Left Bank Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is the history of the Medoc?
It was a salt marsh and pine forest until the 17th century when Dutch engineers created canals to drain the water from the land. This revealed gravel soils.
What kind of wine is the Medoc known for?
Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines. It has become the standard for Cabernet Sauv wines worldwide due to early trading in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Where is the Medoc located?
North of the city of Bordeaux. On the left bank of the Garonne River and Gironde Estuary.
What is the soil in the Medoc?
Gravel that drains very well. Ideal for Cab Sauv
What kinds of wines are produced in the Medoc?
Red wines only, specifically Cab Sauv based blends.
What are the communes of the Medoc? (north to south)
Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Margaux
What are the sub regions of the Medoc?
Medoc AOP
Haut Medoc AOP
What is the 1855 classification?
Emperor Napoleon III commissioned a ranking of the top Bordeaux chateaux for the Universal Exposition in Paris. Merchants and brokers did the rankings, breaking up chateaux into 5 tiers of quality.
How many chateaux were included in the 1855 classification?
61
What were the 1855 rankings based on?
Historical records of prices in the marketplace: the higher the price, the higher the ranking.
What communes were not included in the rankings?
Right Bank communes were not included
What are the 5 First Growth chateaux?
Lafite-Rothschild
Latour
Margaux
Haut-Brion
Mouton-Rothschild
What is unique about Haut-Brion?
It is the only First Growth outside of the Medoc. It is located in Pessac Leognan (in Graves). It was included because its wines had historical fetched high prices at market.
What is unique about Mouton-Rothschild?
Mouton-Rothschild was added as a First Growth in 1973 after years of lobbying. It was originally a 2nd growth chateau. It is the only chateau to have moved positions in the 1855 classification
Is the 1855 classification part of the AOP system?
No.
What are the top recent vintages of the Medoc?
Reds: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005
Whites: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2008, 2007, 2006
Where is Graves?
South of the Medoc and the city of Bordeaux. On the left bank of the Garonne river
What is the soil in Graves?
Gravel
What kinds of wines are made in Graves?
White wines made from Sauv Blanc, Semillon
Red wines made from Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Cab Franc
What is the overarching AOP of Graves?
Graves AOP
What are the Sub-regional AOPs in Graves?
Pessac-Leognan AOP
Sauternes AOP
Barsac AOP
What is the geography of Pessac Leognan?
Northern part of Graves. South of city of Bordeaux.
What kinds of wines are made in Pessac-Leognan?
Dry whites and reds.
Use of new French oak is common
What is the famous Chateau of Pessac-Leognan?
Chateau Haut Brion
