France - Burgundy Flashcards
Describe the climate of Burgundy.
Northern Continental:
Hot Summers and Severe Winters
Cool Autumns - Frequent Rainfall at Harvest
What are the climatic concerns of Burgundy?
Spring Frost in Chablis
Grey Rot - Summer Rain
Summer Hail
What is the protective geographical barrier and where is it located?
The Massif Central is to the East of Burgundy and flows south to Beaujolais and N. Rhône Valley.
What are the predominant soil types in Burgundy?
Chardonnay - Clay/Limestone
Pinot Noir - Limy Marl/Limestone
What are the varietals allowed in Burgundy?
WHITE: Chardonnay (Beaunois in Yonne Dep.), Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris (Beurot), Aligoté, Sacy, Sauvignon Blanc
RED: Pinot Noir, Gamay, César, Tressot
Which forest’s wood are used to make Burgundian barrels ?
Vosges
Nevers
Allier
What is the appellation for Aligoté, and in which district is it located?
Bouzeron - Côte Chalonnaise
How many Grand Crus are there in Chablis?
One
How many Chablis Grand Cru Vineyards are there?
Seven
Name the Chablis Grand Cru Vineyards.
Les Clos, Vaudésir, Valmur, Les Preuses, Bougros, Blanchot, and Grenouilles.
In which Département does Chablis lie?
Yonne
The Mâconnaise lies in which Département?
Saône-et-Loire
In which Département does Beaujolais lie?
Rhône
What is the soil of Chablis?
Limestone with Kimmeridgian Clay
What is special about Kimmeridgian Clay?
Rich in marine fossils, originally had to be on this soil to be labelled Chablis. Limestone and Clay base.
What is the main soil type of Petit Chablis?
Portlandian Clay
What system is used in many of the better vineyards to help prevent frost?
Aspersion Sprinkler Systems (Heaters/Helicopters are also used to disperse water pockets.
What are common descriptors for appellation Chablis?
Bone Dry/Austere High Acid Green fruit, Plum fruit Hazelnuts Oyster shells Lemon
How many 1er Cru designations are there in Chablis?
40
Is Chablis closer to the Aube in Champagne or closer to the Côte d’Or?
Chablis is closer to the Aube.
What is the river that runs through Chablis?
Serein
Which of the 1er cru designations are considered to be the best, and which bank are they found?
RIGHT: Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume
LEFT: Vaillons, Montmains
What are common characteristics of a 1er Cru Chablis?
Pronounced acidity, medium weight, lees character, and an intensely mineral, steely character. No new oak. Best need a bit of bottle age to show their best.
Where is the Chablis Grand Cru located?
One hillside, just to the north of the town.
What is the 8th and unofficial name also allowed on the Chablis Grand Cru label?
La Moutonne, a monopole of Domaine Long-Depaquit overlapping Vaudésir and Preuses—is permitted by the INAO for usage on labels but not listed as an official geographic designation.
What are the two other communal appellations in the Yonne Department?
Irancy (PN-based reds)
St. Bris (the only Sauvignon Blanc app. in Burgundy)
What is the varietal permitted in St. Bris?
Sauvignon Blanc
Where can Sauvignon Blanc be found in Burgundy?
St. Bris in the Yonne Department.