Bordeaux

Question 1

What is the average vine density in Bordeaux vineyards?

Answer 1

10,000 vines per hectare

Close planting allows for better utilization of premium vineyard land.

Question 2

What pruning technique is used on the left bank of Bordeaux?

Answer 2

Double-guyot

This technique is different from the single-guyot used on the right bank.

Question 3

What is the average yield of Bordeaux vineyards currently?

Answer 3

50 hl/ha

Yields have decreased over the last 20 years.

Question 4

What are the two main techniques for harvesting grapes in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

Hand harvesting and machine harvesting

Top estates typically harvest by hand for selectiveness.

Question 5

What is the primary focus during the vinification process in Bordeaux?

Answer 5

Sorting of grapes

Levels of sorting vary depending on price point and fruit quality.

Question 6

What fermentation method is common for red winemaking in Bordeaux?

Answer 6

Closed-top fermenters with pump-over

This method is standard practice for red wines.

Question 7

Which grape variety is most commonly used for rosé production in Bordeaux?

Answer 7

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon

Rosé can be made via direct pressing or short maceration.

Question 8

What is Clairet in the context of Bordeaux wines?

Answer 8

A by-product of red wine production

Used to concentrate the must of red wines.

Question 9

What type of climate does Bordeaux have?

Answer 9

Moderate maritime climate

Influenced by the Gulf Stream, which promotes growth and ripening.

Question 10

What is the maximum yield for Bordeaux AOC white wines?

Answer 10

67 hl/ha

This is part of the regulations governing various Bordeaux appellations.

Question 11

What is the main soil type found on the left bank of Bordeaux?

Answer 11

Gravel and stones

These soils drain well and retain heat, benefiting vine growth.

Question 12

What grape variety accounts for about 64k ha of plantings in Bordeaux?

Answer 12

Merlot

It is the dominant grape variety in the region.

Question 13

True or False: Cabernet Sauvignon is a late budding variety.

Answer 13

True

This characteristic makes it resistant to spring frost.

Question 14

What is the primary factor that influences the quality of sweet wines in Bordeaux?

Answer 14

Botrytis cinerea (noble rot)

Sweet wines are generally made from botrytised fruit.

Question 15

Fill in the blank: The maximum yield for Bordeaux Superieur AOC reds is _______.

Answer 15

59 hl/ha

This appellation has stricter rules compared to Bordeaux AOC.

Question 16

What is the significance of the Landes Forest in Bordeaux?

Answer 16

It protects the left bank from Atlantic storms

This can create cooler and more marginal conditions for vineyards.

Question 17

What issue is caused by rain during flowering in Bordeaux vineyards?

Answer 17

Poor fruit set

This can significantly impact yields and quality.

Question 18

What is a common method for aging complex white Bordeaux wines?

Answer 18

Aged in up to 100% new French oak

This aging process can last for 12-24 months.

Question 19

What grape variety is known for contributing high acidity and medium tannins in Bordeaux?

Answer 19

Cabernet Franc

It adds red fruit flavors to the blend.

Question 20

What is a major concern for vineyards in Bordeaux due to climate change?

Answer 20

Increased number of hot, dry vintages

Such conditions can lead to wines with low acidity and poor balance.

Question 21

What is the primary grape variety planted in the Medoc region?

Answer 21

Cabernet Sauvignon

The Medoc region is highly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the gravel soils.

Question 22

What percentage of plantings in Medoc are Merlot?

Answer 22

Approximately 49%

Merlot ripens well in the clay soils of the region.

Question 23

Which communes in Bordeaux are known for having first growths?

Answer 23

Pauillac

Pauillac has three of the five first growths: Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, and Latour.

Question 24

How many first growths are located in Saint-Julien?

Answer 24

None

Saint-Julien does not have any first growths but has five second growths.

Question 25

What is the primary soil type in Saint-Julien?

Answer 25

Gravel ## Footnote The region is almost completely gravel, contributing to its wine style.

Question 26

Which commune is known for having a high proportion of Merlot?

Answer 26

Margaux ## Footnote Margaux has slightly more Merlot than Pauillac or Saint-Julien.

Question 27

What is unique about the Entre-Deux Mers appellation?

Answer 27

It produces only white wines ## Footnote Red wines from this area are classified as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur.

Question 28

What percentage of plantings in Saint-Emilion is Merlot?

Answer 28

77% ## Footnote Saint-Emilion is predominantly planted to Merlot due to its cool clay soils.

Question 29

What classification system does Pomerol AOC lack?

Answer 29

No classification system ## Footnote Pomerol is unique in Bordeaux for not having a classification system.

Question 30

Which grape variety dominates in Pomerol?

Answer 30

Merlot ## Footnote Pomerol is composed of 80% Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc.

Question 31

What is the maximum yield for Sauternes?

Answer 31

25 hl/ha ## Footnote Actual yields are often lower to ensure grapes are fully ripe before noble rot.

Question 32

What is the 1855 Classification in Bordeaux?

Answer 32

A ranking system for wines based on pricing ## Footnote It ranks wines from first to fifth growths in the Medoc, and includes Haut-Brion and Sauternes.

Question 33

What is the average estate size in Bordeaux as of 2022?

Answer 33

20 ha ## Footnote This average size is increasing due to small properties being taken over by larger neighbors.

Question 34

What is the Place de Bordeaux?

Answer 34

A unique commercial system for selling wines ## Footnote Wines are sold to a merchant, who then sells to wholesalers and retailers.

Question 35

What does the term 'en primeur' refer to?

Answer 35

Selling wine futures before bottling ## Footnote This system allows consumers to purchase wine at a lower price before it is released.

Question 36

Which grape varieties are typically found in Pessac-Leognan AOC white wines?

Answer 36

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon ## Footnote Whites are often barrel-fermented and have pronounced fruit and oak characteristics.

Question 37

True or False: The Bordeaux region has a higher proportion of Cru Classe wines than any other commune.

Answer 37

True ## Footnote Approximately 85% of wines in Pauillac are classified as Cru Classe.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru has lower yields of _______ compared to Saint-Emilion.

Answer 38

46 hl/ha

Question 39

What is a key characteristic of wines from Sauternes?

Answer 39

Noble rot ## Footnote The production process is influenced by the meeting of warm and cold rivers creating morning mists.

Question 40

What are the two largest satellites of Saint-Emilion?

Answer 40

Montagne-Saint-Emilion and Lussac-Saint-Emilion ## Footnote These satellites follow the same appellation rules as Saint-Emilion.

Question 41

What is the role of a courtier in the Bordeaux wine trade?

Answer 41

Broker between producers and merchants ## Footnote The courtier facilitates the sales process and charges a percentage for their services.

Question 42

What is the maximum yield for Pomerol AOC?

Answer 42

49 hl/ha

Question 43

What is the primary focus of the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation?

Answer 43

Red and white wine production ## Footnote It was created in 2009 for a group of appellations on the right bank.

Question 44

What is typically done with wines for long-term storage?

Answer 44

Wines are held in secure storage for the long-term storage of fine wine ## Footnote This ensures the wine is preserved until the buyer decides its fate.

Question 45

What options does the final buyer have regarding their wine?

Answer 45

The final buyer can decide to: * Have the wine delivered * Have it stored until ready to drink * Sell the wine ## Footnote The decision often depends on market conditions and personal preference.

Question 46

Which region accounts for the largest proportion of wine sold on the secondary market?

Answer 46

Bordeaux ## Footnote Bordeaux wines are highly sought after, impacting their market availability and pricing.

Question 47

What debate has been ongoing since 2010 regarding the en-primeur system?

Answer 47

There is debate about whether the en-primeur system still works. ## Footnote This discussion has intensified due to market changes and price fluctuations.

Question 48

What significant trend occurred in en-primeur prices since the 2000s?

Answer 48

En-primeur prices rose dramatically, particularly due to increased interest from China. ## Footnote This interest contributed to higher expectations and pricing in the Bordeaux market.

Question 49

What issue arose from châteaux offering wines at higher prices?

Answer 49

Châteaux became accustomed to offering wines at higher prices, even for poor vintages like 2011. ## Footnote This led to a disconnect between price and quality, affecting investor confidence.

Question 50

What was the outcome of Bordeaux prices starting to fall?

Answer 50

Some investors who had invested en-primeur lost money. ## Footnote Price decline can significantly impact the financial outcomes for wine investors.

Question 51

What concerns have wine critics expressed regarding wine reviews?

Answer 51

How much reviews influence wine prices, especially since the wines tasted at en-primeur are not the final product. ## Footnote This raises questions about the reliability of early assessments in determining market value.

Question 52

Which first-growth announced it would no longer sell en-primeur in 2012?

Answer 52

Latour announced it would no longer sell its wine en-primeur. ## Footnote This decision reflects a shift in strategy among prestigious wine producers.

Question 53

What challenge do smaller or lesser-known producers face regarding wine release?

Answer 53

It is not always viable for smaller or lesser-known producers to keep the wine back until they decide it’s ready for release. ## Footnote These producers often need to balance immediate cash flow with market timing.