Bordeaux Grapes etc Flashcards
Memorize (39 cards)
What is a drainage characteristic of the Left Bank soil of Bordeaux?
Faster drainage due to gravel soil
This results in drier conditions where roots must go deep to access water.
How does gravelly soil affect wine from the Left Bank?
Holds heat and impacts ripening
This contributes to the production of leaner wines with higher acid levels and more tannins.
What is the predominant grape variety on the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
Merlot
Merlot prefers the clay soil of the Right Bank, unlike Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more common on the Left Bank.
Why do Merlot grapes typically have higher alcohol levels?
They contain more sugar
This is in comparison to Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc.
What is ‘En Primeur’ in the context of wine?
A means by which rare wine is sold in a future market
Buyers taste the barrel juice and offer to buy future bottles at a present value price.
Which Bordeaux regions are noted for having great properties but are not classified?
Listrac and Moulis
Despite their quality, these regions do not have official classification.
What is Botrytis and why is it significant in winemaking?
A grey mould fungus that dehydrates grapes
It concentrates sugars but is beneficial only if grapes are already ripe.
What happens if Botrytis grows on immature grapes?
It destroys the grape
This results in a loss for the winemaker.
What does the designation ‘Grand Cru’ signify in St. Emilion?
Reflects appellation without indicating quality
Note - look at email for better explanation
It must contain the word ‘Classe’ to be classified as quality.
What is a distinguishing feature of Fronsac wines?
As a right bank wine, it contains a lot of Merlot with a 16% alcohol content
This high alcohol content is a key characteristic.
What effect does exposure to oxygen have on wine color?
Tends to be darker in color
Oxygen exposure during the winemaking process influences color intensity.
What are primary questions for aromas for a wine in development
Are the flavours: 1. delicate or intense 2. simple or complex 3. generic or well-defined 4. fresh or cooked 5 under-ripe or over-ripe
What are secondary aromas for a wine in development
Yeast - lees or autolysis - biscuit, bread, toast, pastry, broche, cheese
don’t forget oak (secondary as well) vanilla, coffee, chocolate, cedar
what are signs of oxidation in a developing wine (tertiary aroma)
almond, walnut, chocolate, coffee, toffee, caramel
Climate- maritime - ocean warming influence (warmer but wetter than Burgundy)
wetter - more rot (not good for reds). Less extreme seasons temps
Why are bordeaux varietals in vintage less pronounced than in burgundy
Bordeaux blended - later varietals can be used
Bordeaux grapes - What is left banks make up?
70% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot
What white grapes are used for left Bank winemaking?
white grapes
Semillon, Sauv Blanc,
What is the soil makeup of Medoc?
gravel, iron-pan - Great drainage, best vineyards on highest slopes near water on gravel
What is the soil of right bank Emilion
Gravel over limestone & clay/sand. Wines are soft because of clay & sand
what are soils of margaux
shallow - pepply gravel over deep gravel. Some limestone. Vineyards on low-lying plateau
How are Margaux grapes picked and fermented
All grapes destalked. Macerations 15-25 days and oak aging for 18 to 24 months
What is the difference between fermentation and maceration?
Fermentation is a biological process produced by yeast, and maceration is a physicochemical process for extracting anthocyanins and tannins to obtain the colour and structure typical of red wine.
