WSET Study Group - Bourgogne/Burgundy

as graduates of the Algonquin College Sommelier Program, Holly, Jackie and I decided to continue our wine education via WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST - WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits.

both Holly and Jackie are learning via VENDANGE INSTITUTE in Ottawa while I am enrolled via online distance learning WSET UK.  we have come to the conclusion that we will benefit from meeting (perhaps once a week) to keep up with tastings and studies.  

* note:  suggested reading minimum 10 hours per week ... aka INTENSE.

this week our focus was Burgundy aka Bourgogne.  the four main grape varieties in Burgundy:  2 reds - Pinot Noir and Gamay + 2 whites - Chardonnay and Aligoté.  I should note that Burgundies are almost exclusively mono-varietals.  we tasted ...

• BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE
• MAISON KERLANN CHABLIS 2008
• MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE NUITS-VILLAGES 2008
• RENÉ BOUVIER LE CHAPITRE BOURGOGNE 2008

 

 

BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - what caught my attention was the use of all 4 Burgundian grape varieties:  Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chardonnay and Aligoté. 

 

LCBO Tasting Note:  Appearance: pale, almost water white. Nose: minerally, green apple. Taste: medium-bodied, dry, stoney, green apple., Score - 4 Stars (out of 5). (Tony Aspler, www.tonyaspler.com, March 1, 2009).

 

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear pale lemon with very long-lasting, fine bubbles; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, still developing, aromas of citrus, lemon-lime, stone fruit & apple, minerality, biscuit/yeast; palate - dry, medium+ (medium plus) acidity, medium in alcohol & body, creamy mousse, medium- (medium minus) flavour intensity, flavour of grapefruit, with medium+ length; conclusion - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink but can improve.

MAISON KERLANN CHABLIS 2008 - Chardonnay

LCBO Tasting Note:  Chardonnay's huge spike in popularity in the latter part of the 20th Century gave Chablis a big resurgence as well. This Chablis has a characteristic citrus nose, with aromas and flavours of lemon, nuts, ripe melon and pear, with just a hint of vanilla. An elegant, medium-full-bodied white, with a very long finish. This is a great-value Chablis! A beautiful pairing with seafood dishes, such as trout almandine with asparagus. (VINTAGES panel, July 2010)

our tasting note:  appearance - clear pale lemon, legs; nose - clean, medium intensity, developing, aromas of stone fruit, sweet apple, peach, tropical & lemon, minerality/slate and spice; palate - dry, medium acidity, alcohol, body & flavour intensity, medium length; conclusion - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink but can improve.

 

RENÉ BOUVIER LE CHAPITRE BOURGOGNE 2008 - Pinot Noir

LCBO Tasting Note:  The Bouvier family has been steadily building their winemaking business in the village of Marsanny for four generations. This Pinot has a cherry-rich nose, and splendid notes of ripe berry, cherry, cola, and vanilla spice. This medium-full-bodied red has good complexity, and should age quite well. If you don't want to wait, though, open it tonight alongside some pork tenderloin, or a lamb casserole. (VINTAGES panel, July 2010)

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, medium- intensity, ruby; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, still developing, tart berry, cranberry, floral/violet, barnyard/earth, slight oak; palate - dry, medium+ acidity, medium- in tannin, alcohol, body & flavour intensity, flavours of tart fruit & slight oak, medium length; conclusion - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink (may improve with aging).

 

MAISON ROCHE DE BELLENE VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DE NUITS-VILLAGES 2008 - Pinot Noir 

LCBO Tasting Note:  Lively crimson. Very direct and energetic and just slightly cool on the nose. Very fresh and frank. Just pure and digestible. Light and lovely. Very good balance. Drink 2011-2013. Score - 16.5 (out of 20). (Jancis Robinson, MW, www.jancisrobinson.com, Jan. 19, 2010)

our tasting notes: appearance - clear, medium- intensity, ruby, pale rim; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, still developing, aromas of tart berry, sour cherry, rhubarb, smoke/earth/ashtray (yes, someone said "ashtray"); palate - dry, medium+ acidity, medium- tannin, medium alcohol & body, flavours of rhubarb, sour cherry & smoke, medium length; conclusion - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink but will not improve.

* note:  our tasting notes are based on WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine

there you have it ... 4 wines from Bourgogne/Burgundy

bottoms up!

Éva