C16 - Beaujolais (reviewed)

Question 1

What is the climate in Beaujolais?

Answer 1

Moderate continental )Similar to Mâconnais)

Question 2

Why is Beaujolais suited to Gamay?

Answer 2

• Because Gamay buds and ripens early
• Gamay can produce large yields resulting in lower quality wines (ifn not managed) so Granite soils which are less fertile make the best Gamay wines

Question 3

What can happen if Gamay is not well managed?

Answer 3

It can produce large yields

Question 4

What is the soil like in the best vineyards of Beaujolais?

Answer 4

Granite-based with low levels of nutrients

Question 5

Describe the the traditional method of pruning in Beaujolais?

Answer 5

• Gobelet
• The vines are pruned to spurs around the head Shoots are tied together to hold them vertically
• Some are are tying the shoots of their vines to a trellis to allow for mechanisation

Question 6

What is the flavour profile of Gamay in Beaujolais?

Answer 6

• Medium tannin
• Medium body
• Fragrant aromas of raspberry and cherry

Question 7

What are the different appellations of Beaujolais?

Answer 7

there are three types from bottom to top:

• East and south of the region - Beaujolais - produced in the alluvial plain of the river Saône
• To the north and the west on therolling hills with granite soils
  
  • Beaujolais Villages (39 villages)
  • Beaujolais Crus (10 Crus)

Question 8

What is the key process in making Beaujolais?

Answer 8

Carbonic Maceration/Semi-carbonic Maceration

Question 9

Describe Beaujolais Nouveau

Answer 9

• Location: made in the plains of the Saône
• Wine:
  
  • made for early drinking
  • Red berry fruit, kirsch, banana and cinnamon-like spice Light body Light tannin
• Law:
  
  • Released the third Thursday in November after the vintage, sold until 31st of August the year after the vintage
  • Must be Beaujolais or Beaujolais Village (Cannot be Beaujolais Crus)

Question 10

Why do individual village names rarely appear on Beaujolais Villages wine bottles?

Answer 10

Beaujolais Villages wines are usually blends from several villages

Question 11

What are the four Beaujolais villages with the greatest production? from north to south?

Answer 11

• Moulin-à-Vent - most structured & capable of improving with ageing
• Fleurie - lightest, most perfumed styles
• Morgon - most structured & capable of improving with ageing
• Brouilly - lightest, most perfumed styles

Question 12

What kind of fermentation do many of the wines of Beaujolais villages and beaujolais crus undergo?

Answer 12

Crushed-fruit fermentation

Question 13

What kind of vessel is used when Beaujolais is oak aged?

Answer 13

Large vats rather than casks, because the wines rarely show flavours of new oak

Question 14

How may Beaujolais producers achieve brighter fruit aromas?

Answer 14

Semi-carbonic maceration or a small proportion of whole bunches