Bordeaux Flashcards
Name the two rivers that traverse Bordeaux and also name the estuary they form.
Garonne and Dordogne form the Gironde estuary.
Vineyards west of Garonne and Gironde are collectively called what?
Left bank.
Vineyards east of Dordogne and Gironde are collectively called what?
Right bank.
The area between Garonne and Dordogne is called what?
Entre-Deux-Mers
How many per cents of plantings are black grapes in Bordeaux?
Nearly 90%
For AOC wines, name the production percentage of red, dry white, sweet white and rosé in Bordeaux.
Red-85%, Dry white-9%, Sweet white-less than 1%, Rosé-5%
In order, name the 6 most planted varieties in Bordeaux.
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle.
When was the Médoc peninsula drained and by whom?
By Dutch merchants in 17th and 18th century.
By mid 18th century some Bordeaux properties where already famous in Europe and even America. Name two.
Lafite and Margaux.
Bordeaux was also a hub for wine exports from other regions (Bergerac for example). Entrepreneurial class of merchants with origins from where distributed Bordeaux wines and raised the reputation?
Ireland, Germany, Holland, Britain.
The famous commercial exhibition, when was it and what was it called?
1855, Exposition Universelle de Paris
What was the famous classification based on and what body asked for it?
Based on price, Bordeaux chamber of commerce.
How many bands were Médoc classed into, and what property outside of Médoc were classed too?
Five bands, 1st growth, 2nd growth etcetera. Haut-Brion in Graves was also included in the Médoc classes.
In the 1855 classification, how many bands were Sauternes classed into?
Three.
How many hectares are under vine in Bordeaux?
108.000 hectares. Enormous!
In Bordeaux, 72% of AOC wine are entitled to what AOCs? (4)
Bordeaux AOC, Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, Médoc AOC, Côtes AOC.
What climate does Bordeaux have?
Moderate, maritime.
What is the major warming influence of Bordeaux and beyond?
The Gulf Stream, originating from the Gulf of Mexico.
Excellent balance of tannins, sugar and acidity partly explains the remarkable longevity of great vintages in Bordeaux. What are the climatic reasons behind this?
Warmth throughout growing season, plentiful of rain, a relatively dry first month of autumn = steady and complete ripening.
What are the extensive pine forests that partly protect the left bank called?
Landes
Northern Médoc is cooler than southern and Graves, why?
Less protected by the Landes (pine forest) from Atlantic maritime influence.
Level of average rainfall in Bordeaux?
950mm, but very variable.
Rain at flowering can result in what?
Poor fruit set.
Rain throughout growing season can lead to what?
Increased disease pressure.