France: Beaujolais Flashcards
What is the general climate of Beaujolais?
Continental climate - slightly warmer than the rest of Burgundy
What is the average annual rainfall in Beaujolais? (Lyon)
750-815mm per year.
What are the two moderating influencers on Beaujolais’ climate?
The Saone River
The Mistral
How does the Saone River influence the climate of Beaujolais?
The river acts as a moderater of extreme temperatures
Outline the viticultural characteristics of Gamay Noir.
- Early budding, early ripening (susceptible to frosts, can be picked before Autumn rains).
- Vulnerable in cool, damp, windy conditions.
- Thin skinned
- Susceptible to botrytis, phomopsis, sunburn, diseases of wood, grape moths, grapevine yellows.
- Not vigourous, but highly fertile; this needs to be controlled.
Where in Beaujolais is Chardonnay usually found and why?
Chardonnay is usually found in the area in the north of Beaujolais bordering the Mâcon Villages appellation. It does best on cooler marl or limestone soils that slow down ripening, preserving acidity.
Which French sustainable wine growing association was founded in Beaujolais?
Terra Vitis
Is chaptalisation permitted in Beaujolais?
Yes, and is common
What are the typical maceration times for Beaujolais wines?
Beaujolais/Beaujolais Villages; 4-5 days
Very good quality Beaujolais Villages; 6-9 days
Premium cru Beaujolais wines; 10-20 days
What are the élevage requirements for Beaujolais Noveau?
Wines cannot be released until the third Thursday of November, the year of harvest.
What was the first vintage in which Beaujolais Noveau wines were permitted?
1951
Outline the winemaking of a classic Beaujolais Nouveu.
- Carbonic or semi-carbonic maceration
- 4-5 days maceration
- They can be bottled any time after 3–5 days after fermentation has finished to 5 weeks afterwards.
- MLF optional
- Fining, sterile filtration and moderate to high use of SO2 are common (important if MLF has not taken place).
What are the three tiers of Beaujolais AOC?
Beaujolais
Beaujolais Supérieur
Beaujolais Villages
What are the max. permitted yields for Beaujolais AOC?
68hL/ha whites
60hL/ha reds and rosé
When may Beaujolais AOC wines be released?
January 15 the year after harvest (with the exception of Beaujolais Nouveu)
Beaujolais Supérieur
Max. permitted yields?
Min/Max ABV?
58hL/ha
Min. 10.5% ABV.
Max. 13% ABV (only for enriched wines)
What are the max. permitted yields for Beaujolais Villages AOC?
66hL/ha for whites
58hL/ha for reds
How many communes are permitted to add their name to Beaujolais-Villages?
38
What are the eight Beaujolais Villages located in the Saône-et-Loire département?
Chânes
La Chapelle-de-Guinchay
Leynes
Pruzilly
Romanèche-Thorins
Saint-Amour-Bellevue
Saint-Symphorien-d’Ancellas
Saint-Vérand
What are the 30 Beaujolais Villages located in the Rhône département?
Beaujeu, Blacé, Cercié, Charentay, Chénas, Chiroubles, Denicé, Emeringes, Fleurie, Juliénas, Jullié, Lancié, Lantignié, Le Perréon, Les Ardillats, Marchampt, Montmelas-Saint-Sorlin, Odenas, Quincié-en-Beaujolais, Régnié-Durette, Rivolet, Saint-Didier-sur-Beaujeu, Saint-Etienne-des-Ouillières, Saint-Etienne-la-Varenne, Saint-Julien, Saint-Lager, Salles-Arbouissonnas-en-Beaujolais, Vaux-en-Beaujolais, Vauxrenard, Villié-Morgon
What are the ten Beaujolais Crus? (North to South)
Saint-Amour
Juliénas
Chénas
Moulin-á-Vent
Fleurie
Chiroubles
Morgon
Régnié
Brouilly
Côte de Brouilly
Which is the only Beaujolais Cru located entirely within the Saône-et-Loire département?
Saint-Amour
What is the northern-most Beaujolais Cru?
Saint-Amour