Beaujolais - The Growing Environment and Grape Growing
6 important questions on Beaujolais - The Growing Environment and Grape Growing
Describe the climate of Beaujolais, what moderates the temperature? How are the vineyards situated?
- Beaujolais has a continental climate slightly warmer than the rest of Burgundy
- Rainfall is normal adequate 740 mm per year
- The Saone River acts as a moderator of extreme temperatures
- slopes south and south-east facing (max exposure to the sun).
- Mistral wind can affect the flowering
What can affect grape growing in the Beaujolais badly?
- can affect flowering in cold damp spring weather
- damage leaves and grapes end of ripening season -> thin skin Gamay
Describe the soil types of Beaujolais
- North = hilly terrain with granite + schist (stronger wines). Faster and more homogeneous ripening.
- East= Alluvial soils
- South = flat with clay & limestone (lighter wines, mostly Beaujolais Nouveau).
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Describe the soils of the northern part of Beaujolais
Beajolais-Villages AOC
- Hilly 200-500m
- fast draining granite schist and sandy soils
- South and South East facing slopes for maximum sun exposure
- Later harvest than south Beaujolais
Gamay Noir is the productive and main grape of Beaujolais. What are its characteristics?
- Early budding --> susceptible to spring frost
- Early ripening --> usually be picked before autumn rains
- Thin skin and therefore vulnerable to rot and wind
- High fertility
Damp and windy conditions can reduce yields
A tiny bit of Chardonnay is found in Beaujolais, what can you tell about this?
- Chardonnay is usually found in area in the north of Beaujolais close to Macon villages
- best on cooler marl or limestone soils, preserving acidity
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