FRANCE / BURGUNDY - Beaujolais Flashcards
(31 cards)
Where is Beaujolais located?
Just outside of Lyon, connecting to Burgundy through the Macconais
Nestled between Massif Central (W) and R. Saone (E)
What significant event occurred in 1395 regarding Gamay?
Phillipe the Bold forbade the cultivation of Gamay, deeming it a ‘bad and disloyal variety’
This destroyed Gamay’s reputation for centuries.
When was Beaujolais awarded AOP status?
1937
Most Beaujolais crus were awarded in 1938.
What did the 20th century signify for Beaujolais?
Became synonymous with Nouveau, largely due to Georges Dubeouf’s commercial success
Popularized the slogan ‘Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé’.
What is the Gang of Four in Beaujolais?
A group of winegrowers dedicated to quality-minded viticulture in the 1980s resides in Morgon
Members include Guy Breton, Marcel Lapierre, Jean-Paul Thévenet, and Jean Foillard.
What winemaking technique involves placing whole grape clusters under anaerobic conditions?
Carbonic Maceration
This method induces fermentation within the berries.
What is the result of the fermentation process in Carbonic Maceration?
ABV is raised to 2%, stopping the enzymes and allowing yeast to finish fermentation
This creates a style that is abundantly fruity and bright.
What characterizes Semi-carbonic maceration?
Yeast starts fermentation from berries crushed by the weight of other berries
This produces CO2, inducing carbonic maceration.
What kind of climate does Beaujolais have?
Sunny, Semi-continental climate
The R. Saone moderates hot summer temperatures.
What are the two divisions of Beaujolais?
Haut (N) and Bas (S) Beaujolais
What types of wine are allowed under Beaujolais AOP?
Reds, whites, and rosés
Most wines come from Bas-Beaujolais.
What are the main soil types of Beaujolais?
- Haut Beaujolais: granite, schist, and clay-based soil;
- Bas Beaujolais: flatter, more fertile soil.
How many communes are included in Beaujolais-Villages AOP?
38 communes
This AOP also allows reds, whites, and rosés.
Which AOP is exclusively for red wines?
Beaujolais Crus AOP
This AOP includes 10 crus in Haut-Beaujolais.
When is Beaujolais Nouveau released?
On the 3rd Thursday of November and cannot be sold after the 31st of August.
What are the two main soil types in Crus Beaujolais?
Friable pink granite (gore or grès) and blue stone schist soil (roche pourrie)
What is the style of wine from Saint-Amour AOP?
Lightest and most delicate
Established in 1946, it is the smallest and most northerly cru.
What geo. features does Juliénas offer?
Some of the steepest & highest vineyards at 430m above sea level
What distinguishes the style of Chénas?
Fuller, more tannic structure, less intense than Moulin
It is the smallest of the Crus, established in 1936.
What is Moulin-à-Vent known for?
Being the oldest reputation for quality, deemed the King of Beaujolais
Established in 1936
Describe the style of Moulin-a-Vent
Most powerful and tannic with great ageing potential
What is the soil of Moulin-a-Vent?
pink granite with high manganese content
What characterizes Fleurie wines?
- Higher-elevation: aromatic, graceful, and floral
- Base of hills: fuller and weightier
Established in 1936.
What is unique about Chiroubles?
Highest elevation of the Crus at 450m, very steep
Established in 1936
