Bordeaux region:

Question 1

What type of climate does Bordeaux have?

Answer 1

Maritime – warm summers, mild winters, high rainfall.

Question 2

What is the key risk associated with Bordeaux’s climate?

Answer 2

Rain during flowering or harvest can cause rot or reduce yields

Question 3

Why is vintage variation significant in Bordeaux?

Answer 3

Due to the maritime climate and fluctuating rainfall patterns.

Question 4

What are the main black grape varieties in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Question 5

Which grape dominates the Left Bank?

Answer 5

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 6

Which grape dominates the Right Bank?

Answer 6

Merlot

Question 7

What does Merlot contribute to a blend?

Answer 7

Body, alcohol, softness, red fruit

Question 8

What does Cabernet Sauvignon contribute?

Answer 8

Structure, tannin, acidity, blackcurrant flavors.

Question 9

What role does Cabernet Franc play?

Answer 9

Adds floral notes, freshness, and a lighter body.

Question 10

When is Petit Verdot used?

Answer 10

In small quantities; adds color, tannin, and spice.

Question 11

What are the main white grape varieties in Bordeaux?

Answer 11

Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle.

Question 12

What does Sémillon contribute?

Answer 12

Body, ageability, botrytis susceptibility.

Question 13

What does Sauvignon Blanc add?

Answer 13

High acidity, citrus, grassy flavor

Question 14

What is Muscadelle’s role?

Answer 14

Aromatic lift (floral, grapey notes), used in small amounts.

Question 15

What are typical characteristics of red Bordeaux?

Answer 15

Medium to full body, high acidity, high tannin, black fruit, cedar, age-worthy.

Question 16

What are the two styles of Bordeaux white wine?

Answer 16

Crisp and fresh (SB) or rich and oaked (Pessac-Léognan style)

Question 17

What makes Bordeaux’s sweet wines unique?

Answer 17

Use of botrytis-affected grapes, high acidity balances sweetness.

Question 18

What are the key appellations on the Left Bank?

Answer 18

Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux, St-Julien, St-Estèphe, Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes, Barsac

Question 19

What are the key appellations on the Right Bank?

Answer 19

Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

Question 20

What grapes dominate Left Bank blends?

Answer 20

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Question 21

What grapes dominate Right Bank blends?

Answer 21

Merlot, Cabernet Franc.

Question 22

What region is known for sweet wine production?

Answer 22

Sauternes and Barsac

Question 23

What is Entre-Deux-Mers known for?

Answer 23

Dry white wines made mostly from Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 24

What is the 1855 Classification?

Answer 24

Classifies Médoc reds and Sauternes/Barsac sweets into growths based on price/quality.

Question 25

Name the First Growths from the 1855 Classification.

Answer 25

Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild (added later), Haut-Brion

Question 26

What does the Graves Classification cover?

Answer 26

Both red and white wines from Pessac-Léognan and Graves

Question 27

What is unique about the Saint-Émilion Classification?

Answer 27

It is revised every ~10 years; includes Grand Cru Classé and Premier Grand Cru Classé (A & B).

Question 28

What is the Cru Bourgeois classification?

Answer 28

Médoc producers not in the 1855 list, awarded annually.

Question 29

What is the Cru Artisans classification?

Answer 29

Recognizes small Médoc estates producing quality wine.

Question 30

What are the main differences between Left Bank and Right Bank?

Answer 30

Left Bank: Gravel soils, Cabernet Sauvignon, structured wines. Right Bank: Clay/limestone, Merlot, softer, richer wines.

Question 31

Why is blending important in Bordeaux?

Answer 31

Helps manage vintage variation and balance grape characteristics

Question 32

What is botrytis and where is it important?

Answer 32

Noble rot; key to sweet wine production in Sauternes/Barsac.

Question 33

How does vintage variation affect Bordeaux wines?

Answer 33

Impacts ripeness, quality, and aging potential due to rain sensitivity