Bordeaux Flashcards
1
Q
Where does the Bordeaux region lie?
A
southwest France close to the Atlantic Ocean, traversed by River Garonne and the RIver Dordogne
2
Q
What is the region west of the GAronne and Gironde Rivers called in bordeaux?
A
The left bank
3
Q
What is the region east of the GAronne and Gironde Rivers called in bordeaux?
A
the right bank
4
Q
WHat are the majority of vines planted between the two rivers called?
A
Entre Deux Mers (literally meaning between two seas)
5
Q
How much of the plantings in Bordeaux are black grapes?
A
Nearly 90%
6
Q
Break out into percentages the production of AOC wines
A
red = 85%
dry white = 10%
Sweet white = 1%
Rose = 4%
7
Q
What happened in the 17th and 18th C in Medoc?
A
the large Medoc peninsula was drained by Dutch residents and planted
8
Q
What took place in 1855 in bordeaux
A
due to the commercial exhibition, exposition Universelle de Paris, the Bordeaux chamber of commerce asked the regions brokers to compile a classification of wines
9
Q
what was the 1855 classification based on
A
price
10
Q
How many brands were the wines of Medoc and Haut brion from Graves placed into for the 1855 classification?
A
5
11
Q
How many brands were the wines of Sauternes placed into for the 1855 classification?
A
3
12
Q
How many ha are planted in Bordeaux?
A
111,000
13
Q
How much wine do inexpensive to mid priced wine account for in Bordeaux?
A
70%
14
Q
How much wine does premium or super premium wine account for in Bordeaux
A
30%
15
Q
How many ha does Pomerol have under vine?
A
800 ha
16
Q
What is the climate in Bordeaux
A
moderate maritime
17
Q
what is a contributing factor to cooling influences in Bordeaux?
A
Atlantic Ocean which lies just west of the region
18
Q
Describe climate in best years for Bordeaux
A
gentle heat throughout the growing season, sufficient rainfall to promote growth and ripening, fine relatively dry and warm early autumns allow for steady and complete ripenings - resulting in balanced tannins, sugar and acidity
19
Q
what is the left bank protected by?
A
extensive pine forests called the Landes which protect from Atlantic storms
20
Q
How to estates that fringe on the Landes compare to other sites in Bordeaux?
A
they are cooler and more marginal than their neighbors to the east
21
Q
Explain how the Landes impact the northern Medoc
A
much less of an influence and it is more open to the maritime influence making it a cooler climate
22
Q
Describe rainfall in Bordeaux
A
variable but an average of 950mm a year but with marked variation from year to year and sometimes within the year when it falls
23
Q
When is excessive rainfall important in vintage variation in Bordeaux
A
rain at flowering can result in poor fruit set
rain throughout the growing season can result in increased disease pressure
rain at harvest can dilute flavors
rain at and following Verasian can lead to unripe fruit and fungal disease
24
Q
What has climate change led to in Bordeaux?
A
hot, dry summers, with insufficient rainfall
25
What happened to Bordeaux in 2003
it was a hot dry year which led to low acidity and lacking balance.
26
what can hot dry weather lead to in wines in Bordeaux?
wines with low acidity, high alcohol and a lack of balance
27
Where is the maritime influence less pronounced in Bordeaux?
easterly Right Bank regions such as Libournas (Saint Emillion, Pomerol, and appellations that surround them)
28
In what years were crops desimated by frost in Bordeaux?
1956, 1991, and 2017
29
Where are the most prestigious wines found in the Medoc?
close to the Gironde estuary which has moderating influence on the climate and often protects those vines from frost
30
What happens to vines that are slightly to the west of the most prestigious vineyards in Medoc because the vines are not protected by moderating influences
they can be devastated by frost
31
What has hail been like in Bordeaux over the past decade
more widespread and destructive
32
What is considered the Left Bank
Medoc to the north of the city and Graves to the south
33
What soil does the Left bank have?
gravel and stony that were carried to the region by floodwaters from the Pyrenees and the Massif Central thousands of year ago
34
What is the gravel mixed with on the left bank?
clay and sand
35
Where are the top estates on the left bank planted
on gravel mounds called croupes
36
How does gravel differ from clay? why is this beneficial
it drains well so even after storms and showers (which the left bank is prone) the roots dry out and grapes can continue to ripen
37
What years have the vines been subject to drought stress in Bordeaux due to extreme heat
2003 2005
38
What area of Bordeaux has seen very hot summers and because of their roots only being a metre deep have suffered drought stress?
Pomerol
39
How is gravel helpful in Bordeaux?
drains well and heat retention
40
How does gravel help to retain heat in Bordeaux?
after a warm summer day the pebbles and stones retain the warm and continue gradually to release it upwards onto the vines facilitating slow ripening.
41
Where are pockets of clay found in Bordeaux?
On the left bank especially Saint Estephe, but the wines from these soils while robust and characterful have not achieved the same acclaim as those grown on gravel
42
what type of soil is found more on the right bank?
more clay and there are significant patches of gravel soil in certain sectors such as Libiournais
43
Why is Merlot a dominant varietal on the right bank?
due to clay soil with patches of gravel in certain sectors
44
How does Merlot do well on the right bank
it ripens fully in almost all vintages, accumulates more sugar and thus less alcohol tha Cab Sauv and Cab franc.
45
Where are the best wines from the right bank seem to come from?
limestone plateau or gravel section that borders Pomerol
46
What does the early budding of Merlot make it vulnerable to?
spring frosts
47
What type of ripening grape is Merlot? how is this an advantage
mid ripening - which allows grapes to be picked before early autumn rain
48
What is Merlot susceptible to?
coulure, drought and most botrytis bunch rot which makes sorting necessary to maintain quality
49
What is an important benefit to Merlot in Bordeaux?
it can fuller ripen in cooler years in comparison to the later ripening Cab Suav
50
What is the dominant variety of the right bank and the cooler northern region of Medoc, which has clay soils with high clay content?
Merlot
51
What does Merlot ripening in cooler soils and water holding capacity of clay help to produce?
the larger berry size that Merlot is known for
52
What is the higher sugar levels that Merlot can reach help to produce
higher alcohol levels than either of the Cabernets
53
What does Merlot contribute as a varietal
med to pronounced intensity fruit (strawberry, plum with herbaceous notes in cooler years, cooked blackberry, black plum in hotter years)
med tannins
med to high alcohol
54
What type of variety is Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of budding?
late budding - which gives it some protection from spring frosts
55
Describe Cabernet Sauvignon as a grape
small berried, think skinned, high tannin content resulting in wines with high tannins
56
what is Cabernet Sauvignon prone to?
fungal diseases, (esp powdery mildew and trunk diseases, Eutypa and Esca)
57
What type of soils does Cab Sauv need to grown in
because it ripens late it needs to grow in warm well drained soils such as the gravel beds of Medoc
58
General SAT for Cab Sauv in Bordeaux?
pronounced violet, black currant, black cherry, and menthol or herbaceous flavors
med alcohol
high acidity
high tannins
59
What characteristics does Cab Sauv display when it struggles to ripen in Bordeaux?
high acidity
unripe tannins
little fruit
60
Why is Cab Sauv often blended with Cab franc and Merlot?
due to their earlier ripening
61
What does Cab franc offer as a varietal in Bordeaux blends?
red fruit, high acidity, and medium tannins
62
What area in Bordeaux was originally growing Malbec but after frosts in 1956 was mainly replanted by Merlot?
Cahors
63
What variety ripens even later than Cab Sauv
Petit Verdot
64
What is Petit Verdot prone to?
spring frosts, failure to ripen in cool climates and to rain around harvest
65
Where does Petit Verdot do best in Bordeaux?
warmer regions of the Medoc
66
How much of Petit Verdot is typically used in a Bordeaux Blend?
less than 5%
67
WHat does Petit verdot contribute to a Bordeaux blend?
powerful, deeply colored wines with spice notes and high tannins
68
What type of ripening grape is Semillon?
mid ripening
69
What is Semillon susceptible to?
botrytis bunch rot and to noble rotin the right conditions
70
What kind of yields can Semillon carry?
high yields
71
General SAT for Semillon
low intensity apple, lemon and if under ripe grassy, flavors
med body, med alcohol,
med to med + acidity
72
What does Semillon contribute to high quality dry wines?
low to med intensity aromas weight and body and med acidity - softening sauviignon blanc more intensie flavors and acidity
strong affinity to vanilla and sweet spice flavors from new french oak
73
What does Semillon contribute to botrytis affected sweet Bordeaux wines?
pronounced honey, dried fruit (lemon, peach) character and a waxy texture
74
Is Semillon able to age?
yes it is prized for it developing toast and honey notes in contrast with Sauvignon Blanc that can hold those flavors and not evolVe
75
What does Sauvignon Blanc contribute to Bordeaux wines
grassy, gooseberry fruit, high acidity to dry blends and sweet botrytis affected wines
76
What type of sites does Muscadelle need to be planted on and why?
well exposed sites as it is prone to botrytis bunch rot
77
What is the majority of Muscadelle used for in Bordeaux?
sweet white wines
78
What does Muscadelle contribute to sweet white wines in Bordeaux?
flowerly and grapey notes
79
Is muscadelle related to Muscat?
no
80
In terms of top-quality vineyards, what is tradition for Bordeaux?
closely spaced vines at 10,000 vines per hectare, vines being planted 1 meter a[art with one meter between the rows
81
the traditional vine plantings in Bordeaux are suitable for what type of soils?
infertile soils resulting in moderate vigor
82
How does planting close together in Bordeaux result in higher costs?
more plants, more tresilling have to be bought, specialised over the row tractors bought and more time is needed for training, ploughing, and sparying
83
What is a benefit of close planting in Bordeaux?
makes best use of expensive vineyard land
84
What density are less prestigious appellations planted in Bordeaux? Give an example
lower density
basic Bordeaux AOC is planted at 3-4,000 vines per ha
85
what is the most common system for vine management in Bordeaux?
head trained replacement cane pruned where canes are trained along wires
86
Which bank uses Double Guyot training? Single Guyot training?
double Guyot = Left Bank
single guyot = Right Bank
87
Which vine training is rare in Bordeaux but some prestigious estates favor it due to reducing yields naturally and giving better aeration to bunches
cordon trained spur pruned
88
Why is canopy management important in Bordeaux?
due to its moderate damp climate canopy management helps to reduce the incidence of downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot
89
What is the purpose of leaf removal in the summer in Bordeaux?
to improve aeration and deter rot and expose grapes to ultraviolent light to aid in ripening
90
What can compound problems in Bordeaux in regards to when an attack of mildew is followed by rain
tractors may have difficulty entering the vineyards to spray and the rain washes away the treatments
91
What two diseases cause problems in Bordeaux in regards to the rotting the vine from the inside?
Eutypa dieback and Esca
92
What is a new treatment in Bordeaux which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and is farily successful
soft pruning
93
what is soft pruning
making small cuts if at all possible leaving some extra wood at the cut site to allow the wood to dry out and maximize the opportunity for sap to flow around the plant
94
How can Flavescence doree be contained? What controversy surrounds it
using insecticides
makes organic and biodynamic producers uneasy due to use of synthetic insecticides
95
Where can leave removal take place in Bordeaux?
on either one or both sides of the row
96
Why must one be careful when removing leaves from rows in the Bordeaux vineyards?
leaves protect the bunches from sunburn and extreme heat
97
When is it less risky to remove leaves in Bordeaux vineyards?
late in the season when extreme heat is less likely and the bunches can benefit from the better aeration
98
When did it become approved practice in Bordeaux to remove bunches either by hand or machine? what is a much more common practice today?
20 years ago
allowing vines to find their natural balance avoiding corrective measures unless there is no alternative
99
What is removing bunches in a vineyard meant to do in Bordeaux?
correct vines carrying a high yield and to improve concentration of flavor
100
How have yields done in Bordeaux in the last 2 decades?
decreased - they now average 50 hl/ha and the wines have benefited
101
Where is there a fashion for exaggeratedly low yields in Bordeaux? what is the outcome of this?
right bank
super concentrated wines that often can be jammy or fatiguing
102
Explain how harvest used to be random process in Bordeaux
teams would be hired to arrive for a defined period based on an informed guess as to when the grapes would ripen causing in each vintage some grapes would be picked over ripe, some under ripe and some just right.
103
Explain how the harvest process has changed today in Bordeaux?
teams are hired for longer periods of time, and expect some days of paid idleness, should the harvest be interrupted by rain. Many workers hired from other EU countries and are boarded throughout the harvest
104
Why are some vineyards in Medoc harvested by machine
it is difficult to find hired help to travel up to a 2 hour drive to the vineyards
also some machine harvest to collect grapes quickly if fungal pressure is high or weather forecasts storms or rain
105
Which method gives greater quality control at harvest: hand or machine harvesting?
hand - top estates routinely pick by hand
106
How are grapes from inexpensive wines be sorted in Bordeaux
they are not routinely sorted
107
How are grapes for high quality wines sorted in Bordeaux
first by those harvesting by hand as they pick, by hand on a moving or vibrating belt, or in very well funded facilities by optical sorting.
108
what have many properties in Bordeaux moved to in order to produce high quality wines
plot by plot winemaking, picking individual plots for optimum ripeness and then making separate small lots of wine with those grapes
109
in terms of red wine making in Bordeaux what type of vessel does it take place in?
closed vats with pump overs
typically wood, stainless steel, and concrete
110
What type of yeasts are used for red wine making in Bordeaux
mostly cultured yeasts due to its reliability
111
What temp and post-fermentation maceration on the skins is used for red winemaking in Bordeaux?
depends on the style wine being made
mid range temp and short fermentation (5--7 days) is used for wines made for early drinking, made to preserve fruit flavor and to limit extractions of tannins
mid-range to warm temp and a total of 14-30 days on the skins may be used for wines intended to be aged for many years in bottle
112
When are maceration times reduced in Bordeaux?
in poor vintages if fruit is not fully ripe
113
What happens after fermentation for red wines in Bordeaux?
wine is drained off and remaining skins are pressed
114
How are skins pressed for red wines in Bordeaux
pneumatic presses or in modern vertical or hydraulic presses - due to gentle extraction
115
What happens after grapes are pressed in Bordeaux
It is transferred to 225 litre barrels (barriques) and the winemaker will decide later what proportion of press wine the final wine will include
116
Where does malolactic conversion take place and why?
either in tanks or barrels as some argue there is better integration of wine and wood
117
When are top-quality wines initially tasted in Bordeaux?
in the spring following the harvest
118
Why will some producers inncoulate during malolactic conversion in Bordeaux
due to needing to ensure rapid completion of the process due to the spring tastings
119
What might producers do to encourage an efficient conversion in Bordeaux?
heat their cellars
120
What vessels are used for simpler wines to age in Bordeaux
stainless steel, concrete vats or large vats
121
How long do simpler wines age in Bordeaux?
4-6 months
122
What may be used for simpler wines to give oak flavor effect in Bordeaux?
oak chips
123
What vessel is used for high quality wines in Bordeaux?
French oak barriques
most common is a mix of new and 1 yr old and 2 yr old barriques
though very prestigious properties will use up to 100% new oak
124
Why do winemakers choose a range of cooperages for barrel making in Bordeaux?
to add complexity and the level of toast typically medium to medium plus
125
HOw long are red wines matured in Bordeaux
18-24 months depending on the quality of the wine - some need longer
126
How often are wines racked in Bordeaux?
every 3 months (by tradition) although some winemakers don't disturb the wine at all
127
What are the two approaches to blending in Bordeaux?
those opting to present for En Primeur in the spring blend over the winter resulting in final product
minority of winemakers blend a few months before bottling when the blending team can assess the evolution of each variety and each lot before making final decisions
128
Describe the history of wine tourism in Bordeaux?
it has not been a major feature in the way Bordeaux has promoted itself. Recently Bordeaux has become an important tourism destination that now includes La Cite du Vin
129
What is La CIte du Vin?
Bordeaux's wine visitor center
130
what system are classed growths and other high-quality wines mainly sold by?
en premiur system
131
What are en premeur sold as?
as futures - a paper transaction where the wine is sold a year to 18 months before it is bottled
132
When are wines for en primeur sold
the spring following the harvest while the wine is still in barrel and not finished or bottled.
133
What is the idea behind en primeur
the consumer can secure hard-to-buy wines and at a lower price than they will appear in fine wine shops once they are bottled and shipped
estates benefit from early payment on the wine
134
What did the contemporary en primeur system date back to?
the period after the 2nd world war when chateaux were struggling financially, but consumers did not take an interest until 1970s.
135
When does the en primeur campaign begin?
April following the vintage when barrel samples are provided by estates to be tasted by wine buyer and journalists
136
How many wine professionals taste and assess en primeur wines while they are still in the barrel?
5-6,000
137
When do the chateaux release their prices for en primeur wines?
throughout May and June
138
what happens after en primeur tasting?
wine producers, normally through their negociants, put up a small amount of wine called the first tranche for sale
139
What heavily influences the price of en primeur first tranche wines?
individual chateaux reputation and expert reviews
140
What is the first trance of en primeur wines meant to do?
to gauge what the market is prepared to pay for the wine.
141
What happens to price of wine after the first tranche of en primeur wines?
it will go up or down depending on how it sells. typically it will go up.
142
What kind of decisions do trade buyers make about en primeur first tranche
what wines they will buy and in what quantities
143
How do journalist play a role in en primeur
they publish their score and reviews of the wines to guide consumers
144
how can the final customer of en primeur put in their order?
through fine wine merchants
145
which wines will be on allocation on en primeur?
rarest and most sought after
146
with wines being on allocation for en primeur wines what does this mean negociants will have to do?
buy wines in a less good vintage if they want to maintain their allocation of wines in top vintages
147
when does wines that are in less demand remain on the books of negociants for en primeur wines?
in a year when there is little wine to sell or when prices of current vintages are too high
148
how long does the process of en primeur last?
several months
149
what does the success of the en primeur champaign depend on?
the quality of the wine, the prices being asked on the market and the state of the market
150
what happens if prices are set too high for en primeur wines?
the estates, negociants, and retailers will end up with stocks of wine that may have to be stored for years before they can be sold thus compromising profitability
151
What is included in the price of an en primeur wine sale?
wines being delivered to the storage of the retailer a year later
152
The price of en primeur is ex cellar - what does this mean?
it excludes any taxes that will be due in the final buyers home market
153
Where are en primeur wines typically held for the long term storage of fine wine?
secure storage unit at the correct temperature and humidity
154
What are the decisions the buyer needs to make in regards to their en primeur wines?
whether the final wine is delivered, stored until it is ready to drink (could be up to a decade) or to sell on the wine with the idea that the price will rise as it matures and as the wine is no longer easily available
155
when did debate about the en primeur system beging
2010
156
what happened in 2000's to en primeur wines due to increased interest from China?
prices rose considerably - Chateaux became used to offering their wine at higher prices even during poor vinatges which in the end caused prices to fall in Bordeaux and some of those invested in en primeur lost money
157
What is the concern around critics reviews influencing price of en primeur
they don't even taste the final wine, but simply a representation of what the producer expects it to be like after blending
158
Which chateaux is no longer selling wine as en primeur as of 2012
Ch. Latour - others have reduced their volume
159
which chateaux can afford to keep their wines and only sell it when bottles?
most prestigous chateaux
160
Which chateaux cannot afford to keep their wines and need to utilize en primeur
small chateux or less prestigous
161
What are the advantages for en primeur system for the estates?
ability to test market by releasing early lower-priced tranches and early payment and return on investment which allows the estate to finance the next vintage
162
What are the advantages for en primeur system for the final customer?
the ability to secure sought-after wines theoretically at the lowest price as well as giving them the option to keep or trade the sought-after wines.
163
What are the disadvantages for en primeur system for the estates?
the estates are potentially selling at a lower price than might be obtained for the bottled wine and the potential for financial mismanagement or losses by negociants that could adversely impact the estates reputation
164
What are the disadvantages for en primeur system for the customer?
wines are bought on the basis of the opinions of trade buyers and journalists tasting unfinished barrel samples that may not truly reflect the final wine, intermediaries may go out of business before the wine arrives, and prices may fall before the wine arrives due to economic conditions or the quality of the following vintages
165
What are the two styles of rose made in Bordeaux?
Clariet and lighter rose
166
Explain Clariet
deeper colored rose in Bordeaux which is a by product of red wine production in which the main aim is to produce deeper colored red musts and wines
167
What varietals are used to make Rose in Bordeaux?
cabernet sauvignon and Merlot
168
How is the lighter style of rose made in Bordeaux
direct press
169
how are grapes pressed in the white winemaking process in Bordeaux
once picked the grapes are either pressed directly upon arrival at the winery or left on their skins for up to 24 hrs before being pressed
170
What is the purpose of directly pressing grapes as soon as they get to the winery for white wines in Bordeaux?
delivers max freshness
171
What is the purpose of leaving grapes on their skins for up to 24 hours when they get to the winery for white wines in Bordeaux?
provides more aromatic, phenolic complexity although grapes need to be fully healthy otherwise off flavors could be extracted
172
What temperatures are white wines that are meant to be drunk early fermented at and in what vessals in Bordeaux?
cool temps in stainless steel
173
What vessels are higher quality white wines fermented in Bordeaux?
fermented and aged in barriques with a varying proportion of new oak
174
how long do inexpensive white wines tend to remain in the tanks
for a few months before being clarified and bottled
175
How long are mid priced white wines from Bordeaux left in tanks?
they are left on fine lees for 6-12 mnths which gives them more weight and complexity
176
Is malolactic conversion used on white wines in Bordeaux?
many producers block it to retain freshness and acidity
177
What used to be done to enrich wines in Bordeaux but many are wary of this technique now
batonnage - regularly stirring the fine lees. can give wine excessive body in relation to acidity esp in hotter years
178
what is the production process for sweet white wines in Bordeaux?
it is complex starting in the vineyard
179
How are sweet wines in Bordeaux production process impacted by the vineyard management?
yields needs to be kept low - typically at levels about 1/3 of those acceptable for still wines - this will ensure high sugar levels in the grapes
180
How are yields kept low for sweet wines in Bordeaux?
vines are pruned to a low number of buds and then any fruit that shows disease or damage is removed to avoid grey rot at then end of the season.
181
what is the max yield for sweet wines in Bordeaux?
25hl/ha, but due to low yields and reduction of juice created by botrytis means many estated never even reach this level - below 10 hl/ha is common for very top estates
182
How does harvesting make sweet wine production more complex
harvesters need to be well-trained to be able to identify noble rot in contrast to grey rot. With wines of high botrytis concentration pickers need to go through the vineyard in several passes (10-12) in order to select properly botrytized and ripe bunches or berries
183
HOw long can the harvest for sweet wines in Bordeaux last?
Sept to Nov
184
What is the level of botrytis in the final wines of sweet Bordeaux dependent on?
if conditions are correct to spread noble rot
positions of estates (proximity to area where mists for )
the willingness for estates to wait for the best times to harvest and risk losing all or part of their crop due to adverse weather.
the willingness for estates to pay for multiple passes through the vineyard to select the botrytized fruit
185
What happens to sweet wines in Bordeaux once the grapes are picked?
they are handled as for a dry white wine
186
How are top quality sweet wines in Bordeaux produced?
barrel fermented, high proportion of new oak (30-50% but can be up to 100%) and barrel aged (18-36 months) to encourage gentle oxidation that will add complexity
187
how many appellations are in Bordeaux?
65
188
What variety dominates Pauillac?
Cabernet Sauvignon
189
What variety dominates Pomerol?
Merlot
190
What is Bordeaux AOC?
vast regional appellation for still red, rose, and white wines.
191
What is the max yield in Bordeaux AOC?
whites = 67 hl/ha
reds = 60 hl/ha
rose = 62 hl/ha
192
What do the high yields in Bordeaux AOC result in?
some wines with low flavor concentration
193
What is Bordeaux Superior AOC?
entire region in Bordeaux
194
What are the max yields in Bordeaux Superieur AOC for red wines?
59 hl/ha
195
How much wine is accounted for in all of Bordeaux by Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
50%
196
Describe red wines from Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
based in Merlot
med intensity red fruit
high acidity
med + tannins
med body
med alcohol
acceptable to good quality
inexpensive to mid priced
197
Describe red wines from Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
made with increasing amounts of Sauvignon Blanc
med intensity gooseberry, and lemon
med body
high acidity
med alcohol
acceptable to good quality
inexpensive to mid priced
198
What are the left bank wine appellations?
Medoc AOC and Haut Medoc AOC
Saint Estephe AOC
Pauillac AOC
Saint Julien AOC
MArgaux AOC
Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC
199
What are the Graves appellations?
Graves AOC
Pessac-Leognan AOC
200
What are the Entre Deux Mers appellations?
Entre Deux Mers AOC
201
What are the Right Bank appellations
Saint Emillion AOC and Saint Emillion Grand Cru AOC
Saint Emillion satelites
Pomerol AOC
Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC
202
Where are the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC located?
on the left bank of the Gironde river to the north of the city or Bordeaux.
203
What types of wine are made in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC
red wine only
204
What are the max yields allowed in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC
55 hl/ha
205
when can wines only be sold for consumption in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC
from mid June of the year after the harvest
206
What area does Medoc AOC cover?
the northern end of the area
207
What proportion Cabernet and Merlot does Medoc AOC have?
nearly equal proportions
208
What area does Haut-Medoc AOC cover?
area closest to Bordeaux city and it includes famous left bank communes
209
What are the soils in Haut-Medoc AOC?
warm gravelly sites
210
What are the proportion of varieties in Haut-Medoc AOC?
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)
Merlot (44%)
211
Due to the size of Medoc AOC and Haut MEdoc AOC what are the prices and quality levels like?
there are wide ranges of each
212
What are the four single commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC
Saint Estephe
Pauillac
Saint Julien
Margaux
213
Where are the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC located
adjacent to the Gironde estuary and its moderating influences
214
What soil is found in the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC
warm gravelly soils which allows Cabernet to ripen
215
What type of wine is made in the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC?
red wines only
216
what is the mx yield for the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC?
57 hl/ha
217
General SAT for 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC
pronounced intensity of blackcurrant, green bell pepper and red plum fruit, vanilla and cedar oak notes
med to high alcohol
high tannins
med + bodied
very good to outstanding
premium to super premium
218
Which Haut Medoc commune is the most northernly and the coolest? why?
St Estephe AOC - located closest to the ocean
219
What are the two most prominent grape varieties found in St Estephe AOC? what are their percentages of plantings?
Merlot - 40%
Cabernet Sauvignon - 50%
220
Of the four communes in Haut- Medoc AOC which one has the most plantings of Merlot? Why?
St Estephe - situated on clay soils away from the estuary where Merlot has the opportunity to ripen
221
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon plantings do best in St Estephe?
on gravel banks close to the estuary
222
What type of wines is St Estephe known foor due to its cooler regional climate?
rustic wines that need many years in the bottle to soften the tannins
223
Where are some wines softer and more accessible in ST Estephe?
from warmer gravel soils or where a significant amount of Merlot is in the blend
224
Does St Estephe have any first growths?
no - but it has 2nd growths and a large number of Cru Bourgeois
225
What is the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Pauillac AOC
around 62%
226
Where is CAb Sauvignon planted in Pauillac AOC to ensure it fully ripens
on gravel banks close to the estuary
227
Most estates in Pauillac AOC have how much Cab in the blend?
about 70--80%
228
What does having high proportions of Cab Sauv in the blend in Pauillac AOC do to the final wine?
results in wines of high concentration and great longevity
229
What is PAuillac AOC wines known for stylistically?
it is known as the most structured wine of the left bank with high acidity and high tannins
230
How many first growths does Pauillac AOC have?
3 of the first 5
also has highest proportion of of cru classe wine (about 85% of production)
231
Which Haut Medoc AOC follows Pauillac in production of cru classe wine?
Saint Julien AOC
232
What type of soils does Saint Julien AOC have?
homogenous gravel soils
233
What is the proportion of Cab Sauv planted in Saint Julien AOC?
it is very high
234
How is Saint Julien AOC seen stylistically?
a midway point between the powerful structure of Pauillac AOC and the finesse of Margaux
235
How many first and second growths does Saint Julien AOC have?
no first, but 5 second
236
How many first growth and cru classe production does MArgaux AOC have?
one first growth and a high proportion of cru classe
237
What is the most planted variety in MArgaux AOC
cab sauv however there is slightly more Merlot here than in the other 3 communes of Haut Medoc AOC
238
What type of soils are found in Margaux AOC?
stony, gravely being slightly further south
clay seams mean some soils can require supplementary drainage
239
How does being slightly further south impact the grapes in Margaux AOC?
grapes ripen a few days earlier than in PAuillac and 7-10 days earlier than the more northern Medoc appellations
240
What type of wines does Margaux AOC have a reputation for?
perfumed wines with silky tannins
241
Where are Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC located
further from the river than the 4 Haut-Medoc Communes
242
What type of wine is made in Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC
red only
243
What does the positioning of Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC being away from the river benefit the wines
they have less moderating influence from the estuary and have less gravel soils
able to release wine slightly earlier
244
What is the quality and price of Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC wines?
good to very good
mid priced to premium
245
Where is the Grave AOC?
stretches from the city of Bordeaux southwards
246
What types of wines are found in Graves AOC?
red and white
247
What are max yields in Grave AOC?
red = 55 hl/ha
white = 58 hl/ha
248
How much of wine is red in Graves AOC?
85%
249
What is the quality and price of most wines in Graves AOC?
acceptable to good
inexpensive to med priced
250
What is Graves Superieures AOC restricted to?
late picked or botrytis affected sweet wines which allows higher yields than Sauternes (40 hl/ha)
251
What is included in the Pessac-Leognan AOC?
some of the southern suburbs of teh city of Bordeaux and is a sub-region of Graves AOC
252
What does Pessac Leognan AOC have that is similar to the top communes in medoc?
moderating influences of Garonne and gravel soils
253
What is Pessac-Leognan AOC known for?
high quality, often barrel fermented and aged white wines and high quality red wines.
254
How much red vs white wines does Pessac Leognan AOC have?
80% red
20% white
255
What does Pessac-Leognan AOC include in terms of classificiations
one first grown and all of the cru classe classifications on Graves
256
What is the reputation Pessac-Leognan is known for?
the best white wines in Bordeaux
257
what is max yield for red and white in Pessac-Leognan AOC?
54 hl/ha for both
258
What varietals are typically used for white wines in Pessac-Leognan AOC?
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
259
General SAT for Pessac-Leognan AOC?
pronounced aromas of gooseberry, lemon, and grapefruit, with vanilla, and clove oak notes
med+ body
med + to high acidity
med to high alcohol
very good to outstanding
premium to super premium
260
What is the second largest appellation in terms of ha's
Entre deux mers AOC, though much smaller than Bordeaux AOC
261
What type of wines are found in Entre Deux Mers?
white only
red wines produced in region but bottled as Bordeaux AOC
262
What is the max yield in Entre Deux Mers
65 hl/ha resulting in light flavor intensity wines
263
What is the typical price and quality of Entre Deux Mers
acceptable to good
inexpensive to mid priced
264
How is the right bank of Bordeaux characterized
by many small estates - some as small as one hetacre
265
Which varietals are found on the right bank?
Merlot dominates (60%) doing well on cool clay soils, followed by Cab Franc and small plantings of Cab Sauvignon
266
What type of wine is found in Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC
red only
267
what are the max yields for Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint Emilion AOC = 53 hl/ha
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC= 46 hl/ha
268
What is the min required maturation time for Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC
Saint Emilion AOC = 6 months
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC = 20 months
269
what is the range of style of wines from Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC
simple wines for early drinking to top grand cru classe wines of comparison to first growths
270
General SAT for premium wine in Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC
pronounced red and black plum fruit, vanilla and clove new oak character
full body
high alcohol
med + to high acidity
med + tannins
can age for many years in the bottle
271
What are the Saint Emilion satelites
name given to 4 AOCs that are close to Saint Emilion but further away from the River Dordogne, made to the same rules as Saint Emilion AOC
272
What are the two largest Saint Emilion satelites
Montagne-Sain Emilion AOC and Lussac-Saint Emilion AOC
273
Describe Pommerol AOC
small but very prestigous appellation for red wines
274
What is the dominant grape in Pomerol
Merlot - 80%
followed by Cab Franc
275
what is the max yield for Pomerol?
49 hl/ha
276
Describe the classification system in Pomerol
there is no classification system, but many top quality estates
277
What is the typical price and quality of Pomerol AOC wines?
very good to outstanding
premium to super premium priced
278
General SAT for Pomerol?
pronounced red and black fruit, noticable vanilla and clove new oak character
full body
high alcohol
med + to high acidity
med + to high tannins
can age for many years in the bottle
279
What is Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC
a larger satellite appellation that allows slightly higher yields than in Pomerol AOC
280
What types of wines are produced in Cote de Bordeaux?
red and white
281
what appellations are included in the Cote de Bordeaux?
a group of appellations on the right Bank. A number of communes can append their name before the AOC name: ex Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux
282
What are the max yields for red wines in Cote de Bordeaux?
55 hl/ha
52 hl/ha if the commune name is appended
283
What is Cote de Bourg AOC?
similar appellation to Cote de Bordeaux, but not falling under that umbrella
284
What is the dominant grape varietal found in Cote de Bourg AOC?
Merlot
focus on Malbec with 10% of ha being planted with this variety (the highest of any Bordeaux appellation)
285
What region are wines similar in style and price to from Cote de Bourg AOC?
Medoc AOC
286
What are the two sweet wine appellations in Bordeaux?
Barsac AOC and Saurternes AOC
287
Where are Barsac and Sauternes AOC located?
southern part of Graves
288
describe wines from Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC?
sweet, typically botrytis-affected wines made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc and tiny amounts of Muscadelle
289
Describe climate in Barac and Sauternes AOC?
conditions to produce noble rot due to the cold river Ciron and the warmer Garonne River meeting and promoting morning mists. In the middle of the day the sun burns off the mists and the sun dries the grapes avoiding grey rot
290
Sauternes AOC accounts for how much of the sweet wine production in Bordeaux
50%
291
What can wines from Barsac commune be labeled as in Bordeaux?
Barsac AOC or Sauternes AOC
292
What are the max yields in Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC
25 hl/ha, but really lower yields are required to ensure grapes are fully ripened before grey rot develops
293
General SAT for Sauternes and Barsac AOC?
pronounced flavors of citrus peel, honey, tropical notes (mango), with vanilla oak notes.
full bodied
high alcohol
med to med+ acidity
sweet finish
very good to outstanding
mid priced to super premium
294
Why has Sauternes been facing a crisis in the last 30 years?
there is a lack of demand for sweet wines. they have responded by making drier styles of wines
295
Besides Barsac and Sauternes AOCs where else is sweet wine made in Bordeaux?
both banks of the Garonne: Saint Croix du Mont AOC
Loupiac AOC and Premieres Cote de Bordeaux AOC
296
What areas of Bordeaux were included in the 1855 classification of grand cru classe
Medoc, CH. Haut Brion in Graves, and Sauternes
60 estates included from Medoc
297
How were the wines of Medoc ranked in the 1855 classification
first through fifth growths
298
How were the wines of Sauternes ranked in the 1855 classification?
first and second growths
with Ch. d'Yqeum being awarded a special category of its own - Premier Cru Superieur
299
how has the 1855 classification changed today?
it really hasn't - with minor changes nothing has really changed. it represents about a quarter of the Medoc wines
300
What are required of the classed growths from 1855 classificiation
must be bottled on their own estates
301
Describe the Graves classification
in 1959 Graves established a list based on pricing fame and quality as judged by tasting - ended with 16 chateaux for red, white or both all located within Pessac-Leognan - simple list no subdivisions
302
What does the Saint Emilion classification apply to?
some wines within the Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC, the name of the appellation
303
When did the Saint Emilion classification date back to?
1955
304
How often is the Saint Emilion classisfication revised?
roughly every 10 years
305
How does the Saint Emilion classification work
Ch are judged by their terrior, methods of production, reputation and commercial considerations as well as a blind tasting of at least 10 vintages
306
How many tiers does Saint Emilion Classification include
3 - Premier Grand Cru A, Premier Grand Cru B
and Grand Cru Classe
307
What are the first growths listed for the 1855 classification
Ch Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Ch Latour Pauillac
Ch. Margaux, Margaux
CH/ Haut Brion Pessac, graves
Ch. Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (promoted in 1973)
308
what is the classification system in Bordeaux that is a level below Cru Classe
Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classifciation
309
When was Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classificiation created?
1932 and revised in 2010
310
In 2010 what did the Crus Bourgeois du medoc classifciation begin to do annually?
award the label annually to individual wines rather than chateaux as a mark of quality based on assessment of both production method and finished product
311
What are the three tiers of Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification
Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
312
Who can apply for Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification?
any property in Medoc
313
starting in 2018 vintage how long will a classification of Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification last?
5 years
314
Which is the only top-quality AOC that does not have a classification system in Bordeaux?
Pomerol - though some estates have the highest reputation Petrus
315
How many estates are in Bordeaux?
over 7,000 mostly called chateaux which can range from a country mansion to a farmhouse
316
What is the average estate size in Bordeaux
has been rising and is now over 19 ha
317
what is the annual prodcution in Bordeaux?
fluctuates but is generally over 800 million bottles
318
How much production are cooperatives continuing to play in Bordeaux
quarter of production to 40% of grape growers
319
What are production costs for Bordeaux AOC, Medoc estate and classed growths
Bordeaux AOC = 0.57 euros
Medoc = 2.35 euros
classed growth = 16 euros
320
What at the percentages planted by type of wine in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux = 44%
Medoc and Graves = 18%
Cotes de Bordeaux = 12%
St Emilion, Pomerol, Fronsac = 11%
Dry whites = 9%
Rose = 4%
Sweet whites = 1%
Cremant = 1%
321
What was the total amount of wine sales in Bordeaux in 2014
more than 4 billion euros
322
How was the total amount of wine sales in Bordeaux in 2014 split?
evenly between France and exports
56% sold within France - 48% being sold in supermarkets
44% sold as exports by vol and 52% by value
323
What are the top export markets for Bordeaux?
Hong Kong, China, and UK
324
What is la place de Bordeaux?
unique commercial system in Bordeaux
325
What do producers do to sell wine in Bordeaux?
instead of selling directly, they sell wine to a merchant (negociamt) who in turn sells it on to wholesalers and retailers
326
Who handles the reltionship netween the producers and the merchants in Bordeaux?
the broker or courtier
327
what is the overall process of selling wines in Bordeaux
The chateaux sells to negociants who then sell it and ship it to the distributors taking an average of 15% OF The sales. Courtier act as the brokers between the chateaux and negociant earning 2%
328
How many countries are Bordeaux wines distributed to across the globe?
170
329
How is the number of cases sold to each negociant determined in Bordeaux?
allocation system where each negociant is allotted a percentage of production every vintage
