13) Bordeaux Flashcards
(47 cards)
Climate of Bordeaux
Moderate maritime
What benefits the Bordeaux climate
Gulf Stream
What causes Bordeaux’s vintage variation
Amount of rainfall throughout the year
Why are most wines from Bordeaux a blend?
Variable weather means too risky to rely on one grape variety
How does a blend help reduce effects of bad weather
Flowering and ripening happen at different times. One spring frost will not ruin all the grapes.
What are the main red grapes in Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc,
Merlot and
Petit Verdot
Important areas in Bordeaux for Cabernet Sauvignon
Haut-Médoc,
Bas-Médoc,
Graves
Important areas in Bordeaux for Cabernet Franc
Saint-Émilion and to a lesser extent the Médoc and Graves
Important areas in Bordeaux for Merlot
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
Climate required for Petit Verdot
Very hot
Ideal soil for Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux
Higher amount of clay to retain warmth
Ideal soil type for Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux
Higher amount of clay to retain warmth
Ideal soil type for Merlot in Bordeaux
Impartial as climate suits grape
Top quality Bordeaux is aged by
Leaving in small oak barriques of 225 litres
What are the main white grapes in Bordeaux?
Sémillon,
Sauvignon blanc,
Muscadelle
What makes semillon the most important variety for sweet wines?
Think skin and affinity to noble rot
Semillon can be blended with… and in which appellation?
Sauvignon Blanc and in Pessac-Léognan and Graves
Aromas of Sauvignon blanc
Citrus and green fruit
What does Sauvignon Blanc add to blends
High acidity
Why is it useful to add Sauvignon Blanc to blends?
To add acidity which can be very useful in sweet wines
Difference between high and low end whites from Bordeaux
High end can sometimes be fermented and matured in new oak barrels adding a nutty flavour.
What splits Bordeaux?
Dordogne and Garonne rivers combining to form the Gironde estuary
Left bank Bordeaux (M, M, P)
Médoc, Margaux and Pauillac
Left bank Bordeaux (SE, HM, SJ)
Saint-Estèphe, Haut-Médoc, Saint Julien
