C13 - Bordeaux Flashcards
(120 cards)
1
Q
In terms of volume and value, what is the largest appellation in France?
A
Bordeaux
2
Q
What kind of climate does Bordeaux have?
A
Moderate maritime
3
Q
What effect does the Gulf Stream have on Bordeaux?
A
It has a warming effect and it extends the growing season
4
Q
How late can grape-ripening continue in Bordeaux?
A
Into October
5
Q
What potential weather hazard is rarely a problem in Bordeaux? Why?
A
Spring frosts due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream
6
Q
What effect does proximity to the Atlantic have on Bordeaux?
A
High levels of rainfall and humidity
7
Q
What protects vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?
A
The man-made Landes forest and coastal sand dunes
8
Q
What effects on wine can the common rainfall promote in Bordeaux?
A
- Disruption of flowering and fruit set
- Promote rot
- Dilute flavours at harvest
9
Q
Which climatic phenomenon makes vintage variation relevant in Bordeaux?
A
The potential negative effects of rain
10
Q
How do top producers reduce vintage variation in Bordeaux?
A
By rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes
11
Q
Besides grape selection, what else has contributed to healthier, riper grapes on average in Bordeaux?
A
- Changes in canopy management techniques
- A decline in the use of sprays
- Also has marked higher level of sugar and falvour development at harvest time
12
Q
Why in general are Bordeaux wines blended?
A
Variability in weather makes it too risky to rely on one grape variety
13
Q
Why is it a good solution to be reliant on several grape varieties in Bordeaux?
A
The different varieties permitted in Bordeaux flower and ripen at different times, meaning that one bad episode of weather is unlikely to ruin an entire crop
14
Q
How many grapes are technically permitted in Bordeaux?
A
Thirteen
15
Q
Which are the five main grapes of Bordeaux?
A
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Sémillon
- Sauvignon Blanc
16
Q
Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate?
A
The Haut-Médoc
17
Q
In which two areas of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon also very important?
A
- The Bas-Médoc
- The Graves
18
Q
Why are Cabernet’s main regions of Bordeaux the only areas in which it can reliably ripen?
A
Their high stone/gravel content raises vineyard temperature
19
Q
What percentage of the blend can Cabernet account for in its main areas of Bordeaux?
A
75%
20
Q
Where in Bordeaux is Cabernet Franc most widely grown?
A
- Saint-Émilion
- To a lesser extent, in the Médoc and the Graves
21
Q
What kind of wines does Cab Franc produce in Bordeaux?
A
- Wines with less body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon
- Herbaceous and stalky flavours when unripe
- Vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe
22
Q
What kind of soils does Cabernet Franc prefer?
A
Well drained, warm soils
23
Q
What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?
A
Merlot
24
Q
In which Bordeaux wines is Merlot most important?
A
The premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
25
Why are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol good for growing Merlot as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Merlot can successfully grow on the cooler, clay based soils here where Cabernet would struggle
26
Which Bordeaux grape is predominant in the cheaper high volume wines? Why?
Merlot
It is the softest in flavour
27
Which Bordeaux grape ripens fully in only the very hot years?
Petit Verdot
28
What kind of wines does Petit Verdot give in Bordeaux?
* Very deep-coloured, tannic wine that ages slowly
* It is added to the blend to add tannin, colour and some spicy notes
29
Which winemaking vessels are used in Bordeaux?
All (there is little agreement in Bordeaux as to which fermentation vessels produce the best wines)
30
When are most wines blended in Bordeaux? What is the other possible practice in Bordeaux?
The Spring following the vintage
Some winemakers prefer to keep their parcels of wine separate until the end of maturation
31
Which blending practices are most common among leading Chateaux in Bordeaux?
Making second and sometimes third wines with blends that may not be suitable for the grand vin
Some wine may be sold to a negociant
32
How is the top quality red in Bordeaux aged? Some of the finest chateaux may even use...casks
In 225 litre barriques
New
33
Generic Bordeaux wines are unlikely to see...at all
Oak
34
What is the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux?
Semillon
35
What is blended with Sémillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves? What Semillon's role in these blends?
Sauvignon Blanc
It adds body
36
What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux?
Citrus and green fruit
37
What is the one exception to the rule of all Bordeaux being blends?
Dry wines based on Sauvignon Blanc
38
What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends?
It adds high acidity
39
What is the importance of Sauvignon Blanc in sweet wines of Bordeaux?
It adds a necessary acidity
40
What flavours does Muscadelle have?
* Pronounced grapey, floral flavour
* It plays an important role in sweet and dry white wines of Bordeaux (it makes up a small percentage of the blend)
41
What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux?
* Fresh and fruity
* Some show hints of oak
42
How are less expensive dry Bordeaux whites generally vinified?
Fermented in temperature controlled, inert vessels with minimal further ageing
43
How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?
Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels
44
What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?
They have a richness and concentrated nutty flavour overlaying the fruit
45
How are many of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux made?
From fruit that has been infected with noble rot
46
How are the best examples of Bordeaux sweet wines made (after harvest)?
They are fermented and matured in new oak barrels for anything up to 3 years
47
The...and...rivers combine in Bordeaux to form the...estuary
Dordogne ... Garonne ... Gironde
48
Which three broad areas lie to the south and west of the Gironde/Garonne?
* The Médoc
* Graves
* Sauternes
49
Which appellation covers most of the area between the Dordogne and the Garonne?
Entre-Deux-Mers
50
What are the principal districts comprising the right bank?
St Emilion and Pomerol
51
How many appellations are there in Bordeaux?
More than fifty
52
Bordeaux's classification does not rank...but...
Vineyards ... Estates/Chateaux
53
What prompted the creation of the 1855 classification?
On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was approached to produce an official list of their best red wines from Médoc and white wines from Sauternes
54
What term is used for Chateaux in the 1855 classification?
Cru classés
55
How many ranks are in the 1855 Médoc classification?
Five
56
How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Sauternes?
Three
57
Which wines are in the top classification for the Médoc?
1. Chateau Lafite Rothschild
2. Chateau Latour
3. Chateau Mouton Rothschild
4. Chateau Margaux
5. Chateau Haut Brion (Graves)
58
Which chateau occupies the top rank of Sauternes wine in the 1855 classification?
Chateau d'Yquem
59
What is Cru Bourgeois?
A classification invented for chateaux not included in the 1855 classification
It is only for specific wines in specific vintages, so wines must be submitted every year
60
How are the wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan) classified?
They are classified within a separate list (for red and white) entitling them to be called 'Cru Classés'
61
How are Cru classé wines ranked in Graves/Pessac-Léognan?
They're not
62
How are the best wines classified in Saint-Émilion?
* Within a separate appellation, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
* There is a separate classification within this appellation of the best Châteaux
63
What is the within Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification?
* Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A
* Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B
* Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
64
How often are Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé reconsidered?
At least once every ten years
65
What are the generic appellations of Bordeaux?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Supérieur
66
What differentiates Bordeaux Supérieur?
* Slightly stricter appellation rules
* A higher required minimum level of alcohol
67
How are generic white Bordeaux labelled? Rosé?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Rosé/Clairet
68
Why are basic Bordeaux improving?
Export focused producers are having to compete with similarly priced wines from other parts of the world
69
Describe the best Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines
* Early drinking
* Medium bodied
* Ripe red and black fruit
* Occasional cedar notes from oak
70
Describe the cheaper Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines
Lighter bodied with more astringent tannins
71
How does the best Bordeaux Rosé taste?
Fresh and fruity
72
Why is there less Bordeaux Clairet here than elsewhere?
It is mainly popular on the French market
73
Describe a unique characteristic of Bordeaux Clairet compared with many other French Rosés. Why is it like this?
It is deeper in colour and fuller in body due to longer maceration
74
White Bordeaux is increasingly dominated by... What is its flavour character?
Sauvignon Blanc
Vibrant and grassy
75
Describe the location of the city of Bordeaux
* South of the Médoc
* North of Graves
76
What's the northernmost part of the Médoc called?
The Bas-Médoc
77
How are wines of the Bas-Médoc labelled?
Médoc
78
What is the soil/ground like in the Bas-Médoc?
Predominantly clay with outcrops of gravel
79
What is usually the higher proportion of the Bas-Médoc blends? What style are the wines?
* Merlot
* Easy drinking
80
What is the northernmost limit of the Haut-Médoc?
Saint-Estèphe
81
How are the smaller appellations within the Haut-Médoc called?
Communes
82
What are the highest reputation communes in Haut-Médoc called (from north to south)?
* Saint-Estèphe
* Pauillac
* Saint-Julien
* Margaux
83
Describe the varietal ratios in the best commune appellations of Haut-Médoc
They have a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon
84
Describe the flavour profile of commune appellation wines from Haut-Médoc
* A core of Blackcurrant fruit complemented by cedar notes from oak
* Grippy tannins when young
* Often long ageing potential
85
Where is Pessac-Léognan
Immediately south of Bordeaux
86
What are soils like in Pessac-Léognan?
Gravelly
87
What is the most suitable grape for Pessac soils?
Cabernet Sauvignon
88
How do Pessac reds compare with those of the Haut-Médoc?
Usually lighter in body and more fragrant
89
How do wines of Graves compare with those of Pessac?
* Similar, but less concentrated and complex
* Higher proportion of Merlot usually
90
Which variety dominates blends of the right bank?
Merlot
91
Which is the second dominant variety of the right bank?
Cabernet Franc
92
Which is the larger of the two appellations in Bordeaux's right bank?
Saint-Émilion
93
How many groups of distinct vineyards are there in Saint-Émilion? Describe them
To the north and west of the town of Saint-Émilion
* On a plateau, with warm, well drained gravel and limestone soils
* Mostly Cab Franc but some Cab Sauvignon
On the escarpment to the south and east of the region
* Clay limestone soils
At the foot of the escarpment
* Sandy soild
* Lighter bodied and less prestigious
94
Where do the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion come from?
The first two regions - north and west of the town of Saint-Émilion and on the escarpment to the south and east of the region
95
Describe the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion
* Medium to high tannins
* Soft and rich mouthfeel
* Complex red berry fruit and plum aromas, developing tobacco and cedar notes with evolution
96
Describe wines of Pomerol
Richer than those of Saint-Émilion with spicy, blackberry fruit character
97
What winemaking movement has recently appeared in the right bank?
* The appearance of full-bodied, very ripe wines in small quantities, from small plots of land
* Vins de garage / Garagistes
98
Describe the 'other' wines of the right bank...
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol are surrounded by a group of appellations producing Merlot dominated wines, similar in style to their better-known neighbours
99
What is the collective name for the lesser known appellations of Bordeaux?
Côtes de Bordeaux
100
Which appellations can append their names to the beginning of Côtes de Bordeaux? from Northt to South
* Blaye
* Francs
* Castillon
* Cadillac
101
What style of wines are Côtes de Bordeaux?
* Early drinking
* Merlot based wines
* Excellent value for money
102
Name a group of producers who have chosen not to join Côtes de Bordeaux
Côtes de Bourg
103
Which Bordeaux appellation can only produce white wines?
Entre-Deux-Mers
104
How must red wines be named if they are from Entre-Deux-Mers?
With a generic appellation name
105
What wines may Graves and Pessac-Léognan produce?
Red and white
106
Describe the white wines of Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers
Both made from unoaked Sauvignon Blanc
107
Where are many of the very best dry whites of Bordeaux made?
Pessac-Léognan
108
Where may some white wines be eligible for Cru Classé status in Bordeaux?
Pessac-Léognan
109
Describe the best white wines of Pessac and how they are vinified
* They tend to be blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc
* Usually fermented and/or matured at least partly in new oak
* Medium to full body
* Toasty oak flavours
110
Can dry whites be made in Médoc and Sauternes?
Yes, but with a generic Bordeaux appellation
111
Where are the top sweet wine appellations of Bordeaux?
Grouped on the banks of the Garonne and its tributary (Ciron)
112
Why is the proximity of water important for vinification of sweet wine in Bordeaux?
The rivers create the ideal misty Autumn conditions for noble rot to develop
113
What is needed to help concentrate sugars in sweet Bordeaux when there is little noble rot
Passerillage
114
Where do the best sweet wines of Bordeaux come from?
Sauternes
115
Where is Sauternes?
The West Bank of the Garonne
116
Where is the village of Barsac?
Within Sauternes
117
Which appellation must Barsac producers use?
Either Barsac or Sauternes
118
Which grape variety dominates in Sauternes? Why?
* Sémillon
* Because of its thin skin and consequential susceptibility to Botrytis
119
Describe the best sweet wines of Sauternes
* Sweet
* Balanced with high acidity
* High in alcohol
* Apricot and citrus peel aromas of noble rot
* Toast and vanilla from oak fermentation and/or maturation
120
Where else can sweet wine be made in Bordeaux?
Near to Sauternes (made in a similar style)
