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Bordeaux Flashcards

1
Q

What is Bordeaux known for?

A

Bordeaux is one of France’s most important fine wine regions, producing red, white, rosé, sweet, and sparkling wines.

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2
Q

What is the total vineyard area of Bordeaux as of 2017?

A

The total vineyard area encompassed nearly 111,500 hectares.

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3
Q

What historical significance did the Dutch have in Bordeaux?

A

The Dutch created a complex series of drainage channels in the Médoc, making it suitable for viticulture in the mid-1600s.

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4
Q

What was the political history of Bordeaux from 1152 to 1453?

A

Bordeaux was ruled by England during this period.

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5
Q

What role did courtiers play in Bordeaux’s wine trade?

A

Courtiers became powerful brokers, supplying châteaux with financial backing and controlling the trade of wine.

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6
Q

What is the disparity in Bordeaux estates today?

A

There is a great disparity between powerful estates and those that lack influence, with grand châteaux representing architectural grandeur and winemaking technology.

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7
Q

What is the climate of Bordeaux like?

A

The climate is maritime, with influences from the Atlantic and Gironde estuary, leading to short winters and damp springs.

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8
Q

What are the main grape varieties allowed for Bordeaux AOP red wines?

A

The six allowed grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmènere.

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9
Q

What is unique about the Bordeaux AOP white blend?

A

The blend typically includes Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, with Sauvignon Blanc providing high acidity and citrus flavors.

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10
Q

What is the Médoc AOP?

A

The Médoc AOP covers the entire wine-producing left bank of the Gironde Estuary, primarily devoted to red wine production.

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11
Q

What is the significance of the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux?

A

It ranked the top properties of Bordeaux by price, with all classified properties located in the Médoc.

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12
Q

What are Cru Artisan and Cru Bourgeois?

A

Cru Artisan denotes exceptional small producers, while Cru Bourgeois classifies quality châteaux in Bordeaux.

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13
Q

What characterizes St-Estèphe AOP wines?

A

St-Estèphe wines are sturdy, full-bodied reds with a higher percentage of Merlot due to clay-rich soils.

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14
Q

Which first growths are located in Pauillac AOP?

A

Pauillac AOP boasts three first growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton-Rothschild, and Château Latour.

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15
Q

What is notable about St-Julien AOP?

A

St-Julien produces high-quality wine, with approximately 80% classified as cru classé.

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16
Q

What is the status of Listrac-Médoc AOP and Moulis-en-Médoc AOP?

A

They are lesser appellations without classified growths but can offer good value in better vintages.

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17
Q

What is the largest appellation in Bordeaux?

A

Margaux AOP is the largest appellation in Bordeaux.

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18
Q

What are the super seconds in Bordeaux?

A

The super seconds are wines that out perform their ranking in the cru classé.

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19
Q

What is the typical style of St-Julien reds?

A

St-Julien reds typically demonstrate an elegant style.

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20
Q

What are Listrac-Médoc AOP and Moulis-en-Médoc AOP known for?

A

They are lesser appellations without classified growths but can be good value, especially in better vintages.

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21
Q

Which estate is the most famous in Moulis?

A

Château Chasse-Spleen is the most famous estate in Moulis.

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22
Q

What is unique about Margaux AOP?

A

Margaux AOP is the largest communal appellation of the Haut-Médoc, spread throughout four villages, and contains a greater diversity of soil types than its northern counterparts.

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23
Q

How many classified growths does Margaux have?

A

Margaux has a larger number of classified growths than any other commune, totaling 21.

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24
Q

What is the first growth in Margaux?

A

The first growth in Margaux is Château Margaux.

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25
Q

What characterizes the wines of Margaux?

A

The wines of Margaux often emphasize floral bouquet, exotic character, and finesse.

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26
Q

What is the historical significance of Graves wines?

A

Graves wines have a longer history than those of the Médoc and were successfully exported to England as early as the 17th century.

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27
Q

What is boulbenes in Graves?

A

Boulbenes is a mixture of sand, gravel, and light clay found in Graves.

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28
Q

What is the classification status of Graves wines?

A

Graves wines were first classified in 1953, with 13 estates classified cru classé for red wines and 9 for whites.

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29
Q

What is the significance of Pessac-Léognan AOP?

A

Pessac-Léognan AOP was created in 1987 as the prestige appellation for both red and dry white wines in northern Graves.

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30
Q

What are the sweet wine appellations within Graves?

A

The sweet wine appellations within Graves are Cérons, Barsac, and Sauternes.

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31
Q

What is the noble rot?

A

The noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, is a mold that attacks grapes, enhancing their sugar, acidity, and glycerol content.

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32
Q

What is unique about Sauternes AOP wines?

A

Sauternes AOP wines are some of the world’s most expensive and acclaimed dessert wines, produced primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

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33
Q

What is the classification of Sauternes wines?

A

Sauternes wines were classified alongside those of the Médoc in 1855, with Château d’Yquem achieving the rank of Premier Cru Supérieur.

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34
Q

What is the size of Pomerol AOP?

A

Pomerol AOP is a tiny AOP, measuring just five square miles.

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35
Q

What grape variety is dominant in Pomerol?

A

Merlot is the dominant grape variety in Pomerol, typically comprising 70-80% of the blend.

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36
Q

What is the significance of the microchâteau movement?

A

The microchâteau movement, or garagistes, refers to small châteaux making modern wines from limited acreage, influencing wine prices.

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37
Q

What are the satellite appellations of St-Émilion?

A

The satellite appellations of St-Émilion are Lussac, St-Georges, Montagne, and Puisseguin.

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38
Q

What is unique about Entre-Deux-Mers AOP?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers AOP exclusively produces dry white wines and is one of Bordeaux’s largest regions.

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39
Q

What is the purpose of the Côtes de Bordeaux AOP?

A

The Côtes de Bordeaux AOP was created to simplify labeling and offer consumers an alternative to luxury-priced grand vins.

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40
Q

What type of climate does Bordeaux have?

A

Maritime climate

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41
Q

How many acres of vineyards are in Bordeaux?

A

Approximately 317,500 acres (128,500 ha)

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42
Q

What are individual wine-producing estates in Bordeaux called?

A

Château

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43
Q

How many Château are there in Bordeaux?

A

Approximately 7,400

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44
Q

Which region is the largest producer of AOC wines in France by volume?

A

Bordeaux

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45
Q

What percentage of Bordeaux’s total wine production is red?

A

85 percent

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46
Q

What is the average production of Bordeaux wine?

A

500,000,000 bottles

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47
Q

What are the main types of wines produced in Bordeaux?

A

Still red wines and sweet white wines

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48
Q

Since which century has wine been produced in the Bordeaux area?

A

Since the fourth century

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49
Q

In what year were the Medoc and Sauternes regions classified?

A

1855

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50
Q

What are the main black grape varieties used in Bordeaux?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Merlot
  • Malbec
  • Petit Verdot
  • Carmenere
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51
Q

Which grape varietal is the most widely planted in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot

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52
Q

What are the white grape varieties used in Bordeaux?

A
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Semillon
  • Muscadelle
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53
Q

What is the English term for red wines of Bordeaux?

A

Claret

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54
Q

What does ‘mise en bouteille au Château’ indicate?

A

Wines bottled at the Château winery

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55
Q

What materials are typically used for fermentation vats in Bordeaux?

A

Stainless steel or wood

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56
Q

What is the capacity of barrels called barriques in Bordeaux?

A

225 L

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57
Q

What type of oak is commonly used for barrels in Bordeaux?

A

French Limousin oak

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58
Q

What is the process of blending wine in Bordeaux called?

A

Assemblage

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59
Q

How long does wine typically mature in barrels before bottling?

A

Usually after two years

60
Q

What is a ‘chai’ in the context of Bordeaux winemaking?

A

A single-story building for storing barriques

61
Q

True or False: Bordeaux produces a significant quantity of sparkling wine.

63
Q

What types of wines are made in Bordeaux from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle?

A

Sweet and dry wines

The most famous sweet wines are from Sauternes and Barsac.

64
Q

How are rosé wines produced in Bordeaux?

A

By running the fermenting wine off the skins when the required colour has been obtained

Rosé wines have gained popularity in Bordeaux recently.

65
Q

What are the top-quality districts of Bordeaux?

A
  • Medoc
  • Graves
  • Sauternes
  • Barsac
  • St-Emilion
  • Pomerol

Other districts include Cerons, Premiere Cotes de Bordeaux, and more.

66
Q

Where is the Medoc district located?

A

On the left bank of the Gironde

It is subdivided into Medoc and Haut-Medoc.

67
Q

What grape variety is predominant in Haut-Medoc wines?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot is a close second.

68
Q

Name the top six communes in the Medoc district.

A
  • Pauillac
  • Margaux
  • St-Estephe
  • St-Julien
  • Moulis
  • Listrac

Each of these communes has its own appellation.

69
Q

What is the Bordeaux blend?

A

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot

The actual percentage varies from château to château.

70
Q

What is the main cause for differences in Medoc wines?

A

The soil

The best wines come from well-draining alluvial gravel.

71
Q

How long is wine usually left in oak casks in the Medoc?

A

One-and-a-half to two years

Afterward, it is fined and bottled.

72
Q

What is the classification system established in 1855?

A

Grand Cru Classe

It graded wines into five growths based on prices achieved.

73
Q

What major change occurred in the 1855 classification in 1973?

A

Château Mouton-Rothschild was upgraded from Deuxieme Cru to Premier Cru

This classification is still often referenced.

74
Q

What classification was established in 1932 for Bordeaux wines?

A

Cru Bourgeois

This classification was updated in 2003 and again in 2018.

75
Q

How many châteaux were classified as Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels in 2018?

A

14

There were also 56 Crus Bourgeois Superieurs and 179 Crus Bourgeois.

76
Q

What is the Cru Artisan classification?

A

A classification for 36 châteaux, re-established from the 2005 vintage

It was originally created in the nineteenth century.

77
Q

What is a ‘second wine’ in the context of Bordeaux wines?

A

A wine produced from less good areas of the vineyard or from grapes that have not reached full maturity

These wines are made from grapes rejected at the assemblage.

79
Q

What is the geographical location of the Graves region?

A

East and south of Bordeaux, extending up the River Garonne to just south of Langon

Encompasses the AOCs of Cerons, Barsac, and Sauternes.

80
Q

What type of soil is found in the Graves region?

A

Gravelly soil with some sand and marine deposits rich in carbonates

The name ‘Graves’ is derived from the gravelly nature of the soil.

81
Q

When was the classification of Graves wines officially ratified?

A

1958

The classification was modified in 1959.

82
Q

How many châteaux were classified in the Graves region?

A

Fifteen châteaux

Six classified for red and white wines, seven for red wine only, and two for white wine only.

83
Q

What grape varieties are commonly used for red wines in Graves?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot

The red wines are produced mainly in the northern half of the district.

84
Q

What is the significance of Château Haut-Brion in the Graves region?

A

Finest red Graves, classified in 1855 as a first growth of the Medoc

There was no separate classification for Graves at that time.

85
Q

What percentage of Graves’ production is red wine?

A

75 percent

The red wines from Graves are slightly drier than Medoc wines.

86
Q

What is produced under the Graves Supérieur AOC?

A

A small amount of sweet wine

It is known for being of higher quality.

87
Q

What are the main grape varieties used in Sauternes production?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle

Eighty percent of the vines are Semillon.

88
Q

What causes the noble rot in Sauternes grapes?

A

Botrytis cinerea

This fungus reduces water content and increases sugar concentration in grapes.

89
Q

How does the microclimate of Sauternes contribute to the production of sweet wines?

A

Morning mists from the Ciron river and pine forests create humidity

Dry winds in the afternoon help dry the grapes and prevent grey rot.

90
Q

What is a ‘trie’ in the context of grape harvesting?

A

One pass through the vineyard for picking grapes

Hand harvesting is typically done over several tries.

91
Q

What is the average must weight for grapes harvested for Château d’Yquem?

A

Approximately 360 g/l

Equivalent to 150° Oechsle or 35° Brix.

92
Q

What is the minimum alcohol content for wines produced under Sauternes and Barsac AOCs?

A

13 percent abv

This ensures the quality and concentration of the wines.

93
Q

What is the aging process for the best Sauternes wines?

A

Matured in cask for up to three years, then in bottle for 30-40 years

Must be kept away from light and in cool environments.

94
Q

How was Château d’Yquem classified in the 1855 classification?

A

Graded alone as the only Premier Grand Cru Exceptionnel

There were also 11 Premiers Crus and 15 Deuxiemes Crus.

95
Q

What distinguishes Cerons AOC from Graves AOC?

A

Cerons has its own AOC for sweet wines

It is known for reasonably priced sweet wines similar in style to Sauternes.

96
Q

What types of soils are present in the St-Emilion region?

A

Clay-limestone and sandy soils

This variety contributes to the complexity of the wines produced.

98
Q

What is the geographical location of St-Emilion?

A

On the right bank of the Dordogne

99
Q

What types of soils are found in St-Emilion?

A

Clay-limestone and sandy gravel over iron pan, limestone and sand

100
Q

How many acres are planted to vines in St-Emilion?

A

13,600 acres (5,500 ha)

101
Q

Which grape variety is predominant in St-Emilion?

102
Q

What is the main grape variety used in St-Emilion red wine blends?

A

Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc

103
Q

True or False: St-Emilion wines are usually ready for drinking later than Medoc wines.

104
Q

List the communes entitled to use the St-Emilion AOC.

A
  • St-Emilion
  • Montagne
  • Lussac
  • Puisseguin
  • St-Georges
105
Q

What are the three categories established in the 1955 classification of St-Emilion wines?

A
  • Premier Grand Cru Glasse
  • Grand Cru Glasse
  • Grand Cru
106
Q

How many Premiers Grands Crus Classes châteaux are there in St-Emilion?

107
Q

Name the four Premiers Grands Crus Classes châteaux in St-Emilion.

A
  • Ausone
  • Cheval Blanc
  • Pavie
  • Angelus
108
Q

What is the primary grape variety in Pomerol?

109
Q

What is the size of the Pomerol wine-producing area?

110
Q

What is the typical blend composition for Pomerol wines?

A
  • Merlot (80% or more)
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon (very small amount)
111
Q

True or False: Pomerol has an official classification system.

112
Q

Which château is considered the best in Pomerol?

A

Château Petrus

113
Q

What is the characteristic aroma of Pomerol wines?

A

Slight truffle smell

114
Q

What is the predominant grape variety in Fronsac?

115
Q

What type of wines does Bourg AOC produce?

A

Average to good quality red and white wines

116
Q

What grape varieties are used for red wines in Bourg?

A
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Malbec
117
Q

What regions does Cotes de Bordeaux AOC cover?

A
  • Blaye
  • Cadillac
  • Cotes de Franc
  • Cotes de Castillon
118
Q

What varietals are used for dry white wine in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux?

A
  • Colombard
  • Ugni Blanc
  • Sauvignon Blanc
119
Q

What grape variety is dominant in the red wines produced in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux?

121
Q

What is the geographical location of Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?

A

A long, narrow district following the northern bank of the Garonne

122
Q

What types of wines are produced in Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux?

A
  • Red wines
  • Medium-dry to dry wines
  • Sweet white wines
123
Q

How do the red wines from Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux compare to those from the Medoc?

A

They are produced nowhere near the quality of those from the Medoc

124
Q

Which varieties of wines are produced from the Bordeaux varieties in Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux?

A

Some good quality red and white wines

125
Q

What are the names of the three AOC/AOPs located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region?

A
  • Saint-Croix-du-Mont
  • Loupiac
  • Cadillac
126
Q

What type of wines do Saint-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac, and Cadillac AOC/AOPs produce?

A

Similar but lesser sweet white wines

127
Q

What is a requirement for the wines produced in Saint-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac, and Cadillac?

A

They must contain some botrytized grapes

128
Q

Where is Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux AOC/AOP located?

A

In the northeastern corner of Entre-Deux-Mers bordering Bergerac

129
Q

What types of wines are produced in Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux AOC/AOP?

A
  • Sweet white wines
  • Dry white wines
  • Red wine
130
Q

What is unique about the Graves de Vayres AOC/AOP?

A

It produces some good quality reds and whites from the Bordeaux varieties

131
Q

What percentage of Merlot Blanc is permitted in Graves de Vayres white wines?

132
Q

What type of wines can be sold under Vin de Pays / IGP de l’Atlantique?

A

Generic wines from the Bordeaux region

134
Q

What type of wine is primarily produced in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?

A

Dry white wine from Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals

Reds are produced from a blend of Bordeaux red varieties with Merlot as the dominant grape.

135
Q

Which region is Cadillac-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP located in?

A

Entre-deux-Mers region

Only red wines are produced for this appellation.

136
Q

What grape varieties are used in Cadillac-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?

A

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec

Only red wines are produced.

137
Q

Where is Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP located?

A

East of St. Emilion

The wines are red made from a blend of Bordeaux varieties with Merlot predominant.

138
Q

What does the Saint-Macaire AOC/AOP primarily produce?

A

Sweet white wine

This region produces a very small amount.

139
Q

What types of wines are produced in Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?

A

Botrytised Sweet, Moelleux, and dry white wines

Dry white wines are made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.

140
Q

Which communes are part of the Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?

A

Arbis, Cantois, Escoussans, Gornac, Ladaux, Mourens, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Soulignac, Targon

These communes are known for producing specific wine types.

141
Q

What is the primary characteristic of Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP?

A

Most extensive district of Bordeaux

It occupies the area between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne.

142
Q

What types of wines are produced in Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP?

A

Ordinary quality wines, mainly dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, and reds from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc

Dry white wines are sold as Entre-Deux-Mers AOC, reds as Bordeaux AOC.

143
Q

True or False: Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP produces only red wines.

A

False

It produces both dry white wines and red wines.

144
Q

Fill in the blank: The dry white wines in Entre-Deux-Mers AOC are primarily produced from _______.

A

Sauvignon Blanc

145
Q

What is the predominant grape in the red wines of Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?

A

Merlot

The wines are a blend of Bordeaux varieties.

146
Q

What type of wines are produced from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle in Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?

A

Dry white wines

These wines are distinct from the botrytised sweet and moelleux wines produced in the same area.

Vín (13 decks)

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