FWS Beaujolais Flashcards
What are the geographical regions surrounding Beaujolais?
North: Mâconnais, South: Lyon, West: Monts du Beaujolais, East: Saone River
What historical connection did Beaujolais have with Bourgogne?
Before the French Revolution, Beaujolais was part of the Province of Bourgogne
What influence did Jules Chauvet have on wine style?
He experimented with carbonic maceration in the 1950s, creating a fresh & explosive style
When was Beaujolais Nouveau commercialized?
1951
What date was set by the UIVB for the release of Beaujolais Nouveau?
15th November
What was the peak popularity year of Beaujolais Nouveau?
1999
What vinification technique is used for Beaujolais Nouveau?
Semi-Carbonic Maceration
What happens during the first step of the Semi-Carbonic Maceration process?
Whole clusters are hand harvested, causing some to burst for wild yeast fermentation
What aromas are created during the Semi-Carbonic Maceration process?
Banana Hard candy Pear Raspberry Cranberry
Which two cities were crucial in launching Beaujolais’ popularity?
Lyon Paris
What climate type does Beaujolais have?
Semi-continental climate with wide temperature differentials
What are the major soil types in Northern Beaujolais?
Granite Schist Sandy soils with minerals ‘arène or gorrhe’
What divides Northern and Southern Beaujolais?
Nizerand River
What is the primary grape variety in Beaujolais?
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc (98% of plantings)
What are the major pruning and training systems in Beaujolais?
Gobelet (spur) training Cordon and Éventail (spur) training Guyot
What vinification technique is primarily used for Beaujolais?
Semi-carbonic maceration
What is the wine characteristic of Beaujolais AOC?
Overtly grapey, light pigment, light tannins, bright acidity
Name two characteristics of Beaujolais Villages AOC.
More densely pigmented Less grapey
What are the 10 Beaujolais Crus?
Saint-Amour AOC Fleurie AOC Chiroubles AOC Juliénas AOC Régnié AOC Côte de Brouilly AOC Brouilly AOC Chénas AOC Moulin-à-Vent AOC Morgon AOC
What is the defining feature of Moulin-à-Vent AOC?
Most full-bodied and tannic, can age
What is the significance of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation for Beaujolais?
Rich and complex geology with 300 soil variations influencing viticulture
What grape varieties are included in Beaujolais AOC?
Gamay Pinot Noir Chardonnay Aligoté Pinot Gris Melon
What is the effect of the Mediterranean climate on Beaujolais?
Brings extra warmth
True or False: Mechanical harvesting is allowed for Beaujolais Nouveau.
False
Fill in the blank: The dominant grape variety in Beaujolais is _______.
Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc
Beaujolais map
