Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 1

• Chardonnay

- Pinot Noir

Question 2

Cremant de Bourgogne accounts for what percentage of the total production in Burgundy?

Answer 2

10%

Question 3

What are some of the typical tasting notes for Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 3

• Brut in style
• White wines
• Med (+) to high acidity
• Medium intensity
• Fruit can range from apple and lemon to apricot
• Brioche autolytic notes
• BdB, BdN and Rose is also made

Question 4

What are the main sources for Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 4

• The Maconnais
• The Cote Chalonnaise, especially around Rully
• Beaujolais
• Areas around Chablis
• Chatillon-sur-Seine (immediately south of Champagne)
• Hautes Cotes de Beaune and Hautes Cotes de Nuits
• Flatland vineyards in the Cote d’Or

Question 5

The northern areas of Burgundy have what kind of climate?

Answer 5

Cool Continental with grapes needing to face south to reach ripeness

Question 6

The central region of Burgundy has what kind of climate?

Answer 6

Continental climate with low, sometimes freezing, winter temperatures and drier, sunny summers

Question 7

The southern areas of Burgundy have what kind of Climate?

Answer 7

Mediterranean, with high summer temperatures, but this region is more at risk for summer storms

Question 8

List the common hazards that affect Burgundy

Answer 8

• Hail
• Spring Frost
• Fungal Diseases
• Esca

Question 9

What is the maximum yield for Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 9

75 hL/ha (1982 gallons/2.5 acres)

Question 10

List all of the grape varieties permitted for Cremant de Bourgogne

Answer 10

• Aligote
• Chardonnay (dominate)
• Gamay
• Melon Blanc
• Pinot Blanc
• Pinot Gris
• Pinot Noir (dominate)

Question 11

How is the blend constructed for Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 11

• Minimum 30% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Gris, either alone or in a blend.
• The Maximum amount of Gamay is 20%

Question 12

What are the differences in the blends for BdB, BdN and Rose Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 12

• Blanc de Blancs can be Chardonnay and any other white varieties
• Blanc de Noirs is only made from Pinot Noir
• In Rose Pinot will generally dominate, but a small amount of Gamay is allowed to help with color

Question 13

What is the break down in production percentage for Cremant de Bourgogne between Merchants, Co-ops and independent producers?

Answer 13

• ~66% is made by Merchants
• ~30% is made by Co-ops
• 2% is made by independent winemakers

Question 14

What are two of the most popular Cremant de Bourgogne Producers?

Answer 14

• Jean Charles Boisset (JCB)

- Louis Bouillot

Question 15

What are the top 5 export countries for Cremant de Bourgogne?

Answer 15

• USA
• Sweden
• UK
• Belgium
• Germany

Question 16

What is the difference between Cremant de Bourgogne, and Cremant de Bourgogne Eminent

Answer 16

• Cremant de Bourgogne only needs to age on the lees for 9 months, while Cremant de Bourgogne Eminent is aged on the lees for 24 months minimum

Question 17

What are the regulations for Cremant de Bourgogne Grand Eminent?

Answer 17

• For Whites, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay only
• For Rose wines, only 20% Gamay allowed
• Vintage is optional, but commonly used
• Minimum 36 months less aging and three months in bottle before release
• Brut designation only