13 - Bordeaux Flashcards
(32 cards)
In terms of volume and value, which is the largest appellation region in France?
Bordeaux.
What are the soils and wines like in Pessac - Leognan?
Gravelly and well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Generally lighter bodied than wines from Haut - Medoc.
What is the most highly rated region Graves?
Pessac - Leognan.
Describe the wines from the top appellations in Haut - Medoc.
A high percentage of Cab Sav in the blends. Generally displays a core of blackcurrant fruit, cedar notes from time on oak. Grippy tannins when young and have great potential for ageing.
What are the 4 Haut - Medoc appellations with highest reputation?
North to south: Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint - Julien and Margaux.
Describe the soils and wines of Bas Medoc.
The soil is mainly clay, with outcrops of gravel. Wines tend to have higher proportions of Merlot in the blend than those to the south. Generally early drinking in style.
Wines from the northernmost region region of Medoc (Bas Medoc) can be labelled as?
Simply - “Medoc”.
Red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur are what sort of wines at their best?
Early drinking, medium bodied wines with ripe black/red fruit and sometimes cedar notes from time on oak.
Generic Bordeaux appellations can be labelled as?
Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superiuer. The latter designation has slightly stricter rules and requires a higher level of alcohol.
In the Saint -Emilion Grand Cru appellation. Explain the classification system.
The lower step is simply Saint - Emilion Grand Cru Classe. Above this comes Saint - Emilion Premier Grand Clu Classe. Which is the divided into Premier Grand Cru Classe A (best) and Premier Grand Cru Classe B.
How do Graves wines compare to Pessac - Leognan?
Similar in style, but less concentrated and complex. Usually a higher concentration of Merlot.
The wines of the right bank are dominated by what grapes?
Merlot and to a lesser extent Cab Sav.
What are the two prestige appellations of the right bank?
Saint - Emilion and Pomerol.
Explain Saint - Emilion soil and wine?
Warm, well drained gravel and limestone in the north and west. Clay, limestone to the south and east. Medium to high tannins, compared to the structure of the left bank, have softer and rich mouth feeling. Complex red berry fruit and plum. Develops tobacco and cedar notes with age.
Name the appellations of Cotes de Bordeaux?
Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs
Entre - Deux Mers can only produce red or white wines?
White wines.
The top appellations for making sweet wines are grouped along the banks of the Garonne river, explain why?
Rivers create the ideal misty autumn conditions for noble rot to develop on ripened grapes.
In Sauternes and Barsac which grape dominates sweet wine production?
Semillon.
What grapes do they blend with Semillon in Sauternes?
Sauvignon Blanc to add acidity. Muscadelle to add exotic perfume.
Describe the Bordeaux region climate?
It has a moderate maritime climate. The Gulf Stream extends the growing season and spring frosts are a problem.
How many grapes are permitted under Bordeaux appellation regulations?
13 varieties, but in practice 3 black and 2 white dominate.
What are the dominant red varieties in Bordeaux.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Cab Sav is dominant in which Bordeaux appellation?
The Haut - Medoc. The stone gravel soil content is high there. This raises temperatures and consequently is the only area the grape can ripen reliably.
Merlot is the most widely planted varietal in Bordeaux but most important in the premium wines of which appellations?
Saint - Emilion and Pomerol.
