Burgundy Flashcards
(25 cards)
What are the main climatic influences in Burgundy?
Continental climate, cold winters, hot summers, risk of spring frost, hail, and uneven ripening.
What are the five main AOP districts of Burgundy from north to south?
- Chablis
- Côte de Nuits
- Côte de Beaune
- Côte Chalonnaise
- Mâconnais
Where is Chablis located in Burgundy?
In the northernmost part of Burgundy, closer to Champagne, around the town of Auxerre.
What are the permitted grape varietals in Burgundy?
White: Chardonnay, Aligoté
Red: Pinot Noir, Gamay (only in Beaujolais and certain Mâcon AOPs)
What soil types are commonly found in Burgundy?
Limestone, marl, clay, and Kimmeridgian limestone (especially in Chablis).
What is the traditional production and ageing method for Burgundy wines?
Fermentation in oak barrels or stainless steel, aging in French oak barriques, with minimal intervention.
What is macération carbonique and where is it used in Burgundy?
A fermentation technique involving whole clusters in CO₂-rich environments; commonly used in Beaujolais.
What are the four quality levels of Burgundy AOP wines (from basic to top)?
- Regional (Generic) – e.g. Bourgogne AOP
- District – e.g. Côte de Nuits-Villages AOP
- Village – e.g. Meursault, Volnay
- Premier Cru & Grand Cru – vineyard-level, named sites
What are the quality levels of Chablis wines?
- Petit Chablis
- Chablis
- Chablis Premier Cru
- Chablis Grand Cru
What distinguishes Chablis Grand Cru wines?
They come from a single southwest-facing slope with 7 named climats, planted on Kimmeridgian limestone, and known for complexity and age-worthiness.
Name the principal communes of the Côte de Nuits (north to south).
Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges.
Name the principal communes of the Côte de Beaune (north to south).
Aloxe-Corton, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet.
What defines a Premier Cru vineyard in the Côte d’Or?
High-quality vineyard sites within a village AOP, labeled with the village name and vineyard (e.g., Volnay 1er Cru “Clos des Chênes”).
How many Grand Cru vineyards are there in the Côte d’Or?
33 Grand Crus:
1 in Chablis
24 in Côte de Nuits (all red except Musigny Blanc),
8 in Côte de Beaune (mostly white).
Where are the Mâcon villages located?
In the Mâconnais district of southern Burgundy; examples include Mâcon-Lugny, Mâcon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuissé, St-Véran.
What are the five communes of the Côte Chalonnaise (north to south)?
Bouzeron, Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny.
How many Beaujolais Crus are there?
10 Crus, all in the northern part of Beaujolais.
Name five Beaujolais Crus.
Morgon, Fleurie, Moulin-à-Vent, Brouilly, Juliénas.
What does “Mis en Bouteille au Domaine” mean on a Burgundy label?
Bottled at the estate.
What does “Vieilles Vignes” mean on a label?
“Old vines” — not regulated, but usually implies vines over 30–40 years old.
What is the structure of trade in Burgundy?
A mix of domaines (growers), négociants (merchants), and cooperatives. Négociants play a key role in bottling and export.
Name smaller Burgundy appellations outside the main Côte d’Or districts.
- Yonne: St. Bris (Sauvignon Blanc), Irancy (Pinot Noir)
- Côte Chalonnaise: Bouzeron (Aligoté), Givry, Mercurey, Montagny
- Mâconnais: Pouilly-Fuissé, St-Véran, Mâcon-Villages
What is unique about the St. Bris appellation?
It is the only AOP in Burgundy that permits Sauvignon Blanc.
What style of wine is produced in Bouzeron AOP?
100% Aligoté.
