Bordeaux Pt 4 - Geology, Topography and Soils Flashcards

1
Q

Which region does Bordeaux lie in?

A

The Aquitaine region.

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2
Q

What does ‘Aquitaine’ mean?

A

It comes from the latin for ‘well watered place”.

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3
Q

What are the primary soils of Bordeaux?

A

Post the Ice-Age, sedimentary deposits, featuring gravel terraces interspersed with sand, silt and clay, plus both freshwater and salt-water limestone.

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4
Q

In a simple sense, what are the two soil types in Bordeaux?

A

“Warm” and “cool” soils.

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5
Q

Which soils are regarded as “warm”? Where are they found?

A

Gravel and sands, found primarily on the Left Bank of the Gironde and Garonne as well as in parts of Entre-Deux-Mers.

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6
Q

How do warm soils impact the vines?

A

They warm up quickly in spring, radiate warmth up into the vine canopy and are well-draining. They can extend or speed up the ripening of the grape.

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7
Q

Which varieties planted in Bordeaux benefit from warm soils? Why?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot which are late-ripening and need additional warmth provided by soils to ripen.

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8
Q

How does (1) gravel and (2) sand affect wine character?

A

Gravel - Structure and firm tannins;
Sands - opulent, soft and fruit -forward , easily drinkable.

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9
Q

Which soils are regarded as “cool”? Where are they mainly found?

A

Clay and Limestone - found mainly on the right bank of the Gironde and Dordogne and on the hillsides of Entre-Deux-Mers.

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10
Q

How do cool soils impact the vines?

A

They dont warm up as quickly as they are both dense and water-retaining and do not speed up the ripening process.

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11
Q

Which varieties in Bordeaux do ok from cool soils? Why?

A

Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are early-ripening and therefore dont need extended heat to ripen fully.

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12
Q

How do (1) clay and (2) limestone affect wine character?

A

Clay - wines with noticeable texture;
Limestone - wines with pronounced acidity and lean, polished tannins.

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13
Q

What is the overall topography of the Left Bank?

A

Mostly flat.Expanse of gravel mounds.
Elevation - 100-140 ft/30-40 m ASL

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14
Q

What is the overall topography of the Right Bank?

A

String of small hills, interspersed by plateau and deep valleys.
Highest elevation - 377 ft/115 m in east at Saint-Foyes Cotes de Bordeaux;

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15
Q

What is the overall topography of the Entre-Deux-Mers?

A

It has some significant slopes ideal for vineyards.

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16
Q

What effect do the network of rivers in Bordeaux have on the vineyards?

A

They regulate the temperature keeping it constant and moderate.