Post on 03-Jan-2016
Wine Class January 20, 2015 French Connection I –
Intro, Chardonnay #1 and Bourgogne (Burgundy) Region (Chablis)
Clifton Wine & Tasting Room
7145 Main St, Clifton,
VA703-266-
1607
Major Wine
Regions of France:1. Bordeaux2. Champagne3. Burgundy 4. Beaujolais5. Loire Valley6. Alsace7. Rhone8. Languedoc-
Roussillon9. Provence10.Southwest (~)11.Jura12.Savoy13.Corsica
Wines of BurgundyBurgundy Characteristics:-Semi-continental climate (Atlantic and some Mediterranean influence)- Produces 6% of French wine (66%
White; 34% Red). Includes 102 AOCs about 25% AOC total (32 Grand Cru; 635 1st Cru)
- Stretches 140 Miles from North to South
Key Grapes:Pinot Noir, ChardonnayOthers: Aligoté, Gamay
Six Wine Producing Areas:Chablis and the Grand AuxerroisCôtes de Nuits (Mainly Reds)Côtes de Beaune (Mainly Whites; along with Cote de Nuits makes up the Cote d’Or)Côte Chalonnaise Macônnais (Mainly Whites)Châtillonnais (Cremant d Bourgogne)
Chablis: -Chardonnay grape (Great acidity & minerality)
- AOCs: Grand Cru (7 Climats or single
Vineyards); 1st Cru (89 Climats); Chablis and Petit Chablis
BurgundyWine Areas
Chablis Wine Area
French Wines “Background Information”
French Wine Classifications
AOC/AOPs
IGP (formerly Vin de Pays. Geographic
based, Winemaking Rules)
Most restrictive quality designation
Vins sans IG (wines without geographic indication
Formerly Table Wines)
Burgundy Labels
Almost 500 AOCs, includes:-Grand Cru (Listed highest distinction to lowest)-Premier Cru or 1st Cru -Villages-Regional
Grand Cru Labels: Vineyard (or Climate) only
1st Cru Labels- Vineyard and Village name
AOC: Appellation d’Orgine ContrôléeAOP: Appellation d’Origine Protégée
Types of Sherry
Some Varietals we will study for the French Connection Class