France/Cote d Or Red: Day 11

Question 1

Briefly discuss the history of the area: Monks, Code Napoléon

Answer 1

In Burgundy’s wine history, Christian monks played a crucial role in cultivating vineyards and refining winemaking practices, especially during the Middle Ages. They were among the first to meticulously record their winemaking experiments and observations, gaining a deep understanding of terroir, which is the unique influence of the land and climate on wine. This knowledge helped them identify and distinguish the best vineyard plots, laying the groundwork for the region’s classification system.

Question 2

Name the portion of the Côte d’Or best known for red wine

Answer 2

Côte de Nuits

Question 3

Name a red Grand Cru from the village of Vosne-Romanée

Answer 3

La Tâche

Question 4

State what is different about Corton and Musigny compared to the other Grands Crus of their respective districts

Answer 4

All the red Grands Crus are in the Côte de Nuits
EXCEPT FOR CORTON Grand Cru AOC
All of the white Grands Crus are in the Côte de Beaune
EXCEPT FOR MUSIGNY BLANC Grand Cru AOC

Question 5

Explain the background behind the hyphenated village names

Answer 5

Hyphenated village names in French wine, particularly in Burgundy, are a way for villages to associate their wines with the reputation of famous vineyards, often Grand Cru vineyards. This practice essentially allows villages to benefit from the prestige and demand associated with those renowned vineyards.

Question 6

Name 6 villages in the sub-region of Côte de Nuits AOC (Côte d’Or)

Answer 6

1. Gevrey-Chambertin
2. Morey St. Denis
3. Chambolle-Musigny
4. Vouget
5. Vosne-Romanee
6. Nuits San-Georges

Question 7

Name 6 villages in the sub-region of Côte de Beaune AOC (Côte d’Or)

Answer 7

1. Beaune
2. Pommard
3. Volnay
4. Meaursalt
5. Puligny-Montrachet
6. Chassagne-Montrachet

Question 8

Name the AOC’s in the Côte de Beaune for red wine only

Answer 8

1. Côte de Beaune-Villages AOC (red only)
2. Pommard Premier Cru AOC (red only)
3. Volnay Premier Cru AOC (red only)
4. Blagny Premier Cru AOC (red only)

Question 9

Marl soil composition

Answer 9

blend of clay and limestone

Question 10

Discuss marl soil in the context of the growing of pinot noir

Answer 10

Pinot Noir flourishes on marl soils that are more yielding and porous, that tend towards limestone and which offer good drainage

Question 11

State the rules concerning production of Bourgogne Passetoutgrains

Answer 11

At least one third of the grapes must be from the Pinot variety. The area of production is the same for all Bourgogne. The wine must have at least 30% Pinot Noir and a minimum of 15% Gamay.

Question 12

Suggest top vintages for the Cote d Or reds to your guests since 2010

Answer 12

2015
2018
2019
2020

Question 13

Suggest top vintages for the Cote d Or whites to your guests since 2010

Answer 13

2014
2017

Question 14

Recommend two top producers of red wine from the Côte d’Or

Answer 14

Domaine Romanée Conti
Château De Pommard