Bordeaux Pt 5 - Grapes Flashcards

1
Q

Which grape varieties make up 97% of plantings in Bordeaux?

A

Three red - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc;
Three white - Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

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2
Q

Which Bordeaux red varieties are being affected by global warming?

A

Petit Verdot - which is ripening more regularly and becoming fashionable:
Merlot - which is ripening to high alcohol levels and its role in blends may need to reduce.

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3
Q

How is white wine styles changing in Bordeaux?

A

Sweet wines from Semillon are declining and Sauvignon Blanc varietals is on the rise.

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4
Q

What was the cause of Sauvignon Blancs being robbed of their aromas in Bordeaux?

A

Copper-sulfate sprays were found to be robbing the aromas. Whites were mineral with herbal undertones but more judicious use of sprays has changed this.

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5
Q

Which red varieties dominate the Left Bank?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

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6
Q

Which red varieties dominate the Right Bank?

A

Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

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7
Q

Which grapes dominate the Bordeaux white wines?

A

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Ugni Blanc and Colombard are found in the Cotes de Blaye.

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8
Q

Which new varieties are being planted in Bordeaux to combat climate change?

A

Red - Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan and Touriga Nacional;
White - Alvarinho and Liliorila

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9
Q

What are the limits on the new varieties?

A

5% in vineyard area;
10% in the blend.

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10
Q

What are the % of varieties planted in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot - 59%;
Cab. Sauv. - 20%;
Cab. Franc - 8%;
Semillon - 5%;
Sauv. Blanc - 5%;
Other - 3%.
Note SB has caught up with Semilllon.

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11
Q

What are the three main white grapes used in AOC wines?

A

Semillon; Sauvignon Blanc; Muscadelle.

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12
Q

What makes Semillon suitable for sweet wines of Bordeaux?

A

It is susceptible to botrytis;
Wines are aged in oak barriques and semillon has a natural affinity to oak.

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13
Q

How is Sauvignon Blanc used in Bordeaux?

A

It now dominates the dry whites and mainly varietal.

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14
Q

How is Muscadelle used in Bordeaux?

A

As an intensely aromatic grape it is used (5% approx.) to boost the aromatics of sweet wines.

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15
Q

What does Sauvignon Gris add to wines?

A

It adds depth and texture to wines and a muskier aromatic profile.

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16
Q

What are the main red varieties used in Bordeaux AOC wines?

A

Merlot; Cab. Sauvignon; Cab Franc; Malbec (Cot); Petit Verdot; Carmenere.

17
Q

What is the most widely-planted red in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot

18
Q

What does Merlot add to Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines?

A

It adds “flesh” to the skeletal structure.

19
Q

What does Merlot add to Cabernet Franc-based wines?

A

It adds fruit to herbal/leafy flavor profile.

20
Q

Where is Cab. Sauvignon the backbone of wines? What does it add?

A

On the Left Bank. Its inherent tannin and acidic structure crafts ageable wines.

21
Q

Where is Cab. Franc: a significant partner in the blends?; the backbone of wines?

A

It is 30-35% of the blend in St Emilion. It is the backbone of Cotes red blends.

22
Q

What does Cab. Franc add to blends?

A

It has a similar structure and flavour profiles to Cab. Sauvignon but to a lesser degree. It also has a leafy tea-like character.

23
Q

Where is Malbec mainly found in Bordeaux?

A

Bourg, Blaye and Entre-Deux-Mers.

24
Q

What does Malbec add to blends?

A

Its low acidity softens a blend and adds black fruit.

25
Q

What does Petit Verdot add to blends?

A

It adds tannin, pigment and spice.

26
Q

Why is Carmenere rarely found in Bordeaux?

A

It succumbed to the fungal diseases of the 1800’s and was not replanted on a large scale.