Bordeaux

Question 1

What are the first growths of the Medoc?

Answer 1

Ch Margaux, Ch Laffite-Rothschild, Ch Haut Brion, Ch Mouton Rothschild, Ch Latour

Question 2

The majority of first growths are located where?

Answer 2

Pauillac

Question 3

What is the first growth in Pessac-Leognan in Graves?

Answer 3

Ch Haut Brion

Question 4

What are the allowed grape varieties in Sauternes?

Answer 4

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle

Question 5

What is the primary varietal in Pomerol?

Answer 5

Merlot

Question 6

What is the largest Appellation Controlee region in France?

Answer 6

Bordeaux

Question 7

Which of the wines classified in 1855 had a change in classification status?

Answer 7

Ch Mouton Rothschild; promoted from 2nd growth to 1st growth in 1973.

Question 8

What two rivers combine to make the Gironde River in Bordeaux?

Answer 8

Garonde and Dudoine Rivers

Question 9

What are the white grape varietals in Bordeaux?

Answer 9

Semillon (waxy, honey, peachy), Sauvignon Blanc (backbone of acidity, citrus), Muscadelle (exotic, floral)

Question 10

What are the red grape varietals in Bordeaux?

Answer 10

Cabernet Sauvignon (structure, darker fruit, tannins), Merlot (softens, fleshy, plump), Cabernet Franc (texture, velvet, on the heavy side), Malbec (similar to Merlot, softens Cab Sauv), Petite Verdot (adds tannin, color, floral)

Question 11

What is the main soil type of the right bank (Medoc)?

Answer 11

Gravel (Grows mostly Cabernet Sauvignon [70%] and Merlot [30%])

Question 12

What is the main soil type of the right bank (St. Emilion & Pomerol)?

Answer 12

Clay (Grows mostly Merlot [70%] and Petit Verdot [30%])

Question 13

What is used to rank the wines in Bordeaux?

Answer 13

The Producer

Question 14

What are the communes located in the Medoc?

Answer 14

St. Esteph (muscular wines), Pauillac (dramatic wines), St. Julien (elegant wines), Margaux (feminine wines)

Question 15

What is the primary varietal in Sauternes?

Answer 15

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Question 16

What is Botrytis Cinerea?

Answer 16

Also called “Noble Rot”; a type of mold/fungus allowed to grow on the grapes prior to harvest that dehydrates the grapes, concentrating the sugar, and gives a flavor profile of honey and saffron. It does not develop uniformly across the vineyard so the grapes are hand-picked individually via several passes, or “tries”

Question 17

What are the Bordeaux wine rating classifications?

Answer 17

Premier Cru, Grand Cru,

Question 18

What are the communes of the Right Bank?

Answer 18

Pomerol, St. Emillion, Cotes de Bordeaux

Question 19

What is the climate of Bordeaux?

Answer 19

Maritime

Question 20

What is the “garagiste” movement?

Answer 20

Translated “Garage Wines”; these are microchateau wines which produce very small quantities.