Bordeaux

Question 1

What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Merlot

Question 2

What percentage of vineyard plantings are black grapes?

Answer 2

90%

Question 3

How would you describe the climate of Bordeaux?

Answer 3

• Moderate and maritime
• Strong cooling influences from The Atlantic
• Moderate rain

Question 4

Explain the growing conditions of the left bank

Answer 4

• Partially protected from Atlantic storms by the Landes forest
• Estates closer to the Landes are cooler
• Nothern Medoc has more of a maritime influence, leading to cooler temperatures and higher rainfall

Question 5

Explain the growing conditions of the right bank

Answer 5

• Maritime influence is less pronounced
• Frost and hail are a significant threat
• Gironde estuary moderates climate and protects vines from frost
• Vintage variation in terms of yield is marked

Question 6

What soil types are found on the left bank?

Answer 6

Gravel with pockets of clay

Question 7

What is a benefit to the left bank’s soil types?

Answer 7

Gravel is good at irrigation and retaining heat

Question 8

What is a drawback to the left bank’s soil type?

Answer 8

Gravel can cause drought stress in the summer as it struggles to retain water

Question 9

What are the soil types found on the right bank?

Answer 9

Predominantly clay with a limestone plateau around Pomerol

Question 10

What grape variety is well suited to limestone?

Answer 10

Merlot

Question 11

What are the benefits of growing Merlot in Bordeaux?

Answer 11

• Mid-ripening (the grapes can be picked before the autumn rain)
• Can ripen fully in cooler years
• Can achieve a higher potential alcohol than Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc

Question 12

What’s a drawback to growing Merlot in Bordeaux?

Answer 12

• Early budding (susceptible to spring frosts)
• Susceptible to botrytis (sorting needed to maintain quality)

Question 13

Describe a Merlot-based Bordeaux wine.

Answer 13

• Medium to pronounced intensity
• Aromas and characteristics of strawberry and red plum (more herbaceous in cooler years)
• Medium tannins
• Medium to high alcohol

Question 14

What are the benefits of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux?

Answer 14

• Late budding (reduced frost risk)
• Thick skin can result in a higher level of tannins

Question 15

What are the drawbacks to growing Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux?

Answer 15

• Prone to fungal diseases
• Ripens late so vulnerable to autumn rains
• Struggles to fully ripen in cooler vintages

Question 16

Describe a Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux wine.

Answer 16

• Pronounced intensity
• Aromas and characteristics of violet, blackcurrant, black cherry and menthol
• Medium alcohol
• High acidity
• High tannins

Question 17

What does Cabernet Franc usually contribute to a Bordeaux blend?

Answer 17

• Red fruit
• Lower tannins (medium tannin)

Question 18

Aside from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. What other two varieties are found in Bordeaux?

Answer 18

• Malbec
• Petit Verdot

Question 19

What are the three white varieties found in Bordeaux?

Answer 19

• Semillon
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Muscadelle

Question 20

What would Sémillon give to a white Bordeaux blend?

Answer 20

• Apple, lemon and grassy notes
• Adds weight body and medium acidity
• Can impart vanilla and sweet spice if Oaked

Question 21

Sauternes usually has a higher proportion of which grape?

Answer 21

Sémillion

Question 22

Which grape is more susceptible to Botrytis?

Answer 22

Sémillion

Question 23

Which white grape is more suitable for cooler climates?

Answer 23

Sauvignon Blanc

Question 24

Why is Sauvignon Blanc usually grown on poorer soils?

Answer 24

It is high yielding so it needs soils with poor nutrients to concentrate the grapes