Bordeaux Flashcards
What is the average vine density in Bordeaux vineyards?
10,000 vines per hectare
Close planting allows for better utilization of premium vineyard land.
What pruning technique is used on the left bank of Bordeaux?
Double-guyot
This technique is different from the single-guyot used on the right bank.
What is the average yield of Bordeaux vineyards currently?
50 hl/ha
Yields have decreased over the last 20 years.
What are the two main techniques for harvesting grapes in Bordeaux?
Hand harvesting and machine harvesting
Top estates typically harvest by hand for selectiveness.
What is the primary focus during the vinification process in Bordeaux?
Sorting of grapes
Levels of sorting vary depending on price point and fruit quality.
What fermentation method is common for red winemaking in Bordeaux?
Closed-top fermenters with pump-over
This method is standard practice for red wines.
Which grape variety is most commonly used for rosé production in Bordeaux?
Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Rosé can be made via direct pressing or short maceration.
What is Clairet in the context of Bordeaux wines?
A by-product of red wine production
Used to concentrate the must of red wines.
What type of climate does Bordeaux have?
Moderate maritime climate
Influenced by the Gulf Stream, which promotes growth and ripening.
What is the maximum yield for Bordeaux AOC white wines?
67 hl/ha
This is part of the regulations governing various Bordeaux appellations.
What is the main soil type found on the left bank of Bordeaux?
Gravel and stones
These soils drain well and retain heat, benefiting vine growth.
What grape variety accounts for about 64k ha of plantings in Bordeaux?
Merlot
It is the dominant grape variety in the region.
True or False: Cabernet Sauvignon is a late budding variety.
True
This characteristic makes it resistant to spring frost.
What is the primary factor that influences the quality of sweet wines in Bordeaux?
Botrytis cinerea (noble rot)
Sweet wines are generally made from botrytised fruit.
Fill in the blank: The maximum yield for Bordeaux Superieur AOC reds is _______.
59 hl/ha
This appellation has stricter rules compared to Bordeaux AOC.
What is the significance of the Landes Forest in Bordeaux?
It protects the left bank from Atlantic storms
This can create cooler and more marginal conditions for vineyards.
What issue is caused by rain during flowering in Bordeaux vineyards?
Poor fruit set
This can significantly impact yields and quality.
What is a common method for aging complex white Bordeaux wines?
Aged in up to 100% new French oak
This aging process can last for 12-24 months.
What grape variety is known for contributing high acidity and medium tannins in Bordeaux?
Cabernet Franc
It adds red fruit flavors to the blend.
What is a major concern for vineyards in Bordeaux due to climate change?
Increased number of hot, dry vintages
Such conditions can lead to wines with low acidity and poor balance.
What is the primary grape variety planted in the Medoc region?
Cabernet Sauvignon
The Medoc region is highly planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in the gravel soils.
What percentage of plantings in Medoc are Merlot?
Approximately 49%
Merlot ripens well in the clay soils of the region.
Which communes in Bordeaux are known for having first growths?
Pauillac
Pauillac has three of the five first growths: Mouton-Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, and Latour.
How many first growths are located in Saint-Julien?
None
Saint-Julien does not have any first growths but has five second growths.
What is the primary soil type in Saint-Julien?
Gravel
The region is almost completely gravel, contributing to its wine style.
Which commune is known for having a high proportion of Merlot?
Margaux
Margaux has slightly more Merlot than Pauillac or Saint-Julien.
What is unique about the Entre-Deux Mers appellation?
It produces only white wines
Red wines from this area are classified as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur.
What percentage of plantings in Saint-Emilion is Merlot?
77%
Saint-Emilion is predominantly planted to Merlot due to its cool clay soils.
What classification system does Pomerol AOC lack?
No classification system
Pomerol is unique in Bordeaux for not having a classification system.
Which grape variety dominates in Pomerol?
Merlot
Pomerol is composed of 80% Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc.
What is the maximum yield for Sauternes?
25 hl/ha
Actual yields are often lower to ensure grapes are fully ripe before noble rot.
What is the 1855 Classification in Bordeaux?
A ranking system for wines based on pricing
It ranks wines from first to fifth growths in the Medoc, and includes Haut-Brion and Sauternes.
What is the average estate size in Bordeaux as of 2022?
20 ha
This average size is increasing due to small properties being taken over by larger neighbors.
What is the Place de Bordeaux?
A unique commercial system for selling wines
Wines are sold to a merchant, who then sells to wholesalers and retailers.
What does the term ‘en primeur’ refer to?
Selling wine futures before bottling
This system allows consumers to purchase wine at a lower price before it is released.
Which grape varieties are typically found in Pessac-Leognan AOC white wines?
Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon
Whites are often barrel-fermented and have pronounced fruit and oak characteristics.
True or False: The Bordeaux region has a higher proportion of Cru Classe wines than any other commune.
True
Approximately 85% of wines in Pauillac are classified as Cru Classe.
Fill in the blank: Saint-Emilion Grand Cru has lower yields of _______ compared to Saint-Emilion.
46 hl/ha
What is a key characteristic of wines from Sauternes?
Noble rot
The production process is influenced by the meeting of warm and cold rivers creating morning mists.
What are the two largest satellites of Saint-Emilion?
Montagne-Saint-Emilion and Lussac-Saint-Emilion
These satellites follow the same appellation rules as Saint-Emilion.
What is the role of a courtier in the Bordeaux wine trade?
Broker between producers and merchants
The courtier facilitates the sales process and charges a percentage for their services.
What is the maximum yield for Pomerol AOC?
49 hl/ha
What is the primary focus of the Cotes de Bordeaux appellation?
Red and white wine production
It was created in 2009 for a group of appellations on the right bank.
What is typically done with wines for long-term storage?
Wines are held in secure storage for the long-term storage of fine wine
This ensures the wine is preserved until the buyer decides its fate.
What options does the final buyer have regarding their wine?
The final buyer can decide to:
* Have the wine delivered
* Have it stored until ready to drink
* Sell the wine
The decision often depends on market conditions and personal preference.
Which region accounts for the largest proportion of wine sold on the secondary market?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux wines are highly sought after, impacting their market availability and pricing.
What debate has been ongoing since 2010 regarding the en-primeur system?
There is debate about whether the en-primeur system still works.
This discussion has intensified due to market changes and price fluctuations.
What significant trend occurred in en-primeur prices since the 2000s?
En-primeur prices rose dramatically, particularly due to increased interest from China.
This interest contributed to higher expectations and pricing in the Bordeaux market.
What issue arose from châteaux offering wines at higher prices?
Châteaux became accustomed to offering wines at higher prices, even for poor vintages like 2011.
This led to a disconnect between price and quality, affecting investor confidence.
What was the outcome of Bordeaux prices starting to fall?
Some investors who had invested en-primeur lost money.
Price decline can significantly impact the financial outcomes for wine investors.
What concerns have wine critics expressed regarding wine reviews?
How much reviews influence wine prices, especially since the wines tasted at en-primeur are not the final product.
This raises questions about the reliability of early assessments in determining market value.
Which first-growth announced it would no longer sell en-primeur in 2012?
Latour announced it would no longer sell its wine en-primeur.
This decision reflects a shift in strategy among prestigious wine producers.
What challenge do smaller or lesser-known producers face regarding wine release?
It is not always viable for smaller or lesser-known producers to keep the wine back until they decide it’s ready for release.
These producers often need to balance immediate cash flow with market timing.
