13 - Bordeaux

Question 1

In terms of volume and value, which is the largest appellation region in France?

Answer 1

Bordeaux.

Question 2

What are the soils and wines like in Pessac - Leognan?

Answer 2

Gravelly and well suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. Generally lighter bodied than wines from Haut - Medoc.

Question 3

What is the most highly rated region Graves?

Answer 3

Pessac - Leognan.

Question 4

Describe the wines from the top appellations in Haut - Medoc.

Answer 4

A high percentage of Cab Sav in the blends. Generally displays a core of blackcurrant fruit, cedar notes from time on oak. Grippy tannins when young and have great potential for ageing.

Question 5

What are the 4 Haut - Medoc appellations with highest reputation?

Answer 5

North to south: Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint - Julien and Margaux.

Question 6

Describe the soils and wines of Bas Medoc.

Answer 6

The soil is mainly clay, with outcrops of gravel. Wines tend to have higher proportions of Merlot in the blend than those to the south. Generally early drinking in style.

Question 7

Wines from the northernmost region region of Medoc (Bas Medoc) can be labelled as?

Answer 7

Simply - “Medoc”.

Question 8

Red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur are what sort of wines at their best?

Answer 8

Early drinking, medium bodied wines with ripe black/red fruit and sometimes cedar notes from time on oak.

Question 9

Generic Bordeaux appellations can be labelled as?

Answer 9

Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superiuer. The latter designation has slightly stricter rules and requires a higher level of alcohol.

Question 10

In the Saint -Emilion Grand Cru appellation. Explain the classification system.

Answer 10

The lower step is simply Saint - Emilion Grand Cru Classe. Above this comes Saint - Emilion Premier Grand Clu Classe. Which is the divided into Premier Grand Cru Classe A (best) and Premier Grand Cru Classe B.

Question 11

How do Graves wines compare to Pessac - Leognan?

Answer 11

Similar in style, but less concentrated and complex. Usually a higher concentration of Merlot.

Question 12

The wines of the right bank are dominated by what grapes?

Answer 12

Merlot and to a lesser extent Cab Sav.

Question 13

What are the two prestige appellations of the right bank?

Answer 13

Saint - Emilion and Pomerol.

Question 14

Explain Saint - Emilion soil and wine?

Answer 14

Warm, well drained gravel and limestone in the north and west. Clay, limestone to the south and east. Medium to high tannins, compared to the structure of the left bank, have softer and rich mouth feeling. Complex red berry fruit and plum. Develops tobacco and cedar notes with age.

Question 15

Name the appellations of Cotes de Bordeaux?

Answer 15

Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs

Question 16

Entre - Deux Mers can only produce red or white wines?

Answer 16

White wines.

Question 17

The top appellations for making sweet wines are grouped along the banks of the Garonne river, explain why?

Answer 17

Rivers create the ideal misty autumn conditions for noble rot to develop on ripened grapes.

Question 18

In Sauternes and Barsac which grape dominates sweet wine production?

Answer 18

Semillon.

Question 19

What grapes do they blend with Semillon in Sauternes?

Answer 19

Sauvignon Blanc to add acidity. Muscadelle to add exotic perfume.

Question 20

Describe the Bordeaux region climate?

Answer 20

It has a moderate maritime climate. The Gulf Stream extends the growing season and spring frosts are a problem.

Question 21

How many grapes are permitted under Bordeaux appellation regulations?

Answer 21

13 varieties, but in practice 3 black and 2 white dominate.

Question 22

What are the dominant red varieties in Bordeaux.

Answer 22

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Question 23

Cab Sav is dominant in which Bordeaux appellation?

Answer 23

The Haut - Medoc. The stone gravel soil content is high there. This raises temperatures and consequently is the only area the grape can ripen reliably.

Question 24

Merlot is the most widely planted varietal in Bordeaux but most important in the premium wines of which appellations?

Answer 24

Saint - Emilion and Pomerol.

Question 25

In the Medoc, Chateux are divided into 5 ranks. The top rank consists of which Chateau?

Answer 25

Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Mouton Rothschild and Chateau Haut - Brion (Graves).

Question 26

What are the names of the 3 distinct areas in Bordeaux?

Answer 26

Medoc, Graves and Sauternes (left bank).
Entre - Deux - Mers (in between both).
Saint - Emilion and Pomerol (right bank).

Question 27

Sauvignon Blanc wines from Bordeaux produce wines with what aromas typically?

Answer 27

Citrus and green fruit.

Question 28

What grape variety is the most important for sweet wine production in Bordeaux?

Answer 28

Semillon, which is also blended with Sauvignon Blanc in the premium white wines of Pessac - Leognan and Graves.

Question 29

Top quality red Bordeaux is aged in small oak barriques of how large?

Answer 29

225 litres.

Question 30

What is the 1855 classification?

Answer 30

In 1855 for the Paris Universal exhibition, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce were approached to produce an official list of the best reds from the Medoc and the best whites from Sauternes.

Question 31

In Sauternes there are 3 ranks of classification. Who occupies the top rank?

Answer 31

Chateau d’Yquem.

Question 32

In Medoc and Sauternes what is Cru Bourgeois?

Answer 32

A later classification for other estates of the Medoc. Cru Bourgeois is only awarded that years vintage rather than the chateau itself.