Bordeaux

Question 1

What is the 1855 classification?

Answer 1

List of best wines (cru classe)
Includes red from Medoc and white from Sauternes

Classifies chateaux, not vintage

Question 2

What is Cru Bourgeois?

Answer 2

Classification system introduced after 1855 classification to cover other estates

Classifies vintage, not chateaux

Question 3

Order the top 5 chateaux from Medoc (according to 1855 classification).

Answer 3

1. Chateaux Lafite Rothschild
2. Latour
3. Margaux Rothschild
4. Mouton Rothschild
5. Chateau Haut-Brion (from Graves)

Question 4

How are wines classified in Graves?

Answer 4

Wines have parallel (but seperate) lists for red and white
No ranking, all wines are cru classe

All inside Pessac-Leognan (this appellation was made after the Graves classification)

Question 5

How are wines classified in Saint-Emilion?

Answer 5

Classification system is integrated into appellation system
Separate appellation called “Saint Emilion Grand Cru”, includes 2 groups

Higher: Saint-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classes (includes A & B)
Lower: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe

Reclassifications are done at least once every 10 years

Question 6

Describe the Medoc region.

Answer 6

Northernmost part called Bas-Medoc (but wines are labelled as Medoc)
Soil is predominantly clay w/ outcrops of gravel

Has higher percent of Merlot in wines compared to southern parts.

Question 7

What are the 4 best communes in Haut-Medoc?

Answer 7

Saint-Estephe
Pauillac
Saint-Julien
Margaux

Question 8

Describe the Entre-Deux-Mers region.

Answer 8

Located between Garonne & Dordogne rivers
Can only produce white wine (dry)
Reds from here have generic appellation label

Question 9

Describe the Sauternes region.

Answer 9

Includes the village of Barsac (Barsac can use Sauternes or Barsac label)

Semillon: Used for thin skin & botrytis
Sauv. Blanc: Used for acidity & fruity aromas
Muscadelle: Sometimes used for perfume

Question 10

Describe the Graves region.

Answer 10

Most highly rated area is Pessac-Leognan (makes red and white)
Soil is gravel, good for Cab. Sauv

Red wines are lighter in body & more fragrant than Haut-Medoc

White wines labelled Graves are usually Unoaked Sauv. Blanc
White wines labelled Pessac-Leognan are oaked Sauv. Blanc + Semillon blend (eligible for cru classe status)

Question 11

Describe the Saint-Emilion region.

Answer 11

Three distinct groups of vineyards with different soil.

1. Plateau North and West of Saint-Emilion
   Gravel and limestone, Merlot + Cav. Sauv + Cab. Franc
2. Escarpment to South and East
   Clay limestone soil
3. Foot of escarpment
   Sandy soil, lighter body and less prestigious

1 and 2 are most prestigious.
Red berry, plum, tobacco, cedar

Question 12

Describe the Pomerol region.

Answer 12

Merlot based, similar to Saint-Emilion

High quality, richer and spicier than Saint-Emilion

Question 13

Describe Bordeaux’s climate and grape growing.

Answer 13

Moderate, maritime climate

Benefits from Gulf Stream (no spring frosts)
Rains throughout year, disrupts flowering and fruit set, causes rot, dilutes flavor at harvest

Variability in weather means:

• Vintage variation is big
• Risky to rely on 1 grape variety

Question 14

Describe the winemaking styles in Bordeaux.

Answer 14

Variety of fermentation vessels used
Top quality wines often aged in small oak (225 liters)

Most leading chateaux make 2nd and 3rd wines from blends not suitable for Grand Vin (best wine)

Some wine might be sold off as negociant

Question 15

What is a Bordeaux Clairet?

Answer 15

Rose style popular in French market

Has longer maceration than normal rose
Deeper in color, fuller in body