posted on June 1, 2015
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The Roche de Solutré which marks the end of the limestone plateau on which all Burgundy except for Beaujolais is grown.
The wines of Burgundy owe their reputation for excellence to monks. Monasteries had the physical plant
(cellars), but more important, they were the lone bastion of education, record keeping, and systematic learning during the Middle Ages. These monks had the time and generational experience to learn how different plots of vineyard land (and the types of grapes planted), produced unique wines.
The Mâconnais is the southernmost region within Burgundy. In contrast to the Côte d'Or to the north, the vineyards benefit from more sun, less rain and a lower risk of frost. The most famous white wine appellations within the Mâconnais
(Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, Mâcon-Solutré, Viré-Clessé, etc.) grow on sun-drenched hills of limestone. The best of the red wine appellations grow largely on granite, and include the
cru Beaujolais
(Fleurie, Morgon, etc.), and the wines that qualify as
"Beaujolais-Villages" (which are
distinct from the general appellation of "Beaujolais").
Posted under Dave's Soapbox
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