FRANCE / BORDEAUX - Graves

Question 1

What is the significance of the year 1305 in Graves wine history?

Answer 1

First Bordeaux winery established: Château Pape-Clément

Question 2

In what year was Graves wines classified?

Answer 2

1953

Question 3

How many estates are classified as cru classé for red and white wines in Graves?

Answer 3

13 estates for red wines and 9 for whites

Question 4

What is the soil composition in Graves?

Answer 4

Mixture of gravel, sand and light clay called boulbenes

Question 5

What types of wines does Graves AOP allow?

Answer 5

Reds & whites

Reds account for 2/3 of production.

Question 6

Describe the style of red wines from Graves AOP.

Answer 6

Perfumed, floral and richly blackcurrants

Question 7

Describe the style of white wines from Graves AOP.

Answer 7

Powerful, rounded & lively

This highlights the vibrant qualities of Graves whites.

Question 8

What is the Pessac-Léognan AOP and when was it created?

Answer 8

A communal sub-appellation created in 1987

It was established for prestigious reds and whites.

Question 9

What is the predominant soil type in Pessac-Léognan?

Answer 9

Predominantly gravel and sandy rock

This soil composition varies with clay and sandstone proportions.

Question 10

Describe the style of red wines from Pessac-Léognan.

Answer 10

Elegant, rich and noble with ripe fruits, currants & violet; balanced structure

This reflects the complexity and sophistication of these wines.

Question 11

Describe the style of white wines from Pessac-Léognan.

Answer 11

Aromatic, nutty, floral and ripe orchards

This indicates the rich and diverse flavors present in the whites.

Question 12

Name three classified red wines from Graves in 1959.

Answer 12

• Château Haut-Brion - Pessac
• Château La Mission Haut-Brion - Talence
• Château Pape-Clément - Pessac

Question 13

Name three classified white wines from Graves in 1959.

Answer 13

• Château Laville-Haut-Brion - Talence
• Domaine de Chevalier - Léognan
• Château Olivier - Léognan

These wines exemplify the high standards of Graves white wines.

Question 14

What is Graves Supérieur AOP?

Answer 14

An AOP for sweet wines covering the entirety of Graves

This classification is dedicated to the production of sweet wines.

Question 15

What communes are split under Graves Supérieur AOP?

Answer 15

• Barsac
• Sauterns
• Cérons

These communes are known for their sweet wine production.

Question 16

What is the minimum must weight for grapes harvested for Sauternes AOP?

Answer 16

221g/L

This high must weight is crucial for the production of quality sweet wines.

Question 17

What is the final wine sugar content for Sauternes AOP wine?

Answer 17

45g/L

This indicates the sweetness level of the wine.

Question 18

Name the five villages covered by Sauternes AOP.

Answer 18

• Sauternes
• Barsac
• Fargues
• Preignac
• Bommes
  (S-avagely B-usted F-umbled P-retty B-ad)

These villages are essential for Sauternes wine production.

Question 19

Which wine achieved the status of Premier Cru Supérieur in Sauternes?

Answer 19

Château d’Yquem

This wine is renowned for its exceptional quality.

Question 20

How many times has Château d’Yquem refused to release Sauternes AOP wine since 1900?

Answer 20

10 times:
* 1910 & ‘15
* 1930
* 1951 & ‘52
* 1964
* 1972 & ‘74
* 1992
* 2012

Question 21

What is ‘Y’ (Y’grec)?

Answer 21

A dry white wine labelled as Bordeaux by Château d’Yquem

This wine is produced intermittently depending on the vintage quality.

Question 22

Name other 1stG. classified in Sauterns

Answer 22

• • Château Suduiraut - Preignac
• Château Rieussec - Fargues
• Château Coutet (Barsac)