Bordeaux Flashcards
What is the primary classification system for wines in Bordeaux?
The Bordeaux Classification of 1855.
True or False: The Bordeaux Classification of 1855 includes only red wines.
False.
Fill in the blank: The top classification for red wines in the Bordeaux region is called __________.
Premier Cru.
Which major region in Bordeaux is known for its Merlot-dominant wines?
Saint-Émilion.
Name one of the major regions in Bordeaux known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.
Medoc.
What type of soil is primarily found in the Médoc region?
Gravel.
True or False: Bordeaux wines can only be produced from grapes grown in the Bordeaux region.
True.
What is the classification of wines from Saint-Émilion?
Saint-Émilion Classification.
Fill in the blank: The __________ classification system was established in 1955 for Saint-Émilion.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
Which Bordeaux region is famous for its sweet white wines?
Sauternes.
What soil type is predominant in the Pomerol region?
Clay.
Name the two main grape varieties used in Bordeaux red wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
True or False: Bordeaux has a single soil type across all its regions.
False.
What is the primary grape variety used in Sauternes wines?
Sémillon.
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux region is located in __________ France.
Southwest.
What classification is used for dry white wines in Bordeaux?
There is no specific classification; they fall under the general Bordeaux AOC.
True or False: The Bordeaux region is divided into five main areas.
True.
Which area of Bordeaux is known for its limestone soils?
Saint-Émilion.
What is the concept of ‘terroir’ in Bordeaux?
The unique environmental factors that affect the grape growing process.
Name one classification of white wines in Bordeaux.
Bordeaux Blanc.
True or False: The Bordeaux region is famous for both red and white wines.
True.
What is the significance of the ‘Cru’ designation in Bordeaux?
It indicates the quality level of the vineyard.
Fill in the blank: The __________ classification is specific to the Pessac-Léognan region.
Cru Classé.
What is the primary grape variety used in Bordeaux reds?
Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which Bordeaux region is noted for its high-quality rosé wines?
Bordeaux Rosé.
What is the term used for the blending of different grape varieties in Bordeaux?
Assemblage.
What are the two major rivers that influence the Bordeaux region?
The Garonne and the Dordogne rivers.
True or False: The Garonne River flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
True.
Fill in the blank: The region of Sauternes is primarily known for its ______ wine.
sweet white.
Which river is located to the east of Bordeaux?
The Dordogne River.
What type of grape is primarily used in Sauternes wine?
Sémillon.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a characteristic of Sauternes wine? A) Dry B) Sweet C) Sparkling D) Red
B) Sweet.
What is the climate influence of the Garonne River on Bordeaux?
It moderates the climate, providing warmth and humidity.
True or False: Sauternes is located in the northern part of the Bordeaux region.
False.
What is the primary method of harvesting grapes for Sauternes?
Selective hand harvesting.
Fill in the blank: The process of noble rot that affects Sauternes grapes is known as ______.
Botrytis cinerea.
What are the main soil types found in the Sauternes region?
Gravel, clay, and limestone.
Multiple choice: Which wine classification does Sauternes belong to? A) AOC B) IGT C) VdP D) PDO
A) AOC.
What is the significance of the Ciron River to Sauternes production?
It creates a microclimate conducive to the development of botrytis.
True or False: Sauternes wines are typically aged in oak barrels.
True.
Fill in the blank: The village known for producing the most prestigious Sauternes is ______.
Barsac.
What is the aging potential of high-quality Sauternes wines?
They can age for several decades.
Multiple choice: Which other grape variety is commonly blended with Sémillon in Sauternes? A) Chardonnay B) Sauvignon Blanc C) Merlot D) Cabernet Sauvignon
B) Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the traditional serving temperature for Sauternes?
Chilled, around 6-8°C (43-46°F).
True or False: The Garonne River is responsible for the majority of Bordeaux’s wine production.
False.
What is the role of the Dordogne River in Bordeaux’s viticulture?
It contributes to the terroir and drainage of the vineyards.
Fill in the blank: Sauternes wines are often paired with ______ dishes.
foie gras.
What is the main reason for the sweetness in Sauternes wines?
The grapes are affected by noble rot, concentrating the sugars.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a famous Sauternes producer? A) Château d’Yquem B) Château Margaux C) Château Latour D) Château Pichon Longueville
A) Château d’Yquem.
What is the typical alcohol content range for Sauternes wines?
12-14%.
True or False: Sauternes wines are always made from a single grape variety.
False.
What year is commonly recognized as the beginning of the modern wine industry?
1860
True or False: Bordeaux is one of the oldest wine regions in France.
True
In what year was the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification established?
1855
Which grape variety is most associated with Bordeaux wines?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What is the primary purpose of vine training methods?
To optimize sunlight exposure and improve grape quality.
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux region is located in the ________ of France.
southwest
What significant event in 1924 affected the Bordeaux wine industry?
The establishment of the Bordeaux AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée).
Which training method involves tying vines to a trellis?
Guyot training
What year did phylloxera hit the Bordeaux vineyards?
1868
True or False: Bordeaux produces predominantly white wines.
False
What is the term for the practice of pruning vines to control growth?
Vine training
Name one of the five first growths in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
Château Latour
What is the primary benefit of using the Cordon training method?
It allows for easier management and harvesting of grapes.
In what century did Bordeaux begin exporting wine to England?
12th century
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux region is divided into several sub-regions, including the ________ and the Médoc.
Graves
What is the significance of the year 1973 for Bordeaux?
Château Mouton Rothschild was elevated to first growth status.
True or False: Bordeaux wines are typically blends of different grape varieties.
True
What is the main characteristic of the ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ grape?
It produces crisp, aromatic white wines.
What is the purpose of canopy management in vine training?
To enhance air circulation and sunlight penetration.
In what year did the Bordeaux region experience a significant frost that impacted the harvest?
1991
What is the term for the practice of selecting the best grapes during harvest?
Triage
What is the most common red grape variety used in Bordeaux blends?
Merlot
Fill in the blank: Bordeaux is famous for its ________ wine, particularly from the Sauternes region.
sweet
What historical figure is credited with bringing Bordeaux wines to the English market?
King John of England
True or False: The Bordeaux region is known for both red and white wines.
True
What year was the Bordeaux Wine Festival first held?
1998
What is the warmest vintage recorded in Bordeaux?
2018
What is the coldest vintage recorded in Bordeaux?
1985
True or False: Bordeaux is known for its consistent climate.
False
In what century did grape growing start in Bordeaux?
The 1st century AD
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux region is primarily known for its _______.
red wines
What major river flows through Bordeaux, influencing its climate?
The Garonne River
Which grape variety is most commonly associated with Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What impact does climate have on vintage quality in Bordeaux?
It affects the ripening of grapes and overall wine quality.
True or False: Bordeaux has a Mediterranean climate.
True
What is the significance of terroir in Bordeaux wine production?
Terroir refers to the unique environmental factors that affect the grapes, contributing to the wine’s character.
What role does the ocean play in Bordeaux’s climate?
It moderates temperatures and influences rainfall patterns.
Multiple Choice: Which factor is NOT a key influence on grape growing in Bordeaux? A) Soil type B) Ocean currents C) Urban development D) Temperature
C) Urban development
What is the primary reason for vintage variation in Bordeaux?
Weather conditions during the growing season.
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux wine classification system was established in _______.
1855
What is the term used for the practice of blending different grape varieties in Bordeaux?
Assemblage
Which vintage in Bordeaux is considered a ‘classic’ due to its exceptional quality?
2005
True or False: Bordeaux wines can only be made from red grapes.
False
What is the main purpose of aging Bordeaux wines in oak barrels?
To enhance flavor and complexity.
How does the Bordeaux region’s soil composition affect grape growing?
Different soil types provide essential nutrients and drainage for vine health.
What is the typical harvest season for grapes in Bordeaux?
September to October
What is the influence of climate change on Bordeaux viticulture?
It is leading to warmer temperatures and altered growing seasons.
Fill in the blank: The Bordeaux region is divided into _______ main wine-producing areas.
six
What is the primary white grape variety grown in Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc
True or False: Bordeaux is the largest wine-growing region in France.
True
What historical event significantly impacted grape growing in Bordeaux?
The phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century.
