Bordeaux

Question 1

What are the key factors affecting the climate in Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Maritime climate, influence of Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Stream, Gironde estuary, frequent rainfall, and risk of rot.

Question 2

How does the Gironde estuary influence viticulture in Bordeaux?

Answer 2

It moderates temperatures and reduces frost risk, especially in the Médoc and Graves regions.

Question 3

What are the main soil types found in Bordeaux?

Answer 3

Gravel (Left Bank), clay and limestone (Right Bank), sand, and silt.

Question 4

What grape varieties are best suited to gravel soils?

Answer 4

Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in well-draining gravel soils (especially in the Médoc and Graves).

Question 5

What grape varieties are best suited to clay and limestone soils?

Answer 5

Merlot and Cabernet Franc, particularly on the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol).

Question 6

What production and ageing techniques are common in Bordeaux?

Answer 6

Blending of varieties, fermentation in stainless steel or cement, ageing in French oak barriques, malolactic fermentation, and racking.

Question 7

How is botrytis wine produced in Bordeaux?

Answer 7

Grapes infected with noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) are selectively harvested in passes (tries) and used to make sweet wines in Sauternes and Barsac.

Question 8

What grape varieties are used in Sauternes and Barsac botrytis wines?

Answer 8

Sémillon (main), Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

Question 9

What is the purpose of using barriques in Bordeaux?

Answer 9

For fermentation and/or ageing—barriques (225L) contribute oak flavor, allow micro-oxygenation, and improve complexity.

Question 10

What are the main districts and sub-districts of Bordeaux?

Answer 10

Left Bank: Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Graves, Sauternes; Right Bank: Libournais (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol); Entre-Deux-Mers (dry whites).

Question 11

What is the Bordeaux 1855 Classification?

Answer 11

A ranking of top Médoc and Sauternes/Barsac châteaux into 5 growths (crus) based on price and reputation for the Paris Exposition.

Question 12

Which château was classified as Premier Cru Supérieur in 1855?

Answer 12

Château d’Yquem (Sauternes).

Question 13

Name the five First Growth (Premier Cru) châteaux from the 1855 Médoc classification.

Answer 13

Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Margaux, Château Haut-Brion (Graves), Château Mouton Rothschild (elevated in 1973).

Question 14

What is the Saint-Émilion classification system and when was it established?

Answer 14

A quality ranking of estates in Saint-Émilion created in 1955 and revised every 10 years. It includes:
* Premier Grand Cru Classé A
* Premier Grand Cru Classé B
* Grand Cru Classé

Question 15

What are the current “Premier Grand Cru Classé A” châteaux in Saint-Émilion? (as of 2022 revision)

Answer 15

Château Figeac and Château Pavie. (Note: Cheval Blanc and Ausone withdrew in 2022.)

Question 16

Name top châteaux in Pomerol (not classified but highly regarded).

Answer 16

Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Château Lafleur, Vieux Château Certan, Château Trotanoy.

Question 17

What are the major grape varietals used in Bordeaux wines?

Answer 17

• Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carménère
• White: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Question 18

What is the dominant grape in Right Bank Bordeaux blends?

Answer 18

Merlot, often blended with Cabernet Franc.

Question 19

Why is blending important in Bordeaux wines?

Answer 19

Blending helps balance ripeness, structure, aroma, and aging potential by combining the strengths of different varietals.

Question 20

Describe the typical wine style of Left Bank vs. Right Bank Bordeaux.

Answer 20

• Left Bank (Médoc, Graves): Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, structured, tannic, age-worthy.
• Right Bank (Saint-Émilion, Pomerol): Merlot-dominant, softer, rounder, more approachable young.

Question 21

What style of wine is produced in Sauternes and Barsac?

Answer 21

Sweet wines made from botrytised grapes, typically Sémillon-based.

Question 22

What are the main wine quality levels in Bordeaux?

Answer 22

• AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée): Highest level, e.g., AOC Bordeaux, Margaux, Saint-Émilion.
• IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée): Less strict regulations, regional flexibility.
• Vin de France: Table wine, no geographical indication.

Question 23

What are common Bordeaux labelling terms?

Answer 23

• Château: Wine estate
• Cru: Growth or vineyard
• Mis en Bouteille au Château: Bottled at the estate
• Grand Vin: The main wine of the estate
• Cuvée: A specific blend or batch

Question 24

What does “Grand Cru” mean in Saint-Émilion?

Answer 24

A legally defined quality level, not equivalent to “Grand Cru Classé” unless part of the official classification.

Question 25

What is the En Primeur system in Bordeaux?

Answer 25

A futures system where wines are sold while still in barrel, 1–2 years before bottling, often through négociants.

Question 26

What is the role of négociants in Bordeaux’s wine trade?

Answer 26

Négociants buy wines in bulk or futures and handle marketing, blending, bottling, and international distribution.

Question 27

What is the Cru Bourgeois classification?

Answer 27

A classification for quality Médoc wines not included in the 1855 ranking; revised regularly and includes three tiers: Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel.

Question 28

What styles of wine come from smaller Bordeaux districts like Cadillac or Loupiac?

Answer 28

Sweet wines made in a style similar to Sauternes, often with botrytised Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 29

List lesser-known sub-districts producing sweet wines in Bordeaux.

Answer 29

Loupiac, Cadillac, Sainte-Croix-du-Mont.

Question 30

Name some smaller dry red wine-producing districts on the Right Bank.

Answer 30

Fronsac, Canon-Fronsac, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de Castillon.

Question 31

Name key communes in the Médoc.

Answer 31

Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Listrac, Moulis.

Question 32

List some classic Bordeaux vintages from recent decades.

Answer 32

* Exceptional: 1982, 1990, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2019 * Good: 1996, 2001, 2008, 2014 * Challenging: 1997, 2002, 2013