FWS Bourgogne Flashcards
(54 cards)
Where is Bourgogne located?
- Centre of Eastern France
- within the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region
- on edge of Paris basin
- western sector of Saône Graben
Name the 7 sub-regions of Bourgogne (N-S)
- Chablis
- Grand Auxerrois
- Châtillonnais
- Côte de Nuits
- Côte de Beaune
- Côte Chalonnaise
- Mâconnais
What are the 5 main grape varieties used in Bourgogne wines?
- Chardonnay (51%)
- Pinot Noir (39.5%)
- Aligoté
- Gamay
- Pinot Gris
What is the significance of terroir in Bourgogne?
Bourgogne’s terroir is exceptionally specific and exacting, as recognised by monks in the Middle Ages
What role did the Church play in Bourgogne’s wine development?
The Church categorised different territories, developing a detailed understanding of land potential for vine cultivation
Define Lieu-Dit.
A named parcel of land, defined by ownership
Define Climat.
A named parcel of land classified by vignerons, often with historical significance
Why can quality vary greatly within a Grand Cru parcel?
Multiple producers can farm a single Grand Cru vineyard, leading to varying qualities due to different practices
Who were the key Dukes of Burgundy in the 14th and 15th centuries?
- Philippe the Bold (outlawed Gamay, promoted Pinot Noir)
- John the Fearless
- Philippe the Good (Hospice de Beaune, wine tourism)
- Charles the Rash
What was the impact of King Louis-Philippe granting Gevrey the right to append Chambertin?
- Enhanced reputation and marketing
- Many villages adopted similar practices
How did the Napoléonic Code impact the Burgundian wine industry?
Required vineyards to be divided equally among heirs, leading to fragmentation of vineyards
What was a significant impact of the French Revolution on the Burgundian wine industry?
- Dismantling of monasteries
- Breakup of many great domaines
- disrupting wine production
Why did Bourgogne shift focus from red to white wine in the 1980s?
Response to worldwide demand for white wine
Why is Bourgogne important on the global wine stage despite its small production size?
Accounts for 21% of France’s wine revenue due to historical prestige and quality
Describe the general climate of Bourgogne.
- Continental
- oceanic influences in the north
- Mediterranean in the south
What are the two uplifts of the Saône Graben?
- Morvan uplands
- Jura mountains
How does vineyard location on the slope relate to wine quality in Bourgogne?
- Top of slope: thinnest soils, Premier Cru
- Middle of slope: moderate topsoil, Grand Cru
- Bottom of slope: deeper soils, Village AOCs
List the primary grape varieties of Bourgogne and where they are planted.
- Chardonnay (51%) - Mâconnais, Côte de Beaune, Chablis
- Pinot Noir (39.5%) - Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune
- Aligoté (6%) - various regions
- Gamay (2.5%) - southern part of region
What are the chief viticultural hazards in Bourgogne?
- Spring frosts
- Summer hailstorms
How do viticultural practices differ throughout Bourgogne’s sub-zones?
- Chablis and Mâconnais: machine harvesting
- Côte d’Or: handpicking
- Côte Chalonnaise: mix of both
How is global warming impacting the Bourgogne region?
Earlier bud break and harvest, with harvest now about 10 days earlier
What role do négociants play in Bourgogne wine sales?
Account for 52% of all Bourgogne wine sales
What is Bourgogne’s vineyard classification hierarchy?
- Grand Cru (1%)
- Premier Cru (10%)
- Village AOCs (37%)
- Regional AOCs (52%)
How are whites and reds fermented in Bourgogne?
- Whites: fermented in stainless steel or barrels
- Reds: aged in oak barrels
