Bordeaux

Question 1

Describe the climate of Bordeaux - type, and average growing temperature (cool, moderate, or warm?)

Answer 1

Moderate
Maritime

Question 2

Which Ocean Current warms Bordeaux?

Answer 2

The Gulf Stream

Question 3

What are the three major and one minor Red grape varieties grown in Bordeaux?
Provide a characteristic for each.

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon (High tannin and acidity, black fruit and mint)

Merlot, (medium to high tannin potential / medium acidity/ aromas of plums and fruit cake)

Cabernet Franc (any one of these: herbaceous, stalky, green bell pepper, or floral)

Minor - Petit Verdot (intense - dark, pronouned aromas, high tannin).

Question 4

What are the two major and one minor White grape varieties grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc
Minor - Muscadelle

Question 5

What is the name of the original classification of the best reds of the Medoc?
How are wines in this classification referred? (CC)

Answer 5

1855 classification
Crus Classé

Question 6

What term can be applied to wines outside the Crus Classé classification in the Medoc?
What are the 3 sub-categories of this classification?
How often are is this classification reviewed?

Answer 6

Cru Bourgeois, comprising in ascending order:
- Cru Bourgois
- Cru Bourgois Superieur
- Cru Bourgois Exceptionnel
Reviewed every 5 years.

Question 7

Put the following wines in order of price and quality, lowest to highest
St Emilion,
St Emilion Satellites,
St Emilion Grand Cru Classé ,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B

Answer 7

St Emilion Satellites,
St Emilion,
St Emilion Grand Cru Classé,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A

Question 8

What is the main difference between Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior

Answer 8

Superior has slightly stricter appelation rules and has a higher alcohol content than Bordeaux

Question 9

What is ‘Clairet’?

Answer 9

A deeper coloured rosé wine with fuller body made by longer maceration

Question 10

Name the four leading appelations/communes of the Haut-Medoc from north to south.

Answer 10

Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julian, Margaux

Question 11

Name the most highly rated area in Graves

Answer 11

Pessac-Leognan

Question 12

What type of soil would you expect in Haut-Medoc and Pessac-Leognan?

Answer 12

Gravelly

Question 13

Name two benefits of Gravel soil

Answer 13

Good drainage, so doesn’t hold water
Gravel soils tend to be warming, helping Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen .

Question 14

Name the two leading appelations of the ‘right bank’.

Answer 14

St. Emilion and Pomerol

Question 15

Name the four regions that make up Côtes de Bordeaux

Answer 15

Blaye, Francs, Castillon, Cadillac

Question 16

Where are you likely to find the very best white wines in Bordeaux?

Answer 16

Pessac-Leognan (Graves a close 2nd)

Question 17

Name the two best Sweet Wine appelations.

Answer 17

Sauternes and Barsac

Question 18

Name the 2 main grape varieties and 1 minor variety used in Bordeaux’s sweet wine production

Answer 18

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc
Minor - Muscadelle

Question 19

What is the process of ‘Passerillage’?

Answer 19

French term for leaving grapes on the vine past normal harvest so that they dry up and concentrate their flavours

Question 20

The climate in Bordeaux is maritime. What does that mean?

Answer 20

Low continentality, low diurnal range, variable and sometimes wet at harvest

Question 21

What is the main taste difference of Pomerol Vs Saint Emilion wine?

Answer 21

Pomerol tends to be richer with a spicier blackberry fruit character

Question 22

What factor helps define the highest quality wines of Saint Emilion?

Answer 22

Soil: predominately clay / limestone.

Question 23

The Atlantic brings high levels of rainfall and humidity to Bordeaux, what 3 risks does this bring?

Answer 23

Rain can disrupt flowering and fruit set
Dampness can promote rot
Rain at harvest time can dilute flavours

Question 24

How is rosé wine labelled in Bordeaux?

Answer 24

Bordeaux Rosé or Bordeaux Clairet

Question 25

How are the best Bordeaux reds aged?

Answer 25

In 225 litre tr Barriques. Usually a mix of new and old oak.

Question 26

In what, and for how long, are the best sweet wines fermented and matured?

Answer 26

In new oak barrels for up to 3 years

Question 27

In what way is the classification system of St-Emilion different to the Cru Classé system of the Medoc?

Answer 27

It is integrated into the appellation system.

(ie, Saint Emilion AOP is separate to Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOP, and so will follow different set of rules. In the Medoc a Medoc AOP will follow the same rules as a Cru Classé wine, despite what may be a very large quality and price difference).

Question 28

Why is the clay soil of St Emilion important?

Answer 28

Cooling influence on vines and so slows ripening, allowing longer development of aroma without loosing fresh acidity.

(This is a good illustration of how ripeness works - exploring the AAA and Balance).

Question 29

Using Semillon in blends allows a wine maker to do what?

Answer 29

Increase complexity.
Semillion works well with oak.
Semillon is prone to noble rot and so useful for sweet as well as dry wines (when fully fermented).
Semillon ages well.

Question 30

Using Muscadelle in blends allows a wine maker to do what?

Answer 30

Add floral aroma, and so enhance complexity.