Bordeaux Flashcards
What styles of wine are produced in Bordeaux
- Dry red
- Dry white
- Off-dry white
- Sweet white
- Moelleux
- Liquoreux
- Rose
- Clairet
- Sparkling white
- Sparkling rose (Crémant de Bordeaux)
Which is France’s largest AOP/AOC region?
Bordeaux
Which group of people made Bordeaux a suitable growing region by creating drainage channels?
Dutch
What years was Bordeaux ruled by the English?
1152-1453
(This is when Clairet became so popular)
What is the success of Bordeaux linked to
The fact that it was a center for trade since it sits on the Atlantic Ocean
What were negociants?
People who bought fruit and wine which they stored and aged in their own cellars and then sold the bottled product
What are Courtiers
People who financially support the wine making chateaux and as a result have control over the actual trade of wine
What is en primeur
It is a wine trade term used for wines sold as futures before being bottled
What is Clairet
A dark pink wine style famous in Bordeaux. There is skin contact fermentation for about 24 hours before the skin is removed and the wine continues to dryness.
This style should be drunk as early as possible
What is the climate like in Bordeaux
- Maritime climate with influence from the atlantic and gironde estuary
What do the Atlantic and Gironde estuary do for Bordeaux
They protect the grape vines from winter freeze and spring frost
Which region in Bordeaux is protected by coastal pine forests?
Medoc vineyards - the pine forests protect them from harsh wind
Which regions in Bordeaux begin to move towards a continental climate?
St. Emilion and Pomerol
T/F : Rain is a worry in Bordeaux
Yes - especially during harvest time
What does the humidity bring to Bordeaux that is a cause for worry?
Mold and rotting of the grapes
Spring-time frost can lead to what two things that can drastically lower yield?
Coulure and millerandage
What is Coulure
Excessive shedding of young berries that lead to clusters with few berries
What is millerandage?
When grape clusters vary in size and maturity
What is the Bordeaux Mixture that helps manage fungal problems
lime, copper sulfate, and water
What are the six grapes allowed for Bordeaux AOP red wines
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Merlot
- Petit Verdot
- Malbec
- Carmenère
Which is the most widely planted and earliest to ripen in Bordeaux?
Merlot ( prefers clay based soils since it delays it’s natural vigor)
Why does Bordeaux usually make blends? (assemblage)
It’s varying soils and different ripening times for the grapes.
What type of soil does Cabernet Sauvignon thrive in (Bordeaux)
Well drained gravel (allows the vines roots to dig deep while providing water stress which grows a more concentrated grape)
What soils in Bordeaux does Cabernet Franc love?
Limestone based soils - promotes acidity and freshness in a wine
What styles are the standard Bordeaux AOP wines?
Red, White, Rose, Clairet
What is encepagement?
The mix of vine varieties planted on a particular property
What does Cabernet Sauvignon add to a blend?
structure, power, and longevity
What does Merlot contribute to a blend?
Fleshy, juicy texture that can soften the austerity of cabernet sauvignon
What does Cabernet Franc contribute to a blend?
herbal spice and red fruit aromas - (this grape is more tannic than merlot but not as muscular and weighty as cabernet sauvignon)
What can determine the weight of the blends in Bordeaux?
soil, climate, and location
What grapes dominate the blends on the left bank (Graves & Medoc)
- Cab Sauv ~ 1/3 of the blend
- Merlot, cab franc, and other varieties make up the remainder
What grapes dominate the blends on the right bank?
- Merlot 3/4
- Cabernet Franc 1/4
(these proportions may vary greatly depending on the chateau)
What does petit verdot contribute to a blend?
- color, depth, and exotic perfume
(usually added to the left bank blends in very small quantities)
Where in Bordeaux is Malbec usually used?
On the right bank, has similar contributions as Merlot but is used very little in Bordeaux
What grapes dominate the Bordeaux AOP white blends?
Sauvignon blanc, semillon, muscadelle
Which white grape is considered a principle grape in Bordeaux but is not as widely planted?
Sauvignon Gris
Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc, and Colombard are restricted to a maximum of what percentage in a Bordeaux AOP wine?
30%
What does Sauvignon Blanc contribute to a white blend in Bordeaux?
pungency, high acidity, and citrus flavors
What does Muscadelle contribute to a white bordeaux blend?
intense floral character (this grape is added sparingly)
The sharpness of Sauvignon Blanc is lessened by which white grape in bordeaux
Semillon
What are the best white wines like in bordeaux?
creamy, waxy texture with aromas of honey and beeswax
T/F : The Bordeaux grapes have a natural affinity for oak
True!
- a top chateau in a commune will age red wines for 2 years in barriques
- the best white wines usually age their wines for 12-16 months
What kinds of wines may qualify for Bordeaux Superior AOP?
red and off dry white with a higher minimum alcohol content
What are the traditional method sparkling wines called in Bordeaux?
Crémant de Bordeaux
What does the Medoc AOP cover?
The entire wine producing leftbank of the gironde estuary
What is the Medoc AOP usually used to describe?
Chateaux who do not qualify for a more precise appellation (mainly those in the marshy northern regions
Which grapes are planted the most in the northern region of Bas Medoc?
Merlot - this grape does better in marshy, waterlogged soils
What kind of wine does the Medoc AOP have to produce
Red wine only if it uses the Medoc AOP
After how many years are Medoc AOP wines at their best
after 5 years - but they do not have the longevity or concentration of wines that are further south
Why are Medoc AOP wines usually made without oak?
It helps the chateaux and co-operatives produce inexpensive bottles
What are the soils like in the best vineyards in the Haut Medoc?
well drained, gravelly soils, best suited for cabernet sauvignon
Where are the better chateaux located in Haut Medoc?
On deeper banks of gravel located within the communes of
- Saint Estephe
- Pauillac
- St. Julien
- Listrac-Medoc
- Moulis-en-Medoc
- Margaux
The Haut Medoc and it’s commune appellations are home to what?
Some of the world’s most distinguished and pedigreed producers of Cabernet Sauvignon based blends
All of the properties classified for red wines were Medoc chateaux except for which one?
Château Haut Brion in Graves
What has been the only significant change to the 1855 classification?
When Baron Philippe de Rothschild corrected as Chateau Mouton-Rothschild was elevated from second growth to first growth in 1973
Key facts about St. Estephe AOP
- northernmost AOP in Haut Medoc
- Sturdy, fully body reds with a slightly higher percentage of Merlot
- contains no first growths and has only 5 classified growths total
- Chateau Cos D’Estournel - super second growth. Makes powerful wines in polished, modern style
Key facts about Pauillac AOP
- Contains 3 first growths
- Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Chateau Latour
- Deepest gravel topsoil of Haut Medoc
- Cab Sauv based blends are structured and long lived
Describe wines from Chateau Latour and Chateau Lafite Rothschild. (The first growths in Pauillac)
Latour - depth and concentration
Lafite - aromatics and elegance
Key facts about St. Julien AOP
- produces less wine than the other AOPs but has great quality
- 80% of the AOP is cru classe wine
- 0 first growths and 5 second growths
- Chateau Leoville Las cases and Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou produce wine on par with premier cru estates
Describe wine from the super seconds of St. Julien AOP “Chateau Leoville Las cases and Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou”
Elegant red
List key facts about Margaux AOP
- Largest communal appellation in Haut Medoc
- Spread across 5 villages
- Has the largest number of classified growths and includes 1 first growth (Chateau Margaux)
Describe the wines made in Margaux
- feminine, emphasis on floral bouquet, exotic character and finesse
List key facts about Listrac Medoc AOP and Moulis-en-Medoc AOP
- Lesser appellation in Haut Medoc with no classified growths but can be good value wines
-Chateau Chasse Spleen is the most famous
Which kind of wines can be labeled ‘Graves AOP’?
Both red and white
What are the main varietals used in Graves?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Semillon
- Muscadelle
Where is Graves located geographically?
South of the Medoc, along the left bank of the Gironde estuary and Garonne river
What is the climate like in Graves
Moderate maritime climate with influences from the Garonne River and Atlantic Ocean
What climate influences make the sweet wine appellation of Sauternes, Barsac, and Cerons ideal for Botrytis?
The sweet wine appellations are located at the junction of the Cironne and Garonne rivers. The cool mist from the Cironne and warm water creates Fall humidity that is great for Botrytis
What is the soil like in Graves?
A mixture of :
- Sand
- Gravel
- Light Clay
This mixture is known as Boulbenes
T/F: Graves has a longer wine history than the Medoc
True; while the Medoc was still unlivable marsh, Graves was making wine and exporting to England
What styles of wine are produced in Graves?
- Dry red
- Dry white
- Sweet white
Barrel aging is used in some wines using new french oak
How are dry red and dry white wines labeled in Graves?
Graves AOP
How are sweet white wines labeled in Graves?
Graves Superior AOP
Where is St. Emilion located geographicallly?
Right bank of the Gironde Estuary, along the Dordogne river
What are the main varietals used in St. Emilion wines?
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Malbec
- Max 10% of Petit Verdot
What is the soil like in St. Emilion
Categorized into two types :
- Cotes - steep limestone slopes
- Graves - gravelly limestone plateau with soils similar to the Medoc
What is the climate like in St. Emilion?
- Continental/Maritime climate
There is still maritime influence from the surrounding bodies of water but not as much as the left bank
Describe the seasons in St. Emilion
- Short Winters
- Damp Springs
- Hot Summers
Why were the St. Emilion wines not included in the 1855 classification?
Because these wines and right bank wines in general were not being shipped overseas by courtiers
T/F : St. Emilion has its own classification system that is classified every 10yrs.
True!
The last revision was made September of 2022
If the wine is labeled St. Emilion AOP, what must the style of wine be?
Dry red
How much more alcohol must St. Emilion Grand Cru AOP wine have than St. Emilion AOP wine?
5% more
What is a satellite appellation?
A smaller, surrounding appellation of a larger AOP
What are some satellite appellations of St. Emilion?
- Lussac
- Montagne
- St. Georges
- Puisseguin
These satellite appellations have less historical significance, but they add great value and diversity to the wines in this region
What are the main grape varietals used in Pomerol wines?
- Merlot
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Cabernet Franc
- Pressac (Malbec)
Where is Pomerol located geographically?
On the right bank of the Gironde Estuary, along the Dordogne
What is unique about the size of Pomerol
It is a very small apellaton with only 5 square miles and 1957 acres
What is the soil like in Pomerol?
The soil is dominated by :
- Sand, Clay, & gravel
There is a subsoil of iron pan and rich clay that Merlot thrives in
What style of wine is made if labeled Pomerol AOP?
Dry red only
What region in Bordeaux is known for not having a classification of it’s Chateaux.
There is no classification system for wine in Pomerol BUT the best estates make wine that go for prices that are on par with premier cru Medoc wines.
What are some major producers in Pomerol?
- Petrus (Makes fantastic merlot based wines)
- Chateau Le Pin
- Chateau Trotanoy
- Chateau Lafleur
- Vieux Chateau Certan
What style of wine do the satellite appellations of St. Emilion produce?
Dry red
What are the important neighboring wine producing districts of Pomerol?
- Fronsac AOP
- Canon-Fronsac AOP
- Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP
What style of wine do the important neighboring districts of Pomerol produce?
Dry red
Where are the oldest cultivated vineyards in Bordeaux found?
Within the lesser AOP of Bourgs and Cotes de Bourg
What is the soil like in Bourgs and Cotes de Bourg?
Limestone slopes
What style of wine does the Cotes de Bordeaux AOP produce?
Dry white, red, and sweet white
What style of wine does the Blaye AOP produce?
Red
What style of wine does the Cotes de Blaye AOP produce?
Dry white
What style of wine does the Bourg/Cotes de Bourg AOP produce?
Dry white & red
Is the Bourg AOP or Blaye AOP larger?
Blaye AOP
Where is the Blaye AOP located geographically?
Along the Gironde Estuary, North of Bourg
Where is the Bourg AOP located geographically?
Along the Gironde Estuary, south of Blaye.
In 2008, many Bordeaux appellations were consolidated as the new Cotes de Bordeaux AOP, what areas of origin may be listed on these bottles?
- Francs
- Castillion
- Blaye
- Cadillac
- Sainte Foy
What does Entre Deux Mers translate to?
The land between two seas
What rivers does Entre Deux Mers lie in between?
The Garonne and Dordogne rivers
What style of wine does the Entre Deux Mers appellation produce?
Exclusively white
What are the sweet white wine appellations east of the Garonne
- Loupiac
- Ste-Croix-du-Mont
- Cadillac
What style of wines may the Cotes de Bordeaux-St. Macaire AOP produce?
dry, off dry, and sweet white wines
Which lesser appellation within the Entre Deux Mers AOP may produce wine in both red and white styles?
Graves-de-Vayres AOP
What style of wine does the Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOP produce?
Exclusively sweet white
