Bordeaux Flashcards
What does Bordeaux produce more of than any other region in France?
AOC wine
What kind of wines can be made in Bordeaux?
Dry red, white, rosé, sparkling, sweet white
What was the catalyst for Bordeaux’s rise to wine-production prominence?
The Dutch introducing a complex series of drainage channels making the left bank suitable for viticulture in the mid-1600s
What was the first big market for Bordeaux?
Claret was heavily imported to Great Britain between 1100 & 1450 when the region was under English rule.
Who were the Noblesses-de-la-robe?
French aristocracy who held administrative or judicial posts, flocked to Bordeaux after the Dutch drained the marshes, and built many a now famous chateaux there.
What about Bordeaux’s geography gives it an advantage as a major center of trade?
Its proximity and ease of access to the atlantic ocean.
What are Negociants and Courtiers?
Negociants traditionally bought grapes or wine to sell under their own label. Courtiers provided financial backing to estates and gained control of the wine trade. Courtiers eclipsed them in importance after WWII as estate bottling grew popular. Courtiers are responsible for en primeur or futures sales of Bordeaux.
Is there equality across Bordeaux winemakers?
There is a massive wealth gap in Bordeaux between the grand chateaux that have access to every advantage, and small producers who do not.
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate Maritime
-hot summers
-short winters
-damp springs
What are Bordeaux’s Climate Moderators?
The atlantic & gironde estuary moderate temperature to mitigate winter freeze & spring frost
La Landes manmade pine forest and sand dunes act as buffers against harsh westerly winds coming off the ocean
What are Bordeaux’s biggest climate threats?
Wet & humid springs can lead to mold & rot.
Spring frosts can lead to millanderage & coulure
Wet autumns can dilute grape contents at harvest or cause rot
What are millanderage & coulure?
coulure is poor fruit set: polination of many flowers is prevented resulting in fewer berries & lower yields
millanderage is uneven fruit set, where polination is disrupted resulting in bunches with grapes of different sizes and different maturities.
What is Bordeaux Mixture?
An anti-fungal treatment applied in Bordeaux throughout the growing season to mitigate humidity-related rot. A mix of copper sulfate, water, & lime.
What does a marginal climate like Bordeaux result in?
Vintage variation
What is the major regional AOC in Bordeaux and what does it produce?
Bordeaux AOP: red, white, rosé, & claret
What are the major grapes of the Bordeaux AOP Reds?
Cab, cab franc, merlot, petit verdot, malbec, carmenere.
What is assemblage & why is it common in Bordeaux?
Assemblage is the practice of blending different varietal wines into a blend.
It combats vintage variation, it takes advantage of Bordeaux’s diverse soils, & since Bordeaux grapes have an affinity for each other, it adds depth & complexity & increases quality.
What soil type does Merlot thrive in, and why?
Clay. Because it’s wet & cool which slows Merlot’s natural vigor.
What soil type does Cab thrive in and why?
Gravel, it absorbs and radiates heat which aids in ripening, it’s well draining, and it allows roots to dig deep.
What soil type does Cab Franc thrive in and why?
Limestone rich soils, which promote acidity & freshness.
What does each of the 3 main Bordeaux grapes contribute to a blend?
Cab adds color, structure, power, & longevity, Merlot add’s a fleshy texture & juicy fruit, Cab franc adds herbal spice & red fruit aromatics.
