Bordeaux Flashcards
(179 cards)
1
Q
When did INAO award the first AOC’s?
A
INAO awarded the first AOCs in 1936
2
Q
When was INAO established?
A
In 1935, the Institut National des Appellations dʼOrigine (INAO) was created to delimit and enforce Franceʼs wine appellation system.
Since 2007 the name has changed to “L’Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité” but the abbreviation has remained.
3
Q
The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system, using early, self-imposed guidelines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape as a model, stipulated limits on…?
A
Yields Vineyard density Training and pruning techniques Grape varietals Methods of production Minimum alcohol levels Minimum must weights The geographical boundaries of each appellation
AOC wines must pass a tasting panel.
The Appellation dʼOrigine Contrôlée (AOC) became a model for many other European appellation systems, as Franceʼs controlled appellations assured authenticity and, to a degree, style.
4
Q
When was the Appellation dʼOrigine Protégée (AOP) category created?
A
In 2009 in accordance within the EUʼs Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) category
5
Q
In accordance with EU regulations, only which type of grapes are to be used in AOP or AOC labeled wines?
A
Vitis Vinifera
6
Q
What’s the difference between AOP and AOC labeled wines?
A
AOP labeled wines have the same value as AOC. The AOP designation was created in 2009 in accordance with the updated EU regulations
7
Q
When was Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS) created and eliminated?
A
VDQS was a stepping stone for AOC and AOP wines
Created: 1949
Eliminated: 2011
8
Q
Regional wines—approximately 1/3 of French production —are released under which classification?
A
Vin de Pays
9
Q
INAO now oversees Vin de Pays production. Which regulatory body used to oversee production?
A
VINIFLHOR, a government agricultural office, used to oversee Vin de Pays regulations, but control of the category was transferred to the INAO after the European reforms were finalized.
10
Q
What is considered the lowest rung of wine production for France?
A
Vin de Table, or Vin Ordinaires
As of 2009, the table wine category was rechristened as Vin de France, and both vintage and varietal may now appear on the label. This change, designed to allow basic French wines to compete with New World varietal wines, coincided with the approval of new practices for table wines, including acidification and the use of oak chips.
11
Q
What are the current three French wine appellation categories?
A
Appellation d’Origine Contrôlee / Protégée (AOC/AOP) Vin de Pays / Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP) Vin de France (formerly Table Wine)
12
Q
Bordeaux is one of Franceʼs most important fine wine regions and is second in volume of production only to…?
A
Languedoc
13
Q
By 2017 what was the approximate total vineyard acreage of Bordeaux?
A
300,000 acres
It is Franceʼs largest AOC/AOP region.
14
Q
What kinds of wine is Bordeaux permitted produce?
A
Red, white, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines are produced
15
Q
What are the two main tributaries of the Gironde estuary?
A
Garonne River
Dordogne River
16
Q
What change made the Bordeaux region viable for viticulture?
A
The Dutch built a complex series of drainage channels throughout the area
17
Q
What are Courtiers? What is their influence?
A
Courtiers—brokers of wine—became a powerful force in the Médoc, supplying
the châteaux with financial backing while gaining total control over the actual trade of wine. While the négociants faded in influence after World War II with the rising appeal of estate bottling, the courtiers of Bordeaux maintain their authority over the trade and are responsible for the current method of en primeur sales, the yearly offering of Bordeaux wine as futures.
18
Q
In Bordeaux, what does en primeur indicate?
A
The yearly offering of Bordeaux as futures
19
Q
Describe the Bordeaux climate
A
The climate of Bordeaux is maritime, with both the Atlantic and the Gironde estuary acting as moderating influences, protecting the vines from winter freezes and spring frost. Winters are short, springtime is usually damp and summers can reach high temperatures. Coastal pine forests protect the Médoc vineyards from harsh west and northwesterly winds
20
Q
What climactic worries to winemakers and growers have in Bordeaux?
A
The very wet climate can bring on rot and mold.
Springtime frost can lead to coulure and millerandage, reducing the eventual yield, and the Bordeaux mixture—a mix of lime, copper sulfate, and water—is applied throughout the region to avoid fungal problems
That said, autumn humidity in the sweet wine districts of Graves is a cause for celebration due to the development of noble rot, the more malevolent grey rot can take hold in cooler years and destroy the fruit.
21
Q
What is clairet?
A
In Bordeaux, Clairet is a darker, more aromatic style of rosé that evokes the original claret wines shipped to England in the Middle Ages
22
Q
What are the six grapes permitted for red Bordeaux?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc Petit Verdot Malbec Carmènere
23
Q
Is blending typical in Bordeaux?
A
Yes
Due to the varying soils throughout the region, coupled with the different speeds of ripening for each grape Bordeaux chateau’s generally blend varietals
24
Q
What is the most planted grape in Bordeaux?
A
Merlot
25
Does Merlot ripen early or late?
Merlot is the earliest grape to ripen
26
What type of soil is best for Merlot? Why?
Merlot prefers clay-based soils, as they delay its natural vigor
27
What type of soil does Cabernet Sauvignon preform best in?
Cabernet Sauvignon performs admirably in well-drained gravel, which allows the vineʼs root system to dig deeply while slight water stress adds concentration to the fruit. The grape has difficulty ripening in colder limestone and clay soils.
28
What type of soil does Cabernet Franc perform best in?
Cabernet Franc excels in limestone-based soils, which promote acidity and freshness in the wines.
29
Describe what the following varietals add to a Bordeaux blend:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon - The highly pigmented, tannic Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine structure, power, and longevity.
Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Franc, a more tannic grape than Merlot but less muscular or weighty than Cabernet Sauvignon, imparts herbal spice and red fruit aromatics
Merlot - Merlot contributes a fleshy, juicy texture that can soften the austerity of Cabernet Sauvignon.
30
On the Left Bank (Médoc and Graves) what is the dominate varietal in blends?
Cabernet Sauvignon comprises approximately two-thirds of the blend and Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the other varieties make up the remainder.
31
Which grape(s) dominate the right bank Bordeaux blends?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc typically dominate blends on the Right Bank, at three-quarters and one-quarter respectively. These proportions may vary greatly depending on the exact commune and château.
32
Is Petit Verdot used more on the Left Bank or the Right Bank?
The inky Petit Verdot, the last grape in Bordeaux to ripen, is occasionally added on the Left Bank in minute quantities for color, depth and exotic perfume; it is essentially non-existent on the Right Bank.
33
What is a synonym for Pressac?
Malbec
34
What are the white grapes of Bordeaux?
```
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
Ugni Blanc
Merlot Blanc
Colombard
```
35
What flavor profiles do Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle offer in Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc offers pungency, high acidity, and citrus flavors. In Bordeaux, the sharpness of Sauvignon Blanc can be leavened with Sémillon and rounded with oak.
The best white wines (whether dry or off-dry) achieve creamy, waxy texture while emitting unique aromas of honey and beeswax. The fragile Muscadelle is added sparingly, as its lovely, intense floral character can quickly overtake the wineʼs balance.
36
What are barriques?
225 liter capacity oak barrels
37
Do white wines see new oak in Bordeaux?
Yes, top estates implement new oak in white wine. White wines from a top Graves estate will also be aged in new oak, although the percentage of new wood varies greatly by producer. The best white wines typically spend a year to 16 months in barrel.
38
What are traditional method sparking wines produced as in Bordeaux?
Traditional method sparkling wines are produced in Bordeaux as Crémant de Bordeaux AOP.
39
What are Jalles?
Drainage channels criss-cross the low-lying, remote landscape and prevent the Médoc from reverting to swampland.
40
Is the Medoc white or red wine focused?
The Médoc is overwhelmingly devoted to red wine production: approximately 123 acres in the entire appellation are planted with white grapes. AOP wines must be red.
41
In the Haut-Médoc, the best vineyards are characterized by which type of soil?
Well-drained gravelly soils, perfectly suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon.
42
Name some of the Haut Medoc's communes.
Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, St. Julien, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, and Margaux
43
Name the 1855 classification of 1st growths.
```
Château Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Château Latour, Pauillac
Château Margaux, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Haut-Brion, Graves
Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac
```
44
When was Château Mouton Rothschild elevated from 2nd to 1st growth status?
1973
45
Name (3) 2nd growths.
Château Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estèphe
Château Montrose, Saint-Estèphe
Château Pichon Longueville Baron, Pauillac
Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac
Château Léoville-Las Cases, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien
Château Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien
Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Rauzan-Gassies, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Durfort-Vivens, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Lascombes, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Brane-Cantenac, Margaux (Cantenac)
46
Name (3) 3rd growths
```
Château Calon-Ségur, Saint-Estèphe
Château Lagrange, Saint-Julien
Château Langoa Barton, Saint-Julien
Château Malescot-Saint-Exupéry, Margaux
Château Desmirail, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Ferrière, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Kirwan, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château d'Issan, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Cantenac-Brown, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Palmer, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Giscours, Margaux (Labarde)
Château La Lagune, Haut-Medoc (Ludon)
```
47
Name (1) 4th growth
Château Lafon-Rochet, Saint-Estèphe
Château Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Pauillac
Château Saint-Pierre, Saint-Julien
Château Talbot, Saint-Julien
Château Branaire-Ducru, Saint-Julien
Château Beychevelle, Saint-Julien
Château Marquis de Terme, Margaux (Margaux)
Château Pouget, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux (Cantenac)
Château La Tour Carnet, Haut-Médoc (Saint-Laurent)
48
Name (1) 5th growth
```
Château Cos Labory, Saint-Estèphe
Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac
Château Batailley, Pauillac
Château Haut-Batailley, Pauillac
Château Haut-Bages-Libéral, Pauillac
Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac
Château Grand-Puy-Ducasse, Pauillac
Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac
Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac
Château d'Armailhac, Pauillac: This estate was known as Mouton-Baronne-Philippe from 1933-1988.
Château Pédesclaux, Pauillac
Château Clerc-Milon, Pauillac
Château Croizet Bages, Pauillac
Château Dauzac, Margaux (Labarde)
Château du Tertre, Margaux (Arsac)
Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc (Saint-Laurent)
Château de Camensac, Haut-Médoc (Saint-Laurent)
Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc (Macau)
```
49
How was the 1855 classification of Bordeaux determined?
Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III and carried out by the region’s courtiers, this classification ranked the top properties of Bordeaux by PRICE prior to international exposure at the Universal Exposition in Paris later that year. All of the properties classified for red wine—with the exception of Château Haut-Brion in Graves—were Médoc châteaux, categorized by price into first through fifth growths.
50
What is cru artisan in Bordeaux?
Cru Artisan and Cru Bourgeois. Cru Artisan, a designation that has been in use for nearly a century and a half, was formally recognized in 2002. From the 2005 vintage forward, 44 small producers throughout the Médoc’s 8 appellations have the right to use the designation, denoting their place as exceptional stewards of the land and craft of winemaking, without the financing or apparatus of large-scale operations. Cru Artisan estates must be smaller than 5 hectares; the list is reviewed every ten years.
51
What is Cru Burgeois?
Cru Bourgeois, an embattled classification originally introduced in 1932, divided 444 properties into three categories: Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, and Cru Bourgeois. The classification was not official until 2003, when only 247 châteaux retained their status. The resulting legal action nullified the entire classification. Cru Bourgeois was reinstated for the 2008 vintage, but the higher designations of Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel and Cru Bourgeois Supérieur were eliminated. In 2018 new legislation passed to reinstate the previously eliminated terms. Starting in 2018 châteaux may once again apply for Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, and Cru Bourgeois Supérieur. The terms will appear on labels in 2020. The classification will be reviewed every 5 years, with a new list appearing in 2020 and then 2025.
52
What is known as a “super-second” growth in St-Estèphe AOP
Château Cos d’Estournel, a “super-second” growth, is the most notable, making powerful wines in a polished modern style.
53
Describe the wines of St-Estèphe AOP, their characteristics, soil type
St-Estèphe AOP is the northernmost commune appellation in Haut-Médoc. The wines are sturdy and full-bodied reds with a slightly higher percentage of Merlot, due to a higher proportion of clay amongst the gravel. St-Estèphe does not contain any first growths, and it hosts only five classified growths overall. Château Cos d’Estournel, a “super-second” growth, is the most notable, making powerful wines in a polished modern style.
54
Describe the wines of Pauillac AOP
Pauillac AOP is considered classic claret and boasts three first growths:
Château Lafite Rothschild
Château Mouton-Rothschild
Château Latour.
In Pauillac the gravel topsoil of the Haut-Médoc is at its deepest point, and the Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines are structured and long-lived. Lafite and Latour represent the pinnacle of Pauillac: Latour produces wines of brooding depth and concentration and Lafite emphasizes aromatics and elegance
55
What are croupes?
Gravel mounds that the Dutch unearthed during their drainage work in the 1600s, and the better châteaux are usually located upon these deeper banks of gravel, primarily located within the communes of Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, St. Julien, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, and Margaux.
56
What percentage of the St Julien wine is cru Classe wine?
80%
St-Julien AOP produces less wine than the other communes, but the quality is very good: approximately 80% of the AOP is cru classé wine.
```
St. Julien 2nd Growths:
Château Léoville-Las Cases, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien
Château Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien
```
57
St. Julien has no first growths. How many second growths does it have?
There are no first growths, but St-Julien has five second growths, including the “super-seconds” of Château Léoville Las Cases and Château Ducru- Beaucaillou. Both can produce wine on par with premier cru estates. St-Julien reds typically demonstrate an elegant style.
```
Château Léoville-Las Cases, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien
Château Léoville Barton, Saint-Julien
Château Gruaud-Larose, Saint-Julien
Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Saint-Julien
```
58
Which is the most famous estate in either Listrac-Médoc AOP or Moulis-en-Médoc AOP?
Château Chasse-Spleen in Moulis-en-Medoc AOP is the most famous estate of either commune.
59
Which is the largest and which is the smallest communal appellation in the Haut Medoc?
St. Julien AOP is the smallest.
| Margaux AOP is the largest.
60
Marguax AOP is split between which 5 villages?
```
Soussans
Margaux
Cantenac
Labarde
Arsac
```
61
How many classified growths are found in Marguax?
21 including first growth Chateau Marguax
62
Which Marguax third growth performs consistently well and commands high prices?
Château Palmer
63
How are the wine of Marguax generally described?
The wines of Margaux are often described as feminine, with an emphasis on floral bouquet, exotic character and finesse.
64
Has Graves or the Haut Medoc been producing wine longer?
Graves.
The wines of Graves have a longer history than those of the Médoc. While the land to the north was still unworkable, disease-ridden swampland, Graves wines were successfully exported to England: Samuel Pepys famously extolled the virtues of “Ho-Bryan” in 1663, and the 1660 cellar-book of King Charles II shows the wine in inventory. Archives uncovered in Bordeaux in 2014 show a sale of the wine by name—"Aubrion"—in 1521! Château Pape-Clément remains the first identifiable vineyard estate in the region, a papal gift awarded to Bordeaux in 1305
65
The soil type of Graves knowns as boulbenes is a mixture of?
In Graves, the soil is similar to the Médoc but becomes sandier toward the south. This mixture of sand, gravel and light clay is known as boulbenes.
66
What percentage of Graves wine is red wine?
Red wine accounts for approximately 2/3 of production.
67
Are Medoc AOP wines red, white or both?
Medoc AOP can only release red wines
68
Are Graves AOP wines red, white or both?
Graves AOP can release both red and white wine
69
How many Graves AOP estates are classified as cru Classe?
16 estates total with 22 AOP demarcation's total: 13 red and 9 whites
70
All Graves AOP cru classe estates are located in which sub appellation?
Pessac-Léognan AOP
71
Name the communes in Pessac-Léognan AOP
```
Pessac
Léognan
Cadaujac
Canéjan
Gradignan
Martillac
Mérignac
Saint- Médard-d'Eyrans
Talence
Villenave-d'Ornons.
```
72
Sweet wines may be produced through Graves - what is the Graves sweet wine appellation called?
Graves Supérieur AOP
73
What are the three smaller sweet wine appellations within Graves Supérieur AOP?
Cérons, Barsac, and Sauternes
74
Which varietals are used in Sauternes AOP?
Sauternes AOP wines are produced from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, the wines achieve great complexity in good years due to the development of Botrytis cinerea, known as pourriture noble—the noble rot.
75
The botrytis afflicted grapes of Sauternes, Barsac and Ceron can develop which flavors/aromas?
The botrytis afflicted grapes of Sauternes, Barsac and Ceron can develop a bouquet of honey, saffron, dried fruit and ginger spice.
76
Sauternes lies at the conflux of which two rivers?
Ciron and Garonne
Sauternes lies at the conflux of the Ciron and Garonne rivers, and in promising years cool morning mists blow off the Ciron and encounter the warmer waters of the Garonne, producing autumn afternoon humidity perfect for incubating the Botrytis spores. The noble rot is fickle, however, and does not attack grapes evenly, requiring the producer to pick the grapes individually, in separate trips through the vineyard (tries), a fabulously expensive proposition available only to the better estates
77
In the 1855 classifications which Sauternes chateau was the solely named premier cru chateau?
Chateau d'Yquem
Yquem’s wines are legendary, and the château can afford to send its pickers on more than a dozen tries if necessary.
78
Does Chateau d'Yquem produces Sauternes every year?
No.
Yquem will not produce a Sauternes AOP wine in poor years, such as 1992 or 1974.
79
Chateau d'Yquem intermittently produces "Y" or "Ygrec", what type of wine is this?
Dry white
The estate also intermittently produces a dry white wine, “Y” (“Ygrec"), labeled as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur.
80
Which five villages does Sauternes AOP cover?
```
Sauternes
Barsac
Fargues
Preignac
Bommes
```
The wines of Barsac may be sold as either Barsac AOP or Sauternes AOP
81
What is the minimum must weight for Sauterne grapes?
| What is the minimum RS for finished wines?
221gm/l
| 45gm/l
82
Who is the producer of “Crème de Tête” that goes through decades-long aging in concrete vats?
the unclassified Château Gilette
83
What vessels are typical used to age Sauternes?
A good percentage (1/2 of more) of new French oak
84
Right bank red wines are typically a blend of which two grapes?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc
You don't see cab sauvignon often
85
Although Cab Sauvignon isn't common on the right bank, which producer does produce a Cab Sauvignon forward wine? Where are they located?
Château Figeac in St-Émilion
86
What are the two primary soil types of St-Émilion?
Côtes and graves
As a simplification, the hillside côtes are steep limestone slopes and graves is a gravelly limestone plateau resembling soils of the Médoc
87
The right bank was not included in the 1855 classification due to low sales (from not exporting). When did the right bank develop it's own system? How does it differ from the 1855 classification?
1954 (published 1955)
Unlike the Médoc Classification, the St-Émilion Classification intended revisions every decade and based such changes in stature on a peer-reviewed tasting of the wines, but the continued integrity of the system appeared fragile when legal challenges from a group of demoted châteaux scuttled the 2006 revisions
88
What are the specifics of the St-Émilion Grand Cru AOP?
St-Émilion Grand Cru AOP is an appellation, rather than a classificaiton. Wines labeled St-Émilion Grand Cru are required to show an additional + 0.5% alcohol and must undergo a longer élevage than wines simply labeled St-Émilion AOP. All Grand Cru Classé wines must meet the requirements of the St-Émilion Grand Cru AOP.
89
How large is the Pomerol AOP?
5 square miles, 1957 acres
90
What are the soil types of Pomerol AOP?
The soil of Pomerol is dominated by sand, clay and gravel, with a subsoil of iron pan and rich clay (crasse de fer)
91
In Pomerol, Bouchet is a synonym for what variety?
Cabernet Franc
92
What varietal does especially well in Pomerol's clay based soils?
Merlot
Merlot is particularly successful in Pomerol’s clay-based soils, as evidenced by the wines of Château Pétrus, where the subsoil clay rises very close to the surface. Pétrus and the other great wines of this small commune have a reputation for being hedonistic, plump, and opulent.
93
In Pomerol AOP, what is the standard blend of Merlot/Cab Franc?
70/80% Melort 20/30% Cab Franc
94
Names 3 of the most highly regarded porperties in Pomerol.
```
Château Pétrus
Vieux-Château-Certan
Château Lafleur
Château Le Pin
Château Trotanoy
```
95
Name Pomerol's neighboring red wine districts.
Pomerol’s neighboring red wine districts include Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP, which contains the communes of Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, Fronsac AOP, and Canon-Fronsac AOP.
96
Where are the oldest cultivated vineyards in Bordeaux found?
Within the lesser AOPs of Bourg and Côtes de Bourg
97
Château Roc de Cambes is located in which AOP?
Côtes de Bourg AOP
98
Which two grapes does Côtes de Blaye AOP incorporate into it's dry white wines?
Ugni Blanc
Colombard
Côtes de Blaye AOP uniquely incorporates a large percentage of Ugni Blanc and Colombard in its dry whites, although many estates in this northernmost Bordeaux region are now allying to the new Côtes de Bordeaux concept
99
Which are the areas of origin Cotes de Bordeaux AOP lists on the label?
```
Francs
Castillon
Blaye
Cadillac
Sainte Foy
```
100
What style of wine does Entre-Deux-Mers AOP produce?
Dry white
101
On the eastern shore of the Garonne lie the wine appellations of Loupiac, Ste-Croix-du- Mont, and Cadillac. Which type of wine do these produce?
Sweet wine
Can be botrytized or not.
102
What IGP encompasses Bordeaux and nearby regions?
Atlantique IGP
103
In what appellation does the Château Le Pin estate produce wine?
Pomerol
104
What is the appellation of Château Lafleur?
Pomerol AOP
105
Ugni Blanc and Colombard are primarily used in which Bordeaux appellation?
Côtes de Blaye
106
What is the minimum alcohol for Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOP?
11.5%
107
```
The Saint-Émilion AOP borders which of the following rivers?
A. Dordogne
B. Cérons
C. Garonne
D. Gironde
```
A. Dordogne
108
```
Select the 2 rivers bordering the Sauternes AOP.
A. Garonne
B. Dordogne
C. Gironde
D. Ciron
```
A. Garonne
D. Ciron
109
How many châteaux are currently ranked as "Premier Cru Classé A" in Saint-Émilion?
4
Château Angélus (Promoted under the 2012 Classification)
Château Ausone
Château Cheval-Blanc
Château Pavie (Promoted under the 2012 Classification)
110
Château Léoville Las Cases is located in which commune
St. Juien
111
Château Palmer is located in which commune?
Marguax
112
Château Cos d’Estournel is located in which commune?
St-Estèphe
113
Château Duhart-Milon is located in which commune
Pauillac
114
What is Pressac?
on the right bank Malbec is known as Pressac
115
Name the classification of the below Chateau
A. Clerc-Milon
B. Lascombes
C. Talbot
D. Trotanoy
A. Clerc-Milon - 5th
B. Lascombes - 2nd
C. Talbot - 4th
D. Trotanoy - none
116
Where can crasse de fer soil be found?
Pomerol
crasse de fer soil is a subsoil of iron pan and rich clay
117
What are Cabernet Sauvignon's parent grapes?
Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc
118
```
Which of the following is NOT a satellite appellation of Saint-Émilion?
A. Saint-Georges
B. Montagne
C. Puisseguin
D. Lussac
E. Francs
```
E. Francs
119
True or False: The Médoc receives more annual average rainfall than any other major French wine region.
True
120
In what century did Malbec first appear in Bordeaux?
18th century
121
```
Select the worst decade in terms of quality for Bordeaux wines.
A. 1950s
B. 1960s
C. 1970s
D. 1980s
```
C. 1970s
122
```
Select the average annual rainfall for Bordeaux.
A. 10 inches
B. 25 inches
C. 35 inches
D. 50 inches
```
C. 35 inches
123
```
Which of the following pairs are LEAST likely to be considered great consecutive vintages?
A. 1899 and 1900
B. 1928 and 1929
C. 1945 and 1946
D. 1971 and 1972
E. 1988 and 1989
```
D. 1971 and 1972
124
In what year was the Pessac-Léognan AOP created?
1987
125
```
Select the style(s) of wine produced in Blaye AOP.
A. Red and white
B. White only
C. Red only
D. Red, white and rosé
```
C. Red only
126
Where is Preignac located?
Sauternes
127
```
Which of the following châteaux is classified as a first growth in the current Liv-Ex Classification?
A. Léoville Las-Cases
B. Cos d'Estournel
C. La Mission Haut-Brion
D. Palmer
```
C. La Mission Haut-Brion
128
```
Which of the following châteaux is classified as a first growth in the current Liv-Ex Classification?
A. Léoville Las-Cases
B. Cos d'Estournel
C. La Mission Haut-Brion
D. Palmer
```
C. La Mission Haut-Brion
129
```
Which of the following producers includes a substantial amount of Cabernet Sauvignon in their encépagement?
A. Château Valandraud
B. Château Cheval Blanc
C. Château Angélus
D. Château Figeac
```
D. Château Figeac
130
```
Select the most highly regarded vintage.
A. 1920
B. 1921
C. 1924
D. 1925
E. 1927
```
B. 1921
131
```
Which of the following communes has the most hectares under vine?
A. Saint-Estèphe
B. Pauillac
C. Saint-Julien
D. Margaux
```
D. Margaux
132
```
This vintage was considered successful for dry wines, but a disaster for sweet wine production.
A. 1998
B. 2002
C. 2006
D. 2012
E. 2014
```
D. 2012
133
```
Which of the following classified growths is no longer in existence?
A. Château Cantemerle
B. Château Dubignon
C. Château de Camensac
D. Château Ferrièr
```
B. Château Dubignon
134
Wines from the Sauternes AOP must have been harvested at yields of _____ hl/ha or less
25hl/ha or less
135
In the mid-17th century Dutch engineers built a system of canals, called _____, to drain the marshy lowlands of the Médoc.
Jalles
136
What vintage marked the debut of "Ygrec?"
1959
137
```
Which of the following is NOT a commune within Pessac-Léognan?
A. Cadaujac
B. Lussac
C. Gradignan
D. Martillac
E. Talence
```
B. Lussac
138
Which of the following rivers separates Fronsac from Lalande-de-Pomerol?
A. Isle
B. Dordogne
C. Barbanne
D. Cirons
A. Isle
139
What is the only classified growth in the Médoc that is certified biodynamic?
A. Château Clerc-Milon
B. Château Pontet-Canet
C. Château Pichon Longueville Lalande
D. Château Calon Ségur
B. Château Pontet-Canet
140
True or false: Côtes de Bordeaux AOP Castillon may produce both dry red and dry white wines.
False
Côtes de Bordeaux AOP Castillon may produce only red wine
141
Lalande-de-Pomerol and _____ are the only 2 communes permitted to produce wines under the Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP.
Néac
142
What is the grape parentage of Carmenère?
Gros Cabernet x Cabernet Franc
143
In which appellation does the Roc de Combes estate produce wine in?
Bourg
144
Name the commune the following chateaux's produce out of.
A. Château Filhot
B. Château Rabaud-Promis
C. Château Climens
D. Château Romer du Hayot
A. Château Filhot Sauternes
B. Château Rabaud-Promis Bommes
C. Château Climens Barsac
D. Château Romer du Hayot Fargues
145
```
Which of the following is a common range for residual sugar (in grams per liter) in Sauternes?
A. 80-120
B. 100-140
C. 120-160
D. 140-180
```
C. 120-160
146
List the Haut Medoc communes from north to south
```
St. Estephe
Pauillac
St. Julien
Listrac-Médoc
Moulis-en-Médoc
Marguax
```
147
Bordeaux makes 1/4 of all France’s AOC wine - true or false?
True
148
How big is Bordeaux relative to Burgundy?
5x size of Burgundy
149
Which is the most planted white grape in Bordeaux?
Semillon (49%)
Sauvignon Blanc (43%)
Muscadelle (6%)
150
Is Semillon prone to noble rot?
Yes, it has thin skin, making it susceptible to the mold
151
What is the difference between Clairet, Claret, Clairette?
Clairet - light red/dark rose from Bordeaux
Claret - British term for Bordeaux wine
Clairette - A variety found in Southern Rhône and Languedoc.
152
What stylistic change is occurring in St Estephe?
Proportion of Merlot has been increasing in recent years
153
Which is the highest elevation commune in the haut medoc?
Listrac
154
What does Graves Superieures indicate?
Only semi-sweet white >1.8 sugar
Very weird appellation - white only, not dessert, not dry. Generally Superieure indicates higher ABV, but not the case here.
155
Which level of growth is Lynch-Bages
Fifth - Paulliac
156
If a Sauternes producer produces a dry white wine, how is it labeled?
Bordeaux - it can’t be labeled Sauternes (due to style stipulations) and it can’t be Graves, so declassified to Bordeaux.
For example: Chateau Rieussec R de Blanc
157
When was Passaic Leognan designated as an AOC?
1987
The produce both white and red
158
If a wine is labeled Entre-Deux-Mers what type of wine is it?
Dry white
159
Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux is which type wine?
Dry Red
NOTE Cadillac AOC is sweet white botrytis
160
Cadillac, Loupiac, Saints-Croix-du-Mont are which type of wine?
Sweet white. They’re on the other side of the Garonne from Cirons, Barsac and Sauternes.
161
Château Petrus’ vineyards consist of what % of which grapes?
95% Merlot
| 5% Cabernet Franc
162
What’s the difference between Saint-Emilion AOC and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC vs Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe?
The Saint Emilio Grand Cru AOC has higher minimum alcohol and lower yields in the vineyards. A Saint Emilion Grand Cru is not necessarily a better wine, the Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe determines actual rankings.
Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe determines the actual rankings
163
What are the satellite appellations of Saint Emilion?
Lussac
St. Georges
Montagne
Puisseguin
164
What grapes do we see in Blaye and Cotes de Blaye
Blaye - more red - Cab Sauv, Cabernet franc, merlot, carmenere, Malbec
Cotes de Blaye - more white wine based - 3 major grapes and colombard
165
How is the Graves cru Classe ranked?
Not just the Chateau but the wine itself is ranked.
Grand Cru Classes de Grave
Chateaux Carbonnieux Blanc is a Grand cru classes de grave
166
Which are the 4 Saint Emilion Premiers Grands Crus Classes A?
Chateau Angelus
Chateau Cheval Blanc
Chateau Ausone
Chateau Pavie
167
When was Mouton Rothschild upgraded to 1er cru?
1973
168
What line of latitude runs just north of the region of Bordeaux?
45
169
What is the minimum alchohol for Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOP?
11.5%
170
Ugni Blanc and Colombard are primarily used in which appellation?
Cotes de Blaye
171
Pavilion is the second wine of which Chateau?
Margaux
172
Is Petit Verdot an early or late ripener?
Late
173
Who is the producer of "Crème de Tête?"
Chateau Gilette
174
```
Select the worst decade in terms of quality for Bordeaux wines.
A. 1950s
B. 1960s
C. 1970s
D. 1980s
```
1970s
175
What is the parentage of Carmenere?
Gros Cabernet x Cabernet Franc
176
What is cliquage?
Micro-oxygenation of wine in barrel
177
Is an RS range of 120-160g/l a relatively common range in Sauternes?
Yes
Though the minimal RS required is 45g/l
178
What vintage marked the debut of "Ygrec?"
1959
179
```
Which of the following pairs are LEAST likely to be considered great consecutive vintages?
A. 1899 and 1900
B. 1928 and 1929
C. 1945 and 1946
D. 1971 and 1972
E. 1988 and 1989
```
1971 & 1972
1899-1900 were hallmark back to back vintages and are compared to 1989-1990 or 2009-2010.
1928 saw high heat and a drought leading to tough grape skins and very tannic wine. Right bank releases are seen to be more elegant with less (but still high) tannins compared to the left bank cab focused wine. In contrast to the very tannic 1928, the 1929 was considered the most opulent and sensuous vintage of century (prior to 1959). Critics of the vintage said this lush, opulent style wouldn’t age will, however as with the 1982 and 2009 vintages they are wrong. 1929 saw a hot, dry growing season and was the driest vintage of the century in its day. The harvest was picked late September under sunny, warm conditions.
1945 was an incredibly strong year (and marks end of WWII) with a deep winter freeze that helped reduce yields naturally which added immense concentration to the vintage. Growing conditions were close to perfect throughout the faint age. The harvest took place under drought like conditions creating high concentration in the berries. Not as phenomenal as the 1945, the 1946 saw a good summer growing conditions but a dreary spring leading to that summer. A decent vintage, not spectacular
1988 saw a wet spring and late harvesting in the Medoc. Wet conditions continued in harvest and growers were horned to harvest early due to fears of rot. The right bank did better since Merlot had a better chance of fully ripening. 1989 saw some of the earliest harvest since 1893 and there were stellar examples from this vintage.
