Bordeaux

Question 1

What climate is Bordeaux and which ocean current benefits the region?

Answer 1

Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate, with the Gulf Stream having beneficial effects.

Question 2

What is the Gulf Stream, and how does it help viticulture?

Answer 2

The Gulf Stream is a warming ocean current that extends the growing season into October, it also means spring frosts are rarely a problem.

Question 3

What helps protect Bordeaux from harsh Atlantic winds and storms?

Answer 3

Les Landes Forest and the sand dunes along the coast.

Question 4

Why is vintage variation common in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

Because of the rainfall that occurs throughout the growing season. It can disrupt flowering, fruit set, promote rot and dilute grapes. The best vineyards can deal with this better.

Question 5

What is commonly practiced in Bordeaux to reduce the risk of vintage variation?

Answer 5

Vineyards will plant a variety of grapes, and often wines are made of blends rather than single varietal wines.

Question 6

What are the 4 principal black grape varieties?

Answer 6

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Question 7

What top quality Bordeaux producers age their still red wines in?

Answer 7

New 225L oak barriques.

Question 8

Why is Semillon suitable for making sweet wines?

Answer 8

Because of its thin skin and affinity to noble rot.

Question 9

What are the 3 principle white grape varieties in Bordeaux?

Answer 9

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

Question 10

Name the 3 rivers that run through Bordeaux, and where they are situated.

Answer 10

The River Gironde flows into Bordeaux from the Atlantic. This then splits into to the River Dordogne, which borders Pomerol and Saint Emillion, and the River Garonne which borders Pessac Leognan, Graves etc. Entre Deux Mers sits between the Dordogne and Garonne.

Question 11

Generic wines are labelled as what?

Answer 11

Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior (requires higher ABV + stricter rules).

Question 12

Explain what Clairet is.

Answer 12

A style of wine that undergoes longer maceration than Rose, producing deeper colour and body.

Question 13

Explain the soil type of the Medoc, consequently what grape variety is seen more in blends?

Answer 13

Predominantly clay soils with outcrops of Gravel. Because of this, Medoc sees higher portions of Merlot used in its blends than of those further South of the left bank.

Question 14

What 4 communes within the Haut-Medoc have a higher reputation?

Answer 14

Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux.

Question 15

Which regions lie further South of the Haut Medoc?

Answer 15

Pessac-Leognan, Graves, Barsac and Sauternes.

Question 16

There are 3 distinct groups of vineyards on differing soils in Saint-Emilion, describe them.

Answer 16

1) Vineyards that lie on the plateau to the North and West. Well drained Gravel/Limestone soils.
2) Vineyards on the escarpment in the South and the East. Clay limestone soils.
3) Vineyards in the foot of the escarpment, containing more sandy soils. (less prestigious that 1 and 2).

Question 17

What difference can you expect from a Pomerol compared to a Saint-Emilion?

Answer 17

Richer, with a spicier blackberry fruit character.

Question 18

Cotes de Bordeaux is used for lesser regions, but which regions can put their name in front of the term?

Answer 18

Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs.

Question 19

What style of wine does Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux produce?

Answer 19

Sweet wine.

Question 20

What does Entre de Mers mean and what style of wine does it produce?

Answer 20

Between two seas. Still whites only.

Question 21

Describe how a high quality Pessac-Leognan white would be made.

Answer 21

Blend of Sauvignon and Semillon. fermented and matured in new oak, medium to full body with toasty oak flavours.

Question 22

Define passerillage.

Answer 22

When grapes are left on the vine after harvest to allow flavours to concentrate.