Beaujolais

Question 1

What is the latitude of Beaujolais?

Answer 1

46ºN

Question 2

What is the range of Growing Degree Days in Beaujolais?

Answer 2

1500-2000

Question 3

What is the average annual rainfall in Beaujolais?

Answer 3

700mm pa

Question 4

What climate type does Beaujolais have?

Answer 4

Continental climate, a little warmer than Burgundy

Question 5

How does the Saone river affect Beaujolais?

Answer 5

Moderates temperatures

Question 6

What is the Mistral and how does it affect Beaujolais?

Answer 6

A wind that can affect flowering and lead to millerandage in cold, damp early summer; can damage leaves and grapes near the end of ripening

Question 7

What are important tools to offset the effects of Mistral in Beaujolais?

Answer 7

Vine orientation and low training

Question 8

What is the elevation range of the northern part of Beaujolais?

Answer 8

200-500 masl

Question 9

What types of soils are found in the hillier northern part of Beaujolais?

Answer 9

Fast draining granite, schist, and sandy soils

Question 10

What is the significance of Beaujolais Village?

Answer 10

It uses a Burgundian planting orientation for maximum exposure and has earlier harvests

Question 11

What is the primary grape variety grown in Beaujolais?

Answer 11

Gamay Noir

Question 12

What are the characteristics of Gamay Noir?

Answer 12

Early budding, susceptible to spring frost, vulnerable to damp conditions, early ripening

Question 13

How can the yields of Gamay be controlled?

Answer 13

By removing buds

Question 14

What is the traditional training method for Gamay?

Answer 14

Bush training

Question 15

Where is Chardonnay primarily found in Beaujolais?

Answer 15

In northern Beaujolais, close to Macon Villages

Question 16

What type of soils does Chardonnay prefer in Beaujolais?

Answer 16

Cooler marl or limestone soils

Question 17

What is the primary winemaking technique used in Beaujolais?

Answer 17

Semi-carbonic maceration

Question 18

What is Chaptalisation?

Answer 18

A common practice in Beaujolais winemaking to enhance alcohol content

Question 19

What is the typical skin contact time for Beaujolais wines?

Answer 19

4-5 days

Question 20

What is Beaujolais Nouveau?

Answer 20

A style of wine that can be released on the third Thursday of November

Question 21

What is the maximum yield for Beaujolais AOC?

Answer 21

60 hl/ha

Question 22

What distinguishes Beaujolais Village from Beaujolais AOC?

Answer 22

Higher quality due to better ripeness in the northern half

Question 23

What are the typical flavor characteristics of Beaujolais wines?

Answer 23

Fresh red cherry, raspberry, red plum

Question 24

How many Beaujolais Crus are there?

Answer 24

10

Question 25

Which Beaujolais Crus are significantly larger than the others?

Answer 25

Brouilly and Morgon

Question 26

What are the soil types of Moulin à Vent?

Answer 26

Granite and volcanic soils

Question 27

Which Beaujolais Cru is known for its high altitude?

Answer 27

Chiroubles

Question 28

What is unique about Morgon in Beaujolais?

Answer 28

Includes the famous Cote de Py vineyard

Question 29

What is the average estate size in Beaujolais?

Answer 29

8 hectares

Question 30

What percentage of Beaujolais sales are made by cooperatives?

Answer 30

Around 25%

Question 31

What impact did Beaujolais Nouveau have on the region?

Answer 31

Increased visibility but also led to low-quality wine production

Question 32

What are the top four export markets for Beaujolais?

Answer 32

* USA * UK * Canada * Japan

Question 33

Who is an important producer known for promoting Beaujolais Nouveau?

Answer 33

George Debouf

Question 34

What percentage of all Beaujolais sold is Nouveau?

Answer 34

About a quarter

Question 35

True or False: Beaujolais and Cru Beaujolais have gained a following, especially in the USA.

Answer 35

True