Bordeaux Flashcards
Which French politician took vineyards from the Benedictine monks and gave it to peasants?
Napoleon
When did phylloxera arrive in Europe and where is it thought to have spread from?
1860-1866, the southern Rhône Valley
What is the largest AOC in France?
Bordeaux
What percentage of wine made in Bordeaux is red?
90%
What two rivers feed the Gironde Estuary?
Dordogne and the Garonne
What are the white grapes of Bordeaux?
Muscadelle, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon
What are the red grapes of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot
The grape varieties that grow in Bordeaux are sensitive to too much __________.
Water
In Bordeaux you would want a vineyard with ________, not _________ soil.
Gravel, clay
What variety is more likely to be planted to clay soils in Bordeaux and why?
Merlot. Clay retains water and hence stays cooler in the spring, delaying bud break and slowing the start of ripening. Merlot tends to ripen early and is less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which red grape is the most widely planted in Bordeaux?
Merlot. 60%
Why can do many Bordeaux wines be aged for such a long time?
Because Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon have high tannin.
Where does Cabernet Franc originate from?
Spain, Basque Country
What white grape is the “heart” of Bordeaux?
Semillon
What white Bordeaux grape is a sister of Chardonnay, and what grape is their mother?
Muscadelle, Gouais Blanc
