2. Bordeaux Flashcards
Which two rivers merge to form which estuary in Bordeaux?
1) River Garonne
2) River Dordogne
3) Gironde estuary
The area between the Dordogne and Garonne is called what?
Entre-Deux-Mers
What is the red/white/sweet/rose production split in Bordeaux?
1) 85% red
2) 9% white
3) 1% sweet
4) 5% rose
What is the most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux?
Merlot
How much land is under vine in Bordeaux?
108,000
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime
What weather feature has a warming influence on Bordeaux and from where does it originate?
1) The Gulf Stream
2) The Gulf of Mexico
What protects the left bank from Atlantic storms?
The Landes - extensive pine forests towards the south of the region
At what stage of the growing cycle is protection by the Landes most beneficial?
Flowering and fruit set
Give two examples of sub-regions protected by the Landes.
1) Leognan (Domaine de Chevalier)
2) Listrac
Rainfall is variable year to year. Excessive rainfall at which three stages can result in significant vintage variation?
1) Rain at flowering an result in poor fruit set
2) Rain at and after veraison can lead to unripe fruit and fungal disease
3) Rain at harvest can cause dilution
Provide an example of a vintage that was beset by hot, dry summers with insufficient rainfall.
2003
What other climatic factor is a concern for vineyards further from the Gironde or its two rivers?
Frost
What is the key soil component of the top estates of the Left Bank and what two advantages does it provide?
1) Gravel with clay and sand
2) Excellent drainage
3) Heat retention
What are ‘croupes’?
Gravel mounds (up to 32m in Margaux) formed by deposits from floodwaters from the Pyrenees and Massif Central
What is a disadvantage to the Left Bank’s high proportion of gravel soil?
Can cause hydric stress in drought-affected years
In which Left Bank sub-region can pockets of clay be found?
Saint-Estephe
What soil component is more common on the Right Bank?
Clay
What are the five main black varieties grown in Bordeaux (as discussed in the textbook)?
1) Merlot
2) Cabernet Sauvignon
3) Cabernet Franc
4) Malbec
5) Petit Verdot
What are the three main white varieties grown in Bordeaux (as discussed in the textbook)?
1) Semillon
2) Sauvignon Blanc
3) Muscadelle
When does Merlot bud?
Early
When does Merlot ripen?
Mid-ripening
What is an advantage of Merlots ripening timeframe?
It can be picked before early autumn rain
What two diseases is Merlot susceptible to?
1) Coulure
2) Botrytis