Wine with Jimmy: Burgundy Part 1

Introduction

• Presenter: Jimmy Smith
• Channel: Wine with Jimmy
• Focus: Burgundy wine region in France
• Structure: 5-part series (Part 1 is free; Parts 2-4 are for members; Part 5 on Chablis and Chardonnay is available)

Burgundy Overview

• Complex region with over 80 appellations
• Important regions: Northern Burgundy (near Champagne and Paris) down to Dijon, Beaune, and Lyon
• Continental climate with varying temperatures:
  • Cool Climate: Chablis (north), average temperatures below 16.5°C
  • Moderate Climate: Dijon to Lyon (south), average temperatures 16.5-18.5°C

Climate and Macro Climates

• Entire region is continental (landlocked)
• High continentality: hot summers, cold winters, significant diurnal shifts
• Cool to moderate climates affect grape ripening and acidity

Key Areas in Burgundy

• Chablis: Northern, cool, exclusively Chardonnay
• Côte d'Or: Split into Côte de Nuits (Pinot Noir) and Côte de Beaune (Chardonnay)
• Côte Chalonnaise: Overflow from Côte de Beaune
• Mâconnais: Predominantly Chardonnay

Weather Hazards

• Rainfall impacts during flowering (June) and harvest (September)
• Spring frosts affecting early budding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
• Summer hailstorms damaging crops
• Mitigation includes sourcing grapes from multiple locations

Geology and Viticulture

• Importance of slope for drainage, protection, and aspect
• Aspect: Mostly east to south-facing slopes
  • Affects ripening (gentle on east, intense on southwest)
• Mid-slope wines (Premier and Grand Cru) benefit from better drainage and protection

Key Grape Varieties

• Chardonnay: 50% production, versatile styles from linear in Chablis to rich in Mâconnais
• Pinot Noir: 33% production, site-specific, sensitive to weather conditions
• Aligoté: Lesser-known, traditionally overshadowed by Chardonnay
• Gamay: Used in blends, simpler wines

Hierarchy of Burgundy Wines

• Regional Appellations: Bourgogne Rouge/Blanc
• Sub-Regional Zones: Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits, Mâcon, etc.
• Village (Commune) Level: Named after villages, e.g., Chablis, Mersault
• Premier Cru: Named vineyard within a village
• Grand Cru: Highest quality, specific vineyard sites

Examination Preparation

• Focus on written sections for exams
• Understanding weather hazards, viticultural challenges, and vineyard conditions

Conclusion

• Part 1 of a series on Burgundy
• Encouragement to join Wine with Jimmy membership for further parts
• Contact information provided for further questions or engagement