Bordeaux-General

Question 1

Bordeaux size

Answer 1

111,000 ha planted

Question 2

Bordeaux % of France total vineyard area

Answer 2

14%

Question 3

How many grape growers in Bordeaux

Answer 3

Over 8,000

Question 4

Where do Bordeaux’s two main rivers converge?

Answer 4

The Gironde Estuary, which provides a moderating influence on vineyards near it.

Question 5

Entre-Deux-Mers location

Answer 5

Between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers

Question 6

Bordeaux climate type

Answer 6

Moderate maritime
Key moderating influences on climate include Atlantic ocean, Gironde Estuary, and Landes forest.

Question 7

Average annual Médoc rainfall

Answer 7

950mm

Question 8

Does Bordeaux have a true dry season?

Answer 8

No

Question 9

Atlantic gulf stream effect on Bordeaux’s climate

Answer 9

It brings warm water up from the Caribbean and keeps Bordeaux’s climate mild

Question 10

Does Bordeaux experience a diurnal shift?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

Most planted grape Bordeaux

Answer 11

Merlot

Question 12

What is the most planted white grape in Bordeaux?

Answer 12

Sémillon

Question 13

Dominant grape in Bordeaux’s right bank

Answer 13

Merlot

Question 14

Dominant grape in Bordeaux’s left bank

Answer 14

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 15

Color(s) of grape allowed in rosé wines in Bordeaux

Answer 15

Red

Question 16

% Bordeaux wine production of red, white, sweet & rose

Answer 16

85% Red
10% Dry White
4% Rose
1% Sweet

Question 17

Croupes

Answer 17

Mounds of warm gravel soil that allows for easy water drainage

Question 18

How did the 1855 Classification get its start?

Answer 18

Napoleon III asked the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce to select the region’s best wines for presentation to the public

Question 19

What is the 1855 Classification ranking based on?

Answer 19

Price

Question 20

What is the only premier cru supérier wine in the 1855 Classification?

Answer 20

Chateau D’Yquem

Question 21

Describe Place de Bordeaux

Answer 21

A three-tier de facto system of production, brokerage, and sales that controls the trade of wine in Bordeaux

Question 22

Can a classified château in Bordeaux add to its classified holdings? How?

Answer 22

Yes. In the Médoc and Pomerol a château can add to its classifed holdings as long as the new parcel of land is in the same AOP as the one stated on their wine’s label.

Question 23

Most common vine training Bordeaux

Answer 23

Guyot system

Question 24

What form of the Guyot system is primarily used in the left bank?

Answer 24

Double

Question 25

What form of the Guyot system is primarily used in the right bank?

Answer 25

Simple

Question 26

What training system is most common in Sauternes?

Answer 26

Cordon-training

Question 27

Why is cordon-training favored in Sauternes?

Answer 27

Cordon-training tends to produced smaller berries that are more susceptible to botrytis. Guyot cane-training produces larger berries more susceptible to grey rot

Question 28

What is the minimum planting density in the Médoc?

Answer 28

7.000 plants per hectare

Question 29

What spacing do many properties use in the Médoc?

Answer 29

1x1. Similar to Côte d'Or

Question 30

Minimum planting density Right Bank (Saint-Émillion and Pomerol)?

Answer 30

5.500 plants per hectare

Question 31

What spacing is common in the right bank?

Answer 31

1.3-1.5 meteres

Question 32

What is the bedrock comprised of in the right bank?

Answer 32

Limestone

Question 33

What is the maximum spacing in Entre-Deux-Mers?

Answer 33

2.5 meters

Question 34

Describe green harvesting

Answer 34

The removal of bunches in the summer months. Is a routine occurance in modern Bordeaux

Question 35

What is the theoretical appeal of green harvesting?

Answer 35

Reduces vigor and produces smaller berries with more concentrated flavor

Question 36

Traditional mean of cap management in Bordeaux

Answer 36

Remontage - pump-over

Question 37

How long does élevage typically last for a grand vin in Bordeaux?

Answer 37

18-24 months