U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS
At this stage it would be better if a short explanation
of "Appellation Controllee" were given. This simply
means controlled naming, and according to French Law
the wine must reach certain standards in order to qualify
for a certain name. Certain wines may only come from
certain defined areas laid down by French Law and
the system is controlled by an organisation comprising
dealers, owners and Government officials. The wines have
not only to come from within certain specified areas but
must come from particular type or types of grapes, must
contain a certain specified strength, have a certain amount
of sugar in its content, and many other things. Now, a
Romanee St. Vivant (the name of a vineyard), if it does
not reach the standard laid down, has to be called a Vosne
Romanee (the name of a commune)and should it not reach
the standards laid down for that particular wine it has to
be called simply Burgundy, while should it not reach this
particular standard it can only be called Vin Rouge.
Burgundy wines are allowed to have both sugar and alcohol
added to the wine for export. This adds strength and
mellowness to the wine and aids the wine in its keeping
qualities. This does not apply to Bordeaux or Rhone
wines.
Of the two areas, here is a list of the communes and their
principal vineyards, which might be helpful in understand
ing the wines better.
COTE DE NUITS
Flxin—Perriere.
Brochon.
Gevrey-Chambertin—Chambertin, Clos de Beze, Clos St.
Jacques.
Morey—Clos de Tart, Clos des Lambrays.
ChamboUe-Musigny—Musigny, Petit Musigny, Bonnes
Mares.
Vougeot—Clos de Vougeot, La Vigne Blanche.
Flagey—Grands Echezeaux.
Vosne Roman6e—Romanee-Conti,Richebourg,La Tache,
La Romanee, Romanee St. Vivant.
Nuits-St. Georges—St. Georges, Boudots, Vaucrains.
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