France - Burgundy Flashcards
What is Burgundy’s approximate latitude?
46 - 47 degrees north
From north to south, what are the Côte de Nuit’s 8 communal AOCs
Marsannay, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-St-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanee, Nuit-St-George
Where are premier and grand crus planted in the cote d’or? Why?
Grand crus mostly planted mid-slope because this position allows grapes to fully ripen even in cool vintages, poor but adequate shallow soils, good drainage, good sunlight interception, and good protection from westerly winds. premier crus tend to surround grand crus in every direction.
How does the top of the slope compare to the mid slope?
Greater wind exposure leading to erosion, very low-nutrient thin topsoil. Low yielding; quality can come from here but it’s difficult. Premier crus may be found here
How does the bottom of the slope compare?
More fertile soil, higher yields, less drainage, usually village wine.
How is Burgundy wine classified?
By vineyard site. There are 7 regional AOCs, 44 Village AOCs, & 33 Grand Cru AOCs.
What important geographic features will you find in Burgundy?
The Côtes, The Saône River, the north-west hills blocking
What is the climate in Burgundy?
Chablis - cool continental
The rest of Burgundy & Beaujolais - moderate continental
What are the grapes & wine styles from the Cote de Nuit?
90% Pinot Noir
Medium alcohol, acid (+), & tannin
Dry red with restrained oak usage
How many of Burgundy’s Grand Crus are in the Cote de Nuit? How many make Grand Cru white?
24; only the Musigny grand cru of Chambolle Musigny makes a little grand cru Chard in addition to PN in the Côte de Nuit
What are the best known grand crus in the Cote de Nuits?
Musigny, Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Romanée-Conti,
What are the 6 regional appellations of Burgundy?
Bourgogne & Coteaux Bourguignons for still red, white, & rosé wine, Bourgogne Mousseaux & Crémant for bubbles, Bourgogne Aligoté for that odd white varietal, & Bourgogne passe tout grains for red & rose blends of pinot and gamay.
If production is 50/50, why is the Cote de Beaune considered a white wine region?
It’s the spiritual home of Chardonnay, with 7 of its 8 grand cru vineyards producing white wine exclusively, and the 8th, Corton, makes a splash of white in addition to its red as well. Soils here tend to be less marl, more limestone.
How many grand crus in the Cote de Beaune? How many produce red wine?
8 grand crus. Only Corton produces red.
What is the climate of Chablis?
Cool continental