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Bordeaux Flashcards

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1
Q

Where does the Bordeaux region lie?

A

southwest France close to the Atlantic Ocean, traversed by River Garonne and the RIver Dordogne

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2
Q

What is the region west of the GAronne and Gironde Rivers called in bordeaux?

A

The left bank

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3
Q

What is the region east of the GAronne and Gironde Rivers called in bordeaux?

A

the right bank

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4
Q

WHat are the majority of vines planted between the two rivers called?

A

Entre Deux Mers (literally meaning between two seas)

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5
Q

How much of the plantings in Bordeaux are black grapes?

A

Nearly 90%

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6
Q

Break out into percentages the production of AOC wines

A

red = 85%
dry white = 10%
Sweet white = 1%
Rose = 4%

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7
Q

What happened in the 17th and 18th C in Medoc?

A

the large Medoc peninsula was drained by Dutch residents and planted

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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

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9
Q

what was the 1855 classification based on

A

price

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10
Q

How many brands were the wines of Medoc and Haut brion from Graves placed into for the 1855 classification?

A

5

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11
Q

How many brands were the wines of Sauternes placed into for the 1855 classification?

A

3

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12
Q

How many ha are planted in Bordeaux?

A

111,000

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13
Q

How much wine do inexpensive to mid priced wine account for in Bordeaux?

A

70%

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14
Q

How much wine does premium or super premium wine account for in Bordeaux

A

30%

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15
Q

How many ha does Pomerol have under vine?

A

800 ha

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16
Q

What is the climate in Bordeaux

A

moderate maritime

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17
Q

what is a contributing factor to cooling influences in Bordeaux?

A

Atlantic Ocean which lies just west of the region

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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

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19
Q

what is the left bank protected by?

A

extensive pine forests called the Landes which protect from Atlantic storms

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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

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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

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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

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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

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24
Q

What has climate change led to in Bordeaux?

A

hot, dry summers, with insufficient rainfall

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25
Q

What happened to Bordeaux in 2003

A

it was a hot dry year which led to low acidity and lacking balance.

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26
Q

what can hot dry weather lead to in wines in Bordeaux?

A

wines with low acidity, high alcohol and a lack of balance

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27
Q

Where is the maritime influence less pronounced in Bordeaux?

A

easterly Right Bank regions such as Libournas (Saint Emillion, Pomerol, and appellations that surround them)

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28
Q

In what years were crops desimated by frost in Bordeaux?

A

1956, 1991, and 2017

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29
Q

Where are the most prestigious wines found in the Medoc?

A

close to the Gironde estuary which has moderating influence on the climate and often protects those vines from frost

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30
Q

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

A

they can be devastated by frost

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31
Q

What has hail been like in Bordeaux over the past decade

A

more widespread and destructive

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32
Q

What is considered the Left Bank

A

Medoc to the north of the city and Graves to the south

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33
Q

What soil does the Left bank have?

A

gravel and stony that were carried to the region by floodwaters from the Pyrenees and the Massif Central thousands of year ago

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34
Q

What is the gravel mixed with on the left bank?

A

clay and sand

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35
Q

Where are the top estates on the left bank planted

A

on gravel mounds called croupes

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36
Q

How does gravel differ from clay? why is this beneficial

A

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

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37
Q

What years have the vines been subject to drought stress in Bordeaux due to extreme heat

A

2003 2005

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38
Q

What area of Bordeaux has seen very hot summers and because of their roots only being a metre deep have suffered drought stress?

A

Pomerol

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39
Q

How is gravel helpful in Bordeaux?

A

drains well and heat retention

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40
Q

How does gravel help to retain heat in Bordeaux?

A

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.

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41
Q

Where are pockets of clay found in Bordeaux?

A

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

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42
Q

what type of soil is found more on the right bank?

A

more clay and there are significant patches of gravel soil in certain sectors such as Libiournais

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43
Q

Why is Merlot a dominant varietal on the right bank?

A

due to clay soil with patches of gravel in certain sectors

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44
Q

How does Merlot do well on the right bank

A

it ripens fully in almost all vintages, accumulates more sugar and thus less alcohol tha Cab Sauv and Cab franc.

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45
Q

Where are the best wines from the right bank seem to come from?

A

limestone plateau or gravel section that borders Pomerol

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46
Q

What does the early budding of Merlot make it vulnerable to?

A

spring frosts

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47
Q

What type of ripening grape is Merlot? how is this an advantage

A

mid ripening - which allows grapes to be picked before early autumn rain

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48
Q

What is Merlot susceptible to?

A

coulure, drought and most botrytis bunch rot which makes sorting necessary to maintain quality

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49
Q

What is an important benefit to Merlot in Bordeaux?

A

it can fuller ripen in cooler years in comparison to the later ripening Cab Suav

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50
Q

What is the dominant variety of the right bank and the cooler northern region of Medoc, which has clay soils with high clay content?

A

Merlot

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51
Q

What does Merlot ripening in cooler soils and water holding capacity of clay help to produce?

A

the larger berry size that Merlot is known for

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52
Q

What is the higher sugar levels that Merlot can reach help to produce

A

higher alcohol levels than either of the Cabernets

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53
Q

What does Merlot contribute as a varietal

A

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

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54
Q

What type of variety is Cabernet Sauvignon in terms of budding?

A

late budding - which gives it some protection from spring frosts

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55
Q

Describe Cabernet Sauvignon as a grape

A

small berried, think skinned, high tannin content resulting in wines with high tannins

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56
Q

what is Cabernet Sauvignon prone to?

A

fungal diseases, (esp powdery mildew and trunk diseases, Eutypa and Esca)

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57
Q

What type of soils does Cab Sauv need to grown in

A

because it ripens late it needs to grow in warm well drained soils such as the gravel beds of Medoc

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58
Q

General SAT for Cab Sauv in Bordeaux?

A

pronounced violet, black currant, black cherry, and menthol or herbaceous flavors
med alcohol
high acidity
high tannins

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59
Q

What characteristics does Cab Sauv display when it struggles to ripen in Bordeaux?

A

high acidity
unripe tannins
little fruit

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60
Q

Why is Cab Sauv often blended with Cab franc and Merlot?

A

due to their earlier ripening

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61
Q

What does Cab franc offer as a varietal in Bordeaux blends?

A

red fruit, high acidity, and medium tannins

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62
Q

What area in Bordeaux was originally growing Malbec but after frosts in 1956 was mainly replanted by Merlot?

A

Cahors

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63
Q

What variety ripens even later than Cab Sauv

A

Petit Verdot

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64
Q

What is Petit Verdot prone to?

A

spring frosts, failure to ripen in cool climates and to rain around harvest

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65
Q

Where does Petit Verdot do best in Bordeaux?

A

warmer regions of the Medoc

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66
Q

How much of Petit Verdot is typically used in a Bordeaux Blend?

A

less than 5%

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67
Q

WHat does Petit verdot contribute to a Bordeaux blend?

A

powerful, deeply colored wines with spice notes and high tannins

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68
Q

What type of ripening grape is Semillon?

A

mid ripening

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69
Q

What is Semillon susceptible to?

A

botrytis bunch rot and to noble rotin the right conditions

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70
Q

What kind of yields can Semillon carry?

A

high yields

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71
Q

General SAT for Semillon

A

low intensity apple, lemon and if under ripe grassy, flavors
med body, med alcohol,
med to med + acidity

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72
Q

What does Semillon contribute to high quality dry wines?

A

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

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73
Q

What does Semillon contribute to botrytis affected sweet Bordeaux wines?

A

pronounced honey, dried fruit (lemon, peach) character and a waxy texture

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74
Q

Is Semillon able to age?

A

yes it is prized for it developing toast and honey notes in contrast with Sauvignon Blanc that can hold those flavors and not evolVe

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75
Q

What does Sauvignon Blanc contribute to Bordeaux wines

A

grassy, gooseberry fruit, high acidity to dry blends and sweet botrytis affected wines

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76
Q

What type of sites does Muscadelle need to be planted on and why?

A

well exposed sites as it is prone to botrytis bunch rot

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77
Q

What is the majority of Muscadelle used for in Bordeaux?

A

sweet white wines

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78
Q

What does Muscadelle contribute to sweet white wines in Bordeaux?

A

flowerly and grapey notes

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79
Q

Is muscadelle related to Muscat?

A

no

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80
Q

In terms of top-quality vineyards, what is tradition for Bordeaux?

A

closely spaced vines at 10,000 vines per hectare, vines being planted 1 meter a[art with one meter between the rows

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81
Q

the traditional vine plantings in Bordeaux are suitable for what type of soils?

A

infertile soils resulting in moderate vigor

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82
Q

How does planting close together in Bordeaux result in higher costs?

A

more plants, more tresilling have to be bought, specialised over the row tractors bought and more time is needed for training, ploughing, and sparying

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83
Q

What is a benefit of close planting in Bordeaux?

A

makes best use of expensive vineyard land

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84
Q

What density are less prestigious appellations planted in Bordeaux? Give an example

A

lower density
basic Bordeaux AOC is planted at 3-4,000 vines per ha

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85
Q

what is the most common system for vine management in Bordeaux?

A

head trained replacement cane pruned where canes are trained along wires

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86
Q

Which bank uses Double Guyot training? Single Guyot training?

A

double Guyot = Left Bank
single guyot = Right Bank

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87
Q

Which vine training is rare in Bordeaux but some prestigious estates favor it due to reducing yields naturally and giving better aeration to bunches

A

cordon trained spur pruned

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88
Q

Why is canopy management important in Bordeaux?

A

due to its moderate damp climate canopy management helps to reduce the incidence of downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot

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89
Q

What is the purpose of leaf removal in the summer in Bordeaux?

A

to improve aeration and deter rot and expose grapes to ultraviolent light to aid in ripening

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90
Q

What can compound problems in Bordeaux in regards to when an attack of mildew is followed by rain

A

tractors may have difficulty entering the vineyards to spray and the rain washes away the treatments

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91
Q

What two diseases cause problems in Bordeaux in regards to the rotting the vine from the inside?

A

Eutypa dieback and Esca

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92
Q

What is a new treatment in Bordeaux which is becoming increasingly popular in Europe and is farily successful

A

soft pruning

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93
Q

what is soft pruning

A

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

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94
Q

How can Flavescence doree be contained? What controversy surrounds it

A

using insecticides
makes organic and biodynamic producers uneasy due to use of synthetic insecticides

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95
Q

Where can leave removal take place in Bordeaux?

A

on either one or both sides of the row

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96
Q

Why must one be careful when removing leaves from rows in the Bordeaux vineyards?

A

leaves protect the bunches from sunburn and extreme heat

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97
Q

When is it less risky to remove leaves in Bordeaux vineyards?

A

late in the season when extreme heat is less likely and the bunches can benefit from the better aeration

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98
Q

When did it become approved practice in Bordeaux to remove bunches either by hand or machine? what is a much more common practice today?

A

20 years ago
allowing vines to find their natural balance avoiding corrective measures unless there is no alternative

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99
Q

What is removing bunches in a vineyard meant to do in Bordeaux?

A

correct vines carrying a high yield and to improve concentration of flavor

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100
Q

How have yields done in Bordeaux in the last 2 decades?

A

decreased - they now average 50 hl/ha and the wines have benefited

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101
Q

Where is there a fashion for exaggeratedly low yields in Bordeaux? what is the outcome of this?

A

right bank
super concentrated wines that often can be jammy or fatiguing

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102
Q

Explain how harvest used to be random process in Bordeaux

A

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.

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103
Q

Explain how the harvest process has changed today in Bordeaux?

A

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

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104
Q

Why are some vineyards in Medoc harvested by machine

A

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

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105
Q

Which method gives greater quality control at harvest: hand or machine harvesting?

A

hand - top estates routinely pick by hand

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106
Q

How are grapes from inexpensive wines be sorted in Bordeaux

A

they are not routinely sorted

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107
Q

How are grapes for high quality wines sorted in Bordeaux

A

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.

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108
Q

what have many properties in Bordeaux moved to in order to produce high quality wines

A

plot by plot winemaking, picking individual plots for optimum ripeness and then making separate small lots of wine with those grapes

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109
Q

in terms of red wine making in Bordeaux what type of vessel does it take place in?

A

closed vats with pump overs
typically wood, stainless steel, and concrete

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110
Q

What type of yeasts are used for red wine making in Bordeaux

A

mostly cultured yeasts due to its reliability

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111
Q

What temp and post-fermentation maceration on the skins is used for red winemaking in Bordeaux?

A

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

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112
Q

When are maceration times reduced in Bordeaux?

A

in poor vintages if fruit is not fully ripe

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113
Q

What happens after fermentation for red wines in Bordeaux?

A

wine is drained off and remaining skins are pressed

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114
Q

How are skins pressed for red wines in Bordeaux

A

pneumatic presses or in modern vertical or hydraulic presses - due to gentle extraction

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115
Q

What happens after grapes are pressed in Bordeaux

A

It is transferred to 225 litre barrels (barriques) and the winemaker will decide later what proportion of press wine the final wine will include

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116
Q

Where does malolactic conversion take place and why?

A

either in tanks or barrels as some argue there is better integration of wine and wood

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117
Q

When are top-quality wines initially tasted in Bordeaux?

A

in the spring following the harvest

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118
Q

Why will some producers inncoulate during malolactic conversion in Bordeaux

A

due to needing to ensure rapid completion of the process due to the spring tastings

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119
Q

What might producers do to encourage an efficient conversion in Bordeaux?

A

heat their cellars

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120
Q

What vessels are used for simpler wines to age in Bordeaux

A

stainless steel, concrete vats or large vats

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121
Q

How long do simpler wines age in Bordeaux?

A

4-6 months

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122
Q

What may be used for simpler wines to give oak flavor effect in Bordeaux?

A

oak chips

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123
Q

What vessel is used for high quality wines in Bordeaux?

A

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

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124
Q

Why do winemakers choose a range of cooperages for barrel making in Bordeaux?

A

to add complexity and the level of toast typically medium to medium plus

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125
Q

HOw long are red wines matured in Bordeaux

A

18-24 months depending on the quality of the wine - some need longer

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126
Q

How often are wines racked in Bordeaux?

A

every 3 months (by tradition) although some winemakers don’t disturb the wine at all

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127
Q

What are the two approaches to blending in Bordeaux?

A

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

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128
Q

Describe the history of wine tourism in Bordeaux?

A

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

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129
Q

What is La CIte du Vin?

A

Bordeaux’s wine visitor center

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130
Q

what system are classed growths and other high-quality wines mainly sold by?

A

en premiur system

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131
Q

What are en premeur sold as?

A

as futures - a paper transaction where the wine is sold a year to 18 months before it is bottled

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132
Q

When are wines for en primeur sold

A

the spring following the harvest while the wine is still in barrel and not finished or bottled.

133
Q

What is the idea behind en primeur

A

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
Q

What did the contemporary en primeur system date back to?

A

the period after the 2nd world war when chateaux were struggling financially, but consumers did not take an interest until 1970s.

135
Q

When does the en primeur campaign begin?

A

April following the vintage when barrel samples are provided by estates to be tasted by wine buyer and journalists

136
Q

How many wine professionals taste and assess en primeur wines while they are still in the barrel?

A

5-6,000

137
Q

When do the chateaux release their prices for en primeur wines?

A

throughout May and June

138
Q

what happens after en primeur tasting?

A

wine producers, normally through their negociants, put up a small amount of wine called the first tranche for sale

139
Q

What heavily influences the price of en primeur first tranche wines?

A

individual chateaux reputation and expert reviews

140
Q

What is the first trance of en primeur wines meant to do?

A

to gauge what the market is prepared to pay for the wine.

141
Q

What happens to price of wine after the first tranche of en primeur wines?

A

it will go up or down depending on how it sells. typically it will go up.

142
Q

What kind of decisions do trade buyers make about en primeur first tranche

A

what wines they will buy and in what quantities

143
Q

How do journalist play a role in en primeur

A

they publish their score and reviews of the wines to guide consumers

144
Q

how can the final customer of en primeur put in their order?

A

through fine wine merchants

145
Q

which wines will be on allocation on en primeur?

A

rarest and most sought after

146
Q

with wines being on allocation for en primeur wines what does this mean negociants will have to do?

A

buy wines in a less good vintage if they want to maintain their allocation of wines in top vintages

147
Q

when does wines that are in less demand remain on the books of negociants for en primeur wines?

A

in a year when there is little wine to sell or when prices of current vintages are too high

148
Q

how long does the process of en primeur last?

A

several months

149
Q

what does the success of the en primeur champaign depend on?

A

the quality of the wine, the prices being asked on the market and the state of the market

150
Q

what happens if prices are set too high for en primeur wines?

A

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
Q

What is included in the price of an en primeur wine sale?

A

wines being delivered to the storage of the retailer a year later

152
Q

The price of en primeur is ex cellar - what does this mean?

A

it excludes any taxes that will be due in the final buyers home market

153
Q

Where are en primeur wines typically held for the long term storage of fine wine?

A

secure storage unit at the correct temperature and humidity

154
Q

What are the decisions the buyer needs to make in regards to their en primeur wines?

A

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
Q

when did debate about the en primeur system beging

A

2010

156
Q

what happened in 2000’s to en primeur wines due to increased interest from China?

A

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
Q

What is the concern around critics reviews influencing price of en primeur

A

they don’t even taste the final wine, but simply a representation of what the producer expects it to be like after blending

158
Q

Which chateaux is no longer selling wine as en primeur as of 2012

A

Ch. Latour - others have reduced their volume

159
Q

which chateaux can afford to keep their wines and only sell it when bottles?

A

most prestigous chateaux

160
Q

Which chateaux cannot afford to keep their wines and need to utilize en primeur

A

small chateux or less prestigous

161
Q

What are the advantages for en primeur system for the estates?

A

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
Q

What are the advantages for en primeur system for the final customer?

A

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
Q

What are the disadvantages for en primeur system for the estates?

A

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
Q

What are the disadvantages for en primeur system for the customer?

A

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
Q

What are the two styles of rose made in Bordeaux?

A

Clariet and lighter rose

166
Q

Explain Clariet

A

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
Q

What varietals are used to make Rose in Bordeaux?

A

cabernet sauvignon and Merlot

168
Q

How is the lighter style of rose made in Bordeaux

A

direct press

169
Q

how are grapes pressed in the white winemaking process in Bordeaux

A

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
Q

What is the purpose of directly pressing grapes as soon as they get to the winery for white wines in Bordeaux?

A

delivers max freshness

171
Q

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?

A

provides more aromatic, phenolic complexity although grapes need to be fully healthy otherwise off flavors could be extracted

172
Q

What temperatures are white wines that are meant to be drunk early fermented at and in what vessals in Bordeaux?

A

cool temps in stainless steel

173
Q

What vessels are higher quality white wines fermented in Bordeaux?

A

fermented and aged in barriques with a varying proportion of new oak

174
Q

how long do inexpensive white wines tend to remain in the tanks

A

for a few months before being clarified and bottled

175
Q

How long are mid priced white wines from Bordeaux left in tanks?

A

they are left on fine lees for 6-12 mnths which gives them more weight and complexity

176
Q

Is malolactic conversion used on white wines in Bordeaux?

A

many producers block it to retain freshness and acidity

177
Q

What used to be done to enrich wines in Bordeaux but many are wary of this technique now

A

batonnage - regularly stirring the fine lees. can give wine excessive body in relation to acidity esp in hotter years

178
Q

what is the production process for sweet white wines in Bordeaux?

A

it is complex starting in the vineyard

179
Q

How are sweet wines in Bordeaux production process impacted by the vineyard management?

A

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
Q

How are yields kept low for sweet wines in Bordeaux?

A

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
Q

what is the max yield for sweet wines in Bordeaux?

A

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
Q

How does harvesting make sweet wine production more complex

A

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
Q

HOw long can the harvest for sweet wines in Bordeaux last?

A

Sept to Nov

184
Q

What is the level of botrytis in the final wines of sweet Bordeaux dependent on?

A

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
Q

What happens to sweet wines in Bordeaux once the grapes are picked?

A

they are handled as for a dry white wine

186
Q

How are top quality sweet wines in Bordeaux produced?

A

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
Q

how many appellations are in Bordeaux?

A

65

188
Q

What variety dominates Pauillac?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

189
Q

What variety dominates Pomerol?

A

Merlot

190
Q

What is Bordeaux AOC?

A

vast regional appellation for still red, rose, and white wines.

191
Q

What is the max yield in Bordeaux AOC?

A

whites = 67 hl/ha
reds = 60 hl/ha
rose = 62 hl/ha

192
Q

What do the high yields in Bordeaux AOC result in?

A

some wines with low flavor concentration

193
Q

What is Bordeaux Superior AOC?

A

entire region in Bordeaux

194
Q

What are the max yields in Bordeaux Superieur AOC for red wines?

A

59 hl/ha

195
Q

How much wine is accounted for in all of Bordeaux by Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A

50%

196
Q

Describe red wines from Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A

based in Merlot
med intensity red fruit
high acidity
med + tannins
med body
med alcohol
acceptable to good quality
inexpensive to mid priced

197
Q

Describe red wines from Bordeaux AOC or Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A

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
Q

What are the left bank wine appellations?

A

Medoc AOC and Haut Medoc AOC
Saint Estephe AOC
Pauillac AOC
Saint Julien AOC
MArgaux AOC
Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC

199
Q

What are the Graves appellations?

A

Graves AOC
Pessac-Leognan AOC

200
Q

What are the Entre Deux Mers appellations?

A

Entre Deux Mers AOC

201
Q

What are the Right Bank appellations

A

Saint Emillion AOC and Saint Emillion Grand Cru AOC
Saint Emillion satelites
Pomerol AOC
Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

202
Q

Where are the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC located?

A

on the left bank of the Gironde river to the north of the city or Bordeaux.

203
Q

What types of wine are made in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC

A

red wine only

204
Q

What are the max yields allowed in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC

A

55 hl/ha

205
Q

when can wines only be sold for consumption in the Medoc AOC and the Haut-Medoc AOC

A

from mid June of the year after the harvest

206
Q

What area does Medoc AOC cover?

A

the northern end of the area

207
Q

What proportion Cabernet and Merlot does Medoc AOC have?

A

nearly equal proportions

208
Q

What area does Haut-Medoc AOC cover?

A

area closest to Bordeaux city and it includes famous left bank communes

209
Q

What are the soils in Haut-Medoc AOC?

A

warm gravelly sites

210
Q

What are the proportion of varieties in Haut-Medoc AOC?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)
Merlot (44%)

211
Q

Due to the size of Medoc AOC and Haut MEdoc AOC what are the prices and quality levels like?

A

there are wide ranges of each

212
Q

What are the four single commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC

A

Saint Estephe
Pauillac
Saint Julien
Margaux

213
Q

Where are the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC located

A

adjacent to the Gironde estuary and its moderating influences

214
Q

What soil is found in the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC

A

warm gravelly soils which allows Cabernet to ripen

215
Q

What type of wine is made in the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC?

A

red wines only

216
Q

what is the mx yield for the 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC?

A

57 hl/ha

217
Q

General SAT for 4 commune appellations of Haut Medoc AOC

A

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
Q

Which Haut Medoc commune is the most northernly and the coolest? why?

A

St Estephe AOC - located closest to the ocean

219
Q

What are the two most prominent grape varieties found in St Estephe AOC? what are their percentages of plantings?

A

Merlot - 40%
Cabernet Sauvignon - 50%

220
Q

Of the four communes in Haut- Medoc AOC which one has the most plantings of Merlot? Why?

A

St Estephe - situated on clay soils away from the estuary where Merlot has the opportunity to ripen

221
Q

Where does Cabernet Sauvignon plantings do best in St Estephe?

A

on gravel banks close to the estuary

222
Q

What type of wines is St Estephe known foor due to its cooler regional climate?

A

rustic wines that need many years in the bottle to soften the tannins

223
Q

Where are some wines softer and more accessible in ST Estephe?

A

from warmer gravel soils or where a significant amount of Merlot is in the blend

224
Q

Does St Estephe have any first growths?

A

no - but it has 2nd growths and a large number of Cru Bourgeois

225
Q

What is the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon planted in Pauillac AOC

A

around 62%

226
Q

Where is CAb Sauvignon planted in Pauillac AOC to ensure it fully ripens

A

on gravel banks close to the estuary

227
Q

Most estates in Pauillac AOC have how much Cab in the blend?

A

about 70–80%

228
Q

What does having high proportions of Cab Sauv in the blend in Pauillac AOC do to the final wine?

A

results in wines of high concentration and great longevity

229
Q

What is PAuillac AOC wines known for stylistically?

A

it is known as the most structured wine of the left bank with high acidity and high tannins

230
Q

How many first growths does Pauillac AOC have?

A

3 of the first 5
also has highest proportion of of cru classe wine (about 85% of production)

231
Q

Which Haut Medoc AOC follows Pauillac in production of cru classe wine?

A

Saint Julien AOC

232
Q

What type of soils does Saint Julien AOC have?

A

homogenous gravel soils

233
Q

What is the proportion of Cab Sauv planted in Saint Julien AOC?

A

it is very high

234
Q

How is Saint Julien AOC seen stylistically?

A

a midway point between the powerful structure of Pauillac AOC and the finesse of Margaux

235
Q

How many first and second growths does Saint Julien AOC have?

A

no first, but 5 second

236
Q

How many first growth and cru classe production does MArgaux AOC have?

A

one first growth and a high proportion of cru classe

237
Q

What is the most planted variety in MArgaux AOC

A

cab sauv however there is slightly more Merlot here than in the other 3 communes of Haut Medoc AOC

238
Q

What type of soils are found in Margaux AOC?

A

stony, gravely being slightly further south
clay seams mean some soils can require supplementary drainage

239
Q

How does being slightly further south impact the grapes in Margaux AOC?

A

grapes ripen a few days earlier than in PAuillac and 7-10 days earlier than the more northern Medoc appellations

240
Q

What type of wines does Margaux AOC have a reputation for?

A

perfumed wines with silky tannins

241
Q

Where are Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC located

A

further from the river than the 4 Haut-Medoc Communes

242
Q

What type of wine is made in Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC

A

red only

243
Q

What does the positioning of Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC being away from the river benefit the wines

A

they have less moderating influence from the estuary and have less gravel soils

able to release wine slightly earlier

244
Q

What is the quality and price of Listrac-Medoc AOC and Moulis AOC wines?

A

good to very good
mid priced to premium

245
Q

Where is the Grave AOC?

A

stretches from the city of Bordeaux southwards

246
Q

What types of wines are found in Graves AOC?

A

red and white

247
Q

What are max yields in Grave AOC?

A

red = 55 hl/ha
white = 58 hl/ha

248
Q

How much of wine is red in Graves AOC?

A

85%

249
Q

What is the quality and price of most wines in Graves AOC?

A

acceptable to good
inexpensive to med priced

250
Q

What is Graves Superieures AOC restricted to?

A

late picked or botrytis affected sweet wines which allows higher yields than Sauternes (40 hl/ha)

251
Q

What is included in the Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

some of the southern suburbs of teh city of Bordeaux and is a sub-region of Graves AOC

252
Q

What does Pessac Leognan AOC have that is similar to the top communes in medoc?

A

moderating influences of Garonne and gravel soils

253
Q

What is Pessac-Leognan AOC known for?

A

high quality, often barrel fermented and aged white wines and high quality red wines.

254
Q

How much red vs white wines does Pessac Leognan AOC have?

A

80% red
20% white

255
Q

What does Pessac-Leognan AOC include in terms of classificiations

A

one first grown and all of the cru classe classifications on Graves

256
Q

What is the reputation Pessac-Leognan is known for?

A

the best white wines in Bordeaux

257
Q

what is max yield for red and white in Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

54 hl/ha for both

258
Q

What varietals are typically used for white wines in Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon

259
Q

General SAT for Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

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
Q

What is the second largest appellation in terms of ha’s

A

Entre deux mers AOC, though much smaller than Bordeaux AOC

261
Q

What type of wines are found in Entre Deux Mers?

A

white only
red wines produced in region but bottled as Bordeaux AOC

262
Q

What is the max yield in Entre Deux Mers

A

65 hl/ha resulting in light flavor intensity wines

263
Q

What is the typical price and quality of Entre Deux Mers

A

acceptable to good
inexpensive to mid priced

264
Q

How is the right bank of Bordeaux characterized

A

by many small estates - some as small as one hetacre

265
Q

Which varietals are found on the right bank?

A

Merlot dominates (60%) doing well on cool clay soils, followed by Cab Franc and small plantings of Cab Sauvignon

266
Q

What type of wine is found in Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

A

red only

267
Q

what are the max yields for Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

A

Saint Emilion AOC = 53 hl/ha
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC= 46 hl/ha

268
Q

What is the min required maturation time for Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

A

Saint Emilion AOC = 6 months
Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC = 20 months

269
Q

what is the range of style of wines from Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

A

simple wines for early drinking to top grand cru classe wines of comparison to first growths

270
Q

General SAT for premium wine in Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC

A

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
Q

What are the Saint Emilion satelites

A

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
Q

What are the two largest Saint Emilion satelites

A

Montagne-Sain Emilion AOC and Lussac-Saint Emilion AOC

273
Q

Describe Pommerol AOC

A

small but very prestigous appellation for red wines

274
Q

What is the dominant grape in Pomerol

A

Merlot - 80%
followed by Cab Franc

275
Q

what is the max yield for Pomerol?

A

49 hl/ha

276
Q

Describe the classification system in Pomerol

A

there is no classification system, but many top quality estates

277
Q

What is the typical price and quality of Pomerol AOC wines?

A

very good to outstanding
premium to super premium priced

278
Q

General SAT for Pomerol?

A

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
Q

What is Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC

A

a larger satellite appellation that allows slightly higher yields than in Pomerol AOC

280
Q

What types of wines are produced in Cote de Bordeaux?

A

red and white

281
Q

what appellations are included in the Cote de Bordeaux?

A

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
Q

What are the max yields for red wines in Cote de Bordeaux?

A

55 hl/ha
52 hl/ha if the commune name is appended

283
Q

What is Cote de Bourg AOC?

A

similar appellation to Cote de Bordeaux, but not falling under that umbrella

284
Q

What is the dominant grape varietal found in Cote de Bourg AOC?

A

Merlot
focus on Malbec with 10% of ha being planted with this variety (the highest of any Bordeaux appellation)

285
Q

What region are wines similar in style and price to from Cote de Bourg AOC?

A

Medoc AOC

286
Q

What are the two sweet wine appellations in Bordeaux?

A

Barsac AOC and Saurternes AOC

287
Q

Where are Barsac and Sauternes AOC located?

A

southern part of Graves

288
Q

describe wines from Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC?

A

sweet, typically botrytis-affected wines made from Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc and tiny amounts of Muscadelle

289
Q

Describe climate in Barac and Sauternes AOC?

A

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
Q

Sauternes AOC accounts for how much of the sweet wine production in Bordeaux

A

50%

291
Q

What can wines from Barsac commune be labeled as in Bordeaux?

A

Barsac AOC or Sauternes AOC

292
Q

What are the max yields in Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC

A

25 hl/ha, but really lower yields are required to ensure grapes are fully ripened before grey rot develops

293
Q

General SAT for Sauternes and Barsac AOC?

A

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
Q

Why has Sauternes been facing a crisis in the last 30 years?

A

there is a lack of demand for sweet wines. they have responded by making drier styles of wines

295
Q

Besides Barsac and Sauternes AOCs where else is sweet wine made in Bordeaux?

A

both banks of the Garonne: Saint Croix du Mont AOC
Loupiac AOC and Premieres Cote de Bordeaux AOC

296
Q

What areas of Bordeaux were included in the 1855 classification of grand cru classe

A

Medoc, CH. Haut Brion in Graves, and Sauternes
60 estates included from Medoc

297
Q

How were the wines of Medoc ranked in the 1855 classification

A

first through fifth growths

298
Q

How were the wines of Sauternes ranked in the 1855 classification?

A

first and second growths
with Ch. d’Yqeum being awarded a special category of its own - Premier Cru Superieur

299
Q

how has the 1855 classification changed today?

A

it really hasn’t - with minor changes nothing has really changed. it represents about a quarter of the Medoc wines

300
Q

What are required of the classed growths from 1855 classificiation

A

must be bottled on their own estates

301
Q

Describe the Graves classification

A

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
Q

What does the Saint Emilion classification apply to?

A

some wines within the Saint Emilion Grand Cru AOC, the name of the appellation

303
Q

When did the Saint Emilion classification date back to?

A

1955

304
Q

How often is the Saint Emilion classisfication revised?

A

roughly every 10 years

305
Q

How does the Saint Emilion classification work

A

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
Q

How many tiers does Saint Emilion Classification include

A

3 - Premier Grand Cru A, Premier Grand Cru B
and Grand Cru Classe

307
Q

What are the first growths listed for the 1855 classification

A

Ch Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac
Ch Latour Pauillac
Ch. Margaux, Margaux
CH/ Haut Brion Pessac, graves
Ch. Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac (promoted in 1973)

308
Q

what is the classification system in Bordeaux that is a level below Cru Classe

A

Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classifciation

309
Q

When was Crus Bourgeois du Medoc classificiation created?

A

1932 and revised in 2010

310
Q

In 2010 what did the Crus Bourgeois du medoc classifciation begin to do annually?

A

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
Q

What are the three tiers of Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification

A

Cru Bourgeois, Cru Bourgeois Superieur, and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel

312
Q

Who can apply for Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification?

A

any property in Medoc

313
Q

starting in 2018 vintage how long will a classification of Crus Bourgeois du medoc classification last?

A

5 years

314
Q

Which is the only top-quality AOC that does not have a classification system in Bordeaux?

A

Pomerol - though some estates have the highest reputation Petrus

315
Q

How many estates are in Bordeaux?

A

over 7,000 mostly called chateaux which can range from a country mansion to a farmhouse

316
Q

What is the average estate size in Bordeaux

A

has been rising and is now over 19 ha

317
Q

what is the annual prodcution in Bordeaux?

A

fluctuates but is generally over 800 million bottles

318
Q

How much production are cooperatives continuing to play in Bordeaux

A

quarter of production to 40% of grape growers

319
Q

What are production costs for Bordeaux AOC, Medoc estate and classed growths

A

Bordeaux AOC = 0.57 euros
Medoc = 2.35 euros
classed growth = 16 euros

320
Q

What at the percentages planted by type of wine in Bordeaux?

A

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
Q

What was the total amount of wine sales in Bordeaux in 2014

A

more than 4 billion euros

322
Q

How was the total amount of wine sales in Bordeaux in 2014 split?

A

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
Q

What are the top export markets for Bordeaux?

A

Hong Kong, China, and UK

324
Q

What is la place de Bordeaux?

A

unique commercial system in Bordeaux

325
Q

What do producers do to sell wine in Bordeaux?

A

instead of selling directly, they sell wine to a merchant (negociamt) who in turn sells it on to wholesalers and retailers

326
Q

Who handles the reltionship netween the producers and the merchants in Bordeaux?

A

the broker or courtier

327
Q

what is the overall process of selling wines in Bordeaux

A

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
Q

How many countries are Bordeaux wines distributed to across the globe?

A

170

329
Q

How is the number of cases sold to each negociant determined in Bordeaux?

A

allocation system where each negociant is allotted a percentage of production every vintage

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