Bordeaux Flashcards
Explain general French wine laws
PDO :
- Appellation d’origine protégée (AOP) or
- Appellation d’orgine contrôlée (AOC)
PGI :
- Indication géographique protégée (IGP)
- Vin de pays (VdP)
Without GI:
- Vin de France
- It is common for a plot to be covered by both generic and prestigious appelation.
- They must register their intention to produce wine under a particular appellation.
Does Bordeaux classifications rank individual vineyards or individuals estates ?
Classifications rank individual estates, know as Châteaux
Explain Bordeaux Classifications
- There are different classications, the one being studied are 1855 classifications, Pessac-Léogan classification and Saint-Émilion grand cru Classification
- Stands outside of the appellation system
- Exception of Saint-Émilion
- Classifications rank individual estates (châteaux)
- A châteaux name is more of a brand than a desigantion of a specific vineyard, considering that the estate vary in size over the years.
Explain the story of Bordeaux Classifications
In 1855, During the Paris Universal Exhibition, an official list of the best red from the Médoc and white wines from Sauternes has been made (1855 Classification).
The classified châteaux has been through numerouns changes and ownership overt time, and the current quality is a source of debate. The list is still virtually intact.
Explain the Crus system of the Bordeaux Classification
Crus classés
Châteaux from the **Médoc **are divided into 5 ranks
Top rank consists of :
1. Châteaux Lafite Rothschild
2. Latour
3. Margaux
4. Mouton Rothschild
5. Châteaux Haut-Brion (Graves)
In Sauternes there are 3 ranks
Top being : Château d’ykem
Châteaux are classified as belonging to one of three tiers, ascending in presige
Cru Bourgeois , Crus Bourgeois Supérieur and Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
The Classification is reviewed every five years
Name the top rank of bordeaux crus classés
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Château Latour
- Châteaux Margaux
- Château Mouton Rothschild
- Château Haut-Brion from the Graves
Explain the Graves (Pessac-Léognan) Classification
Classified with parallel but separate lists for red and white
- No ranking, all listed wines are Crus classés
- All the crus classés lie within Pessac-Léognan, an appellation created after the Graves classification
Explain the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classification
The classification of Saint-Émilion is in integrated in the appllation system.
The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is a separate appellation, and within it, there is a classification of the best châteaux.
From the lowest classification to the higher
- Saint-Émilion Grand cru Classé
- Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé
- subdivided in Premier Grand Cru Classé B
- And Premier Grand Cru Classé A (the best)
Possibility of reclassifications at least once every ten years.
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
- Moderate maritime climate
High level of rainfall and humidity from the Antlantic
Gulf Stream prevents spring frost and allowed growing season to continue in october
What is protecting vineyards from Altantic Storms in Bordeaux?
Landes forest
Coastal sand dune in the west of the region
What hazards and their effects, the Bordeaux regions may face ?
Too much water from rainfall,
- Disrupting flowering and fruit set
- Promote rot
- Diluting flavours in the grape
Lead to important vintage variations
How can Bordeaux manage the vintage variations due to variabilty of weather?
- By rejecting unhealthy or unripe grapes
- By blending variety, to not rely too heavily on one grape
- By using Bordeaux varieties that flowers and ripen at different times, to avoid the loss of entire crop
- The warming climate change and canopy management have resulted inhealthier grapes (and decline use of spray)
What are to three black grapes that predominate in Bordeaux ?
And the fourth, sometimes added to blends ?
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
2. Cabernet Franc
3. Merlot
4. Petit verdot : far smaller plantings
Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in which Bordeaux regions?
Haut-Médoc and very important in Graves
Cabernet Sauvignon prefers what type of soils in Bordeaux?
High stone / Gravel content
Soils are warm and well drained
can aid the ripening of late-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Finest wines of Bordeaux?
3/4
Cabernet Franc is used in which Bordeaux Regions ?
Widely used in Saint-Émilion
To a lesser extent in Médoc and Graves
Cabernet franc prefers what type of soils in Bordeaux?
As Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc perfers
well drained warm soils
What are the wine characteristics of Cabernet Franc from Bordeaux ?
- Less body and tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon
- herbaceous or stalky flavours when unripe
- Contribute to vibrant fruit and floral notes to a blend when ripe
What is the most widely planted black grape variety in Bordeaux ?
Merlot
Merlot is particularly used in which Bordeaux Regions ?
used in the premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
Why Merlot successfully grows in Saint-Émilion and Pomerol?
Successfully grow on the cooler clay soils of these areas
Describe characterstics and quality of merlot wine from Bordeaux
Merlot’s softness means it is usually predominant in high volume, inexpensive wines.
Describe characteristics and use of Petit Verdot in Bordeaux
- Smaller plantings
- Ripens fully on very hot years
- Deep-coloured, tannic, ages slowly
- Minor role in blend to add tannin, colour and some spicy notes
In what vessels a top quality red bordeaux is aged ?
Small oak barriques of 225 L.
In the finest Châteaux, wines may be put into new casks
Less properties may use Smaller proportion of new casks
Generic Bordeaux are unlikely to see oak
Explain the general red winemaking practices in Bordeaux
- Very varied
- Reflection of the style of wine being made and the resources available to the producer
- Little agreement over fermentation vessels. Oak vast, steel, concrete vats are used
- Most wines are blended in the spring following the vintage, but certain keep parcels of wine separate until the end of maturation.
- Leading Châteaux make second and third wines from blends not suitable for the Grand vin.
What is the most important variety for sweet wine in Bordeaux
Sémillon
Why is Sémillon the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux?
Because of its thin skin and affinity for noble rot
With which grape is Sémillon blended ?
In which region?
With Sauvignon Blanc, in the Premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves.
What is the benefit of blending semillon to Sauvignon blanc in Bordeaux ?
Adding body to the wine
Describe the characteristics and wine styles of Sauvignon blanc in Bordeaux ?
- Green fruit and citrus aromas
- Use for varietal dry wite wines (exception to the generalisation that all bordeaux are blends)
- In blended wines, provides high acidity, necessary for sweet wines
Describe characteristics and wine styles of Muscadelle in Bordeaux
- Pronounced grapey, floral falvour
- Plays an important supporting role in sweet and dry white wine production
- Small percentage of any blend
Explain the general white winemaking practices in Bordeaux
- Range of styles, as for reds
Lower end styles
- Fresh, fruity, fermented in temperature controlled inert vessels with minimal ageing and hints of oak
Premium dry white wines from Pessac-Léognan
- fermented and matured in new oak barrels
- richness and concentrated nutty flavours overlaying the fruit
Sweet wines
- fruit affected by noble rot
- Best example are matured and fermented in new oak barrels for up to 3 years
Describe the regions of bordeaux ?
The Gironde estuary is divided in the river Garonne (West) and Dordogne (east).
This divide the vineyards in three areas:
1. Left Bank - west and south of Gironde : Médoc, Graves et Sauternes
2. Between Garonne and Dordogne river : Entre-deux-mers
3. Right Bank - north and East of the Dordogne - Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
BordeauX is situated near the Bay of Biscay.
How many appellations are there in Bordeaux ?
Over 50 appellations
Range in size from the very large generic, covering whole vineyard area
Down to small commune appellations
It does not form a neat hierarchy, it is easier to look at them in groups based on the styles of wine.
What is Clairet?
- undergoes a longer maceration than a typical rosé and is deeper in colour and fuller in body
What are the generic red appellations of Bordeaux and their principal characteristics ?
- Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Supérieur (stricter appelation rules, higher level of alcohol)
- Early drinking, medium-bodied with ripe red and black fruit, somteimes cedar notes from oak
- Cheapest can be lighter in body and have astringent tannins
What are the generic white and rosé appellations of Bordeaux and their principal characteristics?
Bordeaux (white)
- dominated by Sauvignon blanc, with vibrant grassy character
Bordeaux Rosé or Bordeaux Clairet (rosé)
- Fresh, fruity with high-quality examples
Name, from north to south, the AOC of Médoc and Graves
Médoc lies to the north of the city of Bordeaux
1. Médoc (northest is called Bas-Médoc)
2. Haut-Médoc (from St-Estèphe southward, you will find 4 communes with highest reputation)
2. Saint-Estèphe
3. Pauillac
5. Saint-Julien
6. Margaux
Graves
1. Pessac Léognan
2. Graves
3. Barsac (commune)
4. Sauternes (commune)
Describe Bas-Médoc area and styles of wine
Soil is predominantly clay with outcrops of gravel
Higher proportion of merlot in the blend
early-drinking style
Describe Haut-Médoc area styles of wine
- highly rated area
Soils, gravelly and well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon - higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend
- Blackcurrant fruit, complemented by cedar notes from oak
- Grippy tannins when young and long ageing potential
Describe Pessac Léognan area and styles of red wine
Highly rated area in Graves
Soils, like haut-médoc are gravelly and well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon
Lighter bodied, more fragrant
Wines from top châteaux are made with as much care as any other Bordeaux
Describe Graves Area and styles of wine
- Graves extend to the south of Pessac-Léognan
- Red wine similar in style, but less concentrated and complex
with usually higher proportion of merlot
What are the two principal appellation of the right bank ?
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
What are the two areas on the right bank, glose to the Gironde ?
Claye Côtes de Bordeaux
Pomerol
Saint émilion
Francs côtes de bordeaux
Castillon côtes de bordeaux
What are the two areas West from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion?
Franc côtes de Bordeaux (North)
Castillon côtes de Bordeaux (South)
Which grape varieties dominate the right bank ?
Merlot and to a lesser extent, Cabernet Franc
Which is the largest appelation, Pomerol or Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion is the largest of the two principal appellations
Describe the 3 distinct groups of vineyards on differing soils, in Saint-Émilion
First, On a plateau to the north West of the town Saint-Émilion
- Warm, well-drained gravel and limestone soils
- Inclusion of Cabernet franc and some Cabernet sauvignon
Second, On the escarpment ot the south and east
- Clay limestone soils
most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion are from these two subregions
Medium to high tannins, soft and rich texture with complex red berry fruit, plum aromas, developing tobacco and cedar notes
Third, On sandy soils at the foot of the escarpment
- Lighter bodied and less prestigious wines
Describe Pomerol wine styles
Reputation as high as that of Saint-Émilion.
Wines tend to be richer, spicier blackberry fruit character
Explain Vin de Garage
- Right bank appellations
- Wines are full bodied, ripe, in tiny quantities from small plots of land, no expense spared in winery and vineyard
- Garagiste = winemaker
- many of them have been classified within Saint-Émilion appellation
Many produceres moved away from ripe styles aiming for greater freshness
Name the areas between the Dordogne and the garonne
Entre-deux-mers
Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux
Where are located Pomerol and Saint-Émilion?
North of the Dordogne, above Entre-deux-mers, just west of the city of libourne,
What is the appellation of the Merlot-based wines , meant for early-drinking in Bordeaux ?
Côtes de Bordeaux
What are the four areas that can put their names in front of côtes de Bordeaux?
Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs
In which regions some producers desiced no to join de Côtes de Bordeaux, even if the styles of wine is similar ?
Côte de Bourg
What style is Premières côtes de Bordeaux?
Sweet wine appellation, unconnected with the Côtes de Bordeaux Group
What style of wine is Côtes de Bordeaux ?
Merlot Based
Meant or early drinking
Excellent value for money
What is the appellation where only white wines can be produced ?
Entre-Deux-Mers
Where is located Entre-Deux-Mers
between the Dordogne and the Garonne
Which appellations can produce both red and white wines?
Pessac-Léognan and Graves
Describe the similarity of Graves and Pessac Léogang white wine styles?
- Made from Sauvignon Blanc
- Unoaked Style
Describe the syles of white wine from Pessac-Léognan
Home of many best dry whites
May be eligible for Cru classé status
Blends of Sauvignon blanc and Sémillon
usualley fermented and or matured in new oak giving toasty flavours
What are the areas producting Dry whites, that can’t use their appellations ?
Médoc and Sauternes
Name and describe the best areas for sweet wines in Bordeaux
Grouped on the banks of the Garonne and its tributary to the river Ciron.
Creates the ideal misty autumn condition for noble rot(the level vary from year to year)
What method help concentrate sugars in years when there is little noble rot in bordeau ?
Passerillage
Where the best sweet wine of Bordeau come from, and name the village within ?
Sauternes
Barsac
What appellation can Barsac use ?
Sauternes AOC
Barsac AOC
What is the blend for sweet wines in Sauternes?
Sémillon
- Dominates because of its susceptibility to botrytis
Sauvignon Blanc
- Supplies refreshing acidity and fruity aromas
Muscadelle
- Adds exotic perfume
Describe the best sweet wines of Sauternes
High in alcohol
sweet yet balanced by high acidity
display apricot and citrus peel aromas of noble rot
Notes of toast and vailla from oak fermentation and/or maturation
Are there any other sweet wine appellations near sauternes?
Yes a number of other sweet wines, but we dont need to learn them, its not even written in the book !
