Unit 2 - Bourgogne Flashcards
Primary Grapes
Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Ancillary Grapes
Aligoté Sacy Pinot Blanc Pinot Gris (Pinot Beurot) Sauvignon Blanc César Gamay
Compositional rules for Bourgogne Gamay and Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Only 85% of variety listed on bottle in final wine
Compositional rules for Coteaux Bourguignon Blanc and Rouge
Can be blended wines
Composition of Bourgogne Blanc AOC
Chardonnay
Composition of Bourgogne Aligoté AOC
Aligoté
Composition of Bourgogne Rouge AOC
Pinot Noir
Compositional rules for Passe-Tout-Grains AOC
Mostly Gamay, but 1/3 must be Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Liebault. Can also contain up to 15% Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay. Can be Red or Rosé.
Compositional rules for Crémant de Bourgogne AOC
Can be composed of Sacy, Aligoté, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Melon, Pinot Noir, César, Gamay
What is marl?
Limestone-rich clay formed from dead shellfish settling to the bottom of the prehistoric ocean that turn into deposits under pressure
What are the main soil types of Bourgogne?
All sedimentary: Limestone and limestone-rich clays i.e. marl. All this lies on top of a granite base.
What is a colluvial soil?
Soils formed from rain-driven slope wash (NOT from river sediment)
What is alluvial soil?
Soils formed from river sediment
Describe characteristics of top slope
On the crests = Hautes Cotes de Beaune/Hautes Cotes de Nuits
- Thinnest topsoil, receives least amount of rain. Erosion moves topsoil down hill.
- Water usually runs downhill before earth can absorb it, problematic in drier years
- Can be good quality, but not the best i.e. Premier Cru
Describe characteristics of mid slope
- Moderate topsoil, adequate water i.e. receives ideal rain and also absorbs additional rainwater travelling down slope from above
- Most Grand Crus
Describe characteristics of bottom slope
- Deepest soils, most amount of rain
- Grapevine grows big vegetatively i.e. less energy towards fruit ripening so can reduce pigment and flavour development in wine (not always!!)
- Least amount of distinction and character
What aspect is most desirable?
East-facing to catch morning sun i.e. dries morning dew and quickly warms soil
How many ‘climats’ does Clos de Vougeot have?
13
Which soil type is most preferred in Chablis?
Kimmeridgean marl (better than Portlandian limestone)
Describe characteristics of Pinot Noir grown on limestone
Lightly pigmented but sublimely elegant, highly aromatic
Describe characteristics of Pinot Noir grown on marl
Less elegant, more structure and fruit
Describe characteristics of Pinot Noir grown on clay
Less aromatic, less complex, lots of body - needs 5-7 years of bottle age to evolve and express themselves