Bordeaux Flashcards
Which two rivers merge to form the Gironde estuary?
River Garonne (southern) and River Dordogne (northern)
How many % of the AOC wine is red, dry white, sweet and rosé?
Red 85%, dry white 10%, sweet 1%, rosé 4%
What are the key developments in Bordeaux’s history?
- In 17th&18th centuries the Dutch drained and planted the Médoc peninsula
- By mid 18th century Lafite and Margaux were already widely appreciated
- Entrepreneurial merchants as distrobutors
- 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris & calssification based on price (Médoc + Haut-Brion in Graves+ Sauternes)
How many ha planted in Bordeaux?
111 000 ha
How many % of the wines are inexpensive to mid-priced / premium to super-premium?
70% inexpensive to mid / 30% premium to super
What is the climate like in Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime. Gentle heat throughout the growing region and sufficient rainfall, relatively dry and warm autumns
What is the Landes?
The extensive pine forest that partially protects the Left Bank from Atlantic storms
Why is northern Médoc cooler than the southern Médoc and Graves?
The landscape is more open to maritime influence as the pine forest is less of a feature there
How can rain be a factor in vintage variation?
- At flowering: poor fruit set
- Growing season: increased disease pressure
- Véraison: unripe fruit, fungal disease
- Harvest: diluted flavors
How is climate change/hotter vintages affecting Bordeaux wines?
Hot dry summers with insufficient rain —> low acidity, lack of balance, more alcoholic—> reduced aging capability
What is the Libournais?
Right bank regions of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and the surrounding appellations
What kind of vintage was 2003, 2005, 1956, 1991 and 2027?
- 2003, 2005 were hot & dry
- 1956,1991 & 2017 were affected by frost and the crop was decimated (has significant financial implications)
How does the Gironde estuary affect the vines in the Médoc?
The vines closer to the estuary are often protected from frost due to its moderating influence
How is the soil in the Left Bank?
Deposits of gravel and stony soil mixed with clay and sand. All top Estates are planted on croupes (=gravel mounds)
What are the pros and cons of gravelly soil?
👍🏻well-draining, after rain the roots soon dry out,
👍🏻 heat retention —> slow ripening
👎🏻in hot years it can be a risk for drought stress, esp. On shallow soil
What is the soil type in Saint-Estèphe?
Clay —> wines are not as esteemed as those grown on gravel
Why does Merlot dominate on the Right Bank?
Far more clay in the soil to which Merlot is ideally suited. Ripens fully even in cooler years.
Where are the best grapes grown on the Right Bank?
On the limestone plateau or the gravel section that borders Pomerol
What is Merlot like as a grape and wine?
Early budding Mid-ripening Large berries Higher sugar accumulation than cabernet Strawberry, red plum, herbaceous / Cooked blackberry, black plum Med tannins, med to high alcohol
What is Merlot susceptible to?
Spring frost
Coulure
Drought
Botrytis bunch rot
What is CS like as a grape and wine?
Late budding & late ripening (may struggle to fully ripen —> blended with other varieties)
Small berries, thick skin
Pronounced violet, blackcurrant, black cherry, menthol, herbaceousness
Med alcohol, high acidity, high tannins
What is CS vulnerable to?
Fungal diseases, powdery mildew
Trunk diseases Eutypa & Esca
What are the red grapes of Bordeaux?
CS, CF, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Carmenere
What are the white grapes of Bordeaux?
SB, Sémillon, Muscadelle
