CL255 Food and Beverage Operations Management

    Burgundy Wine Presentation:

    Here is my team's Wine region Powerpoint. I was responsible for the history of wine making in Burgundy. Go to my notes on other presentations
    burgundy_powerpoint.pptx
    File Size: 993 kb
    File Type: pptx
    Download File

    History of Winemaking in Burgundy


    Prehistoric:
    •200 million years ago-Burgundy was a tropical sea full of shellfish and other tiny animals.
    •30-5 million years ago- When the sea retreated, large mountain ranges were formed, including many Burgundy hills such as the Beaujolais and the Côte d’Or.

    The Beginning:
    •Evidence of grapes grown by Celts in 1st century B.C.
    •Production of wine began in Burgundy during Roman invasion of the region.
    •In the 6th century A.D. one of the nearby Kings gave his vineyards to the church.

    The Middle Ages and the Roman Catholic Church:
    •Burgundy was the seat of some of the most important western churches and monasteries. oCluny, Citeaux, Vézelay, and Maizières
    •Monks maintained vineyards and wine making knowledge and skills. They had the resources, security, and motivation to produce a steady supply of wine for both celebrating mass and generating income.
    •During 1300s and 1400s the area was ruled by the Dukes of Burgundy.
    •1395: Duke Philip the Bold issued a decree that the only red grape allowed to be planted was Pinot Noir. (The use of the Gamay grape was declared unfit for human consumption)

    The Bourgeoisie:
    •After Burgundy became incorporated into the Kingdom of France, the power of the church decreased.
    •By the 1700s many vineyards had been sold to the bourgeoisie (nobility).

    French Revolution (1789-1799):
    •After the French Revolution vineyards belonging to the church or aristocracy were broken up and from 1791 sold off.
    •Napoleonic Inheritance Law: Required property to be equally divided among all rightful offspring. oThe result was vineyards being carved up among multiple owners.

    Phylloxera Vastatrix:
    •Around 1880, phylloxera (an aphid-like pest) arrived from eastern North America and devastated several vineyards.
    • In the 1890’s after trying many chemical treatments, growers grafted American rootstocks to Burgundy vines. 

    Today:
    •Today Burgundy’s individual vineyards are usually very small as a lasting effect of the Inheritance law. Some consist of only two or three rows of vines. ••Because of this, Burgundy produces a great variety of wines at very high prices.