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.
2
Q
What is the total vineyard area of Bordeaux as of 2017?
A
The total vineyard area encompassed nearly 111,500 hectares.
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.
4
Q
What was the political history of Bordeaux from 1152 to 1453?
A
Bordeaux was ruled by England during this period.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
12
Q
What are Cru Artisan and Cru Bourgeois?
A
Cru Artisan denotes exceptional small producers, while Cru Bourgeois classifies quality châteaux in Bordeaux.
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.
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.
15
Q
What is notable about St-Julien AOP?
A
St-Julien produces high-quality wine, with approximately 80% classified as cru classé.
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.
17
Q
What is the largest appellation in Bordeaux?
A
Margaux AOP is the largest appellation in Bordeaux.
18
Q
What are the super seconds in Bordeaux?
A
The super seconds are wines that out perform their ranking in the cru classé.
19
Q
What is the typical style of St-Julien reds?
A
St-Julien reds typically demonstrate an elegant style.
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.
21
Q
Which estate is the most famous in Moulis?
A
Château Chasse-Spleen is the most famous estate in Moulis.
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.
23
Q
How many classified growths does Margaux have?
A
Margaux has a larger number of classified growths than any other commune, totaling 21.
24
Q
What is the first growth in Margaux?
A
The first growth in Margaux is Château Margaux.
25
What characterizes the wines of Margaux?
The wines of Margaux often emphasize floral bouquet, exotic character, and finesse.
26
What is the historical significance of Graves wines?
Graves wines have a longer history than those of the Médoc and were successfully exported to England as early as the 17th century.
27
What is boulbenes in Graves?
Boulbenes is a mixture of sand, gravel, and light clay found in Graves.
28
What is the classification status of Graves wines?
Graves wines were first classified in 1953, with 13 estates classified cru classé for red wines and 9 for whites.
29
What is the significance of Pessac-Léognan AOP?
Pessac-Léognan AOP was created in 1987 as the prestige appellation for both red and dry white wines in northern Graves.
30
What are the sweet wine appellations within Graves?
The sweet wine appellations within Graves are Cérons, Barsac, and Sauternes.
31
What is the noble rot?
The noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea, is a mold that attacks grapes, enhancing their sugar, acidity, and glycerol content.
32
What is unique about Sauternes AOP wines?
Sauternes AOP wines are some of the world’s most expensive and acclaimed dessert wines, produced primarily from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.
33
What is the classification of Sauternes wines?
Sauternes wines were classified alongside those of the Médoc in 1855, with Château d’Yquem achieving the rank of Premier Cru Supérieur.
34
What is the size of Pomerol AOP?
Pomerol AOP is a tiny AOP, measuring just five square miles.
35
What grape variety is dominant in Pomerol?
Merlot is the dominant grape variety in Pomerol, typically comprising 70-80% of the blend.
36
What is the significance of the microchâteau movement?
The microchâteau movement, or garagistes, refers to small châteaux making modern wines from limited acreage, influencing wine prices.
37
What are the satellite appellations of St-Émilion?
The satellite appellations of St-Émilion are Lussac, St-Georges, Montagne, and Puisseguin.
38
What is unique about Entre-Deux-Mers AOP?
Entre-Deux-Mers AOP exclusively produces dry white wines and is one of Bordeaux’s largest regions.
39
What is the purpose of the Côtes de Bordeaux AOP?
The Côtes de Bordeaux AOP was created to simplify labeling and offer consumers an alternative to luxury-priced grand vins.
40
What type of climate does Bordeaux have?
Maritime climate
41
How many acres of vineyards are in Bordeaux?
Approximately 317,500 acres (128,500 ha)
42
What are individual wine-producing estates in Bordeaux called?
Château
43
How many Château are there in Bordeaux?
Approximately 7,400
44
Which region is the largest producer of AOC wines in France by volume?
Bordeaux
45
What percentage of Bordeaux's total wine production is red?
85 percent
46
What is the average production of Bordeaux wine?
500,000,000 bottles
47
What are the main types of wines produced in Bordeaux?
Still red wines and sweet white wines
48
Since which century has wine been produced in the Bordeaux area?
Since the fourth century
49
In what year were the Medoc and Sauternes regions classified?
1855
50
What are the main black grape varieties used in Bordeaux?
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Cabernet Franc
* Merlot
* Malbec
* Petit Verdot
* Carmenere
51
Which grape varietal is the most widely planted in Bordeaux?
Merlot
52
What are the white grape varieties used in Bordeaux?
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Semillon
* Muscadelle
53
What is the English term for red wines of Bordeaux?
Claret
54
What does 'mise en bouteille au Château' indicate?
Wines bottled at the Château winery
55
What materials are typically used for fermentation vats in Bordeaux?
Stainless steel or wood
56
What is the capacity of barrels called barriques in Bordeaux?
225 L
57
What type of oak is commonly used for barrels in Bordeaux?
French Limousin oak
58
What is the process of blending wine in Bordeaux called?
Assemblage
59
How long does wine typically mature in barrels before bottling?
Usually after two years
60
What is a 'chai' in the context of Bordeaux winemaking?
A single-story building for storing barriques
61
True or False: Bordeaux produces a significant quantity of sparkling wine.
False
62
63
What types of wines are made in Bordeaux from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle?
Sweet and dry wines
## Footnote
The most famous sweet wines are from Sauternes and Barsac.
64
How are rosé wines produced in Bordeaux?
By running the fermenting wine off the skins when the required colour has been obtained
## Footnote
Rosé wines have gained popularity in Bordeaux recently.
65
What are the top-quality districts of Bordeaux?
* Medoc
* Graves
* Sauternes
* Barsac
* St-Emilion
* Pomerol
## Footnote
Other districts include Cerons, Premiere Cotes de Bordeaux, and more.
66
Where is the Medoc district located?
On the left bank of the Gironde
## Footnote
It is subdivided into Medoc and Haut-Medoc.
67
What grape variety is predominant in Haut-Medoc wines?
Cabernet Sauvignon
## Footnote
Merlot is a close second.
68
Name the top six communes in the Medoc district.
* Pauillac
* Margaux
* St-Estephe
* St-Julien
* Moulis
* Listrac
## Footnote
Each of these communes has its own appellation.
69
What is the Bordeaux blend?
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot
## Footnote
The actual percentage varies from château to château.
70
What is the main cause for differences in Medoc wines?
The soil
## Footnote
The best wines come from well-draining alluvial gravel.
71
How long is wine usually left in oak casks in the Medoc?
One-and-a-half to two years
## Footnote
Afterward, it is fined and bottled.
72
What is the classification system established in 1855?
Grand Cru Classe
## Footnote
It graded wines into five growths based on prices achieved.
73
What major change occurred in the 1855 classification in 1973?
Château Mouton-Rothschild was upgraded from Deuxieme Cru to Premier Cru
## Footnote
This classification is still often referenced.
74
What classification was established in 1932 for Bordeaux wines?
Cru Bourgeois
## Footnote
This classification was updated in 2003 and again in 2018.
75
How many châteaux were classified as Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels in 2018?
14
## Footnote
There were also 56 Crus Bourgeois Superieurs and 179 Crus Bourgeois.
76
What is the Cru Artisan classification?
A classification for 36 châteaux, re-established from the 2005 vintage
## Footnote
It was originally created in the nineteenth century.
77
What is a 'second wine' in the context of Bordeaux wines?
A wine produced from less good areas of the vineyard or from grapes that have not reached full maturity
## Footnote
These wines are made from grapes rejected at the assemblage.
78
79
What is the geographical location of the Graves region?
East and south of Bordeaux, extending up the River Garonne to just south of Langon
## Footnote
Encompasses the AOCs of Cerons, Barsac, and Sauternes.
80
What type of soil is found in the Graves region?
Gravelly soil with some sand and marine deposits rich in carbonates
## Footnote
The name 'Graves' is derived from the gravelly nature of the soil.
81
When was the classification of Graves wines officially ratified?
1958
## Footnote
The classification was modified in 1959.
82
How many châteaux were classified in the Graves region?
Fifteen châteaux
## Footnote
Six classified for red and white wines, seven for red wine only, and two for white wine only.
83
What grape varieties are commonly used for red wines in Graves?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot
## Footnote
The red wines are produced mainly in the northern half of the district.
84
What is the significance of Château Haut-Brion in the Graves region?
Finest red Graves, classified in 1855 as a first growth of the Medoc
## Footnote
There was no separate classification for Graves at that time.
85
What percentage of Graves' production is red wine?
75 percent
## Footnote
The red wines from Graves are slightly drier than Medoc wines.
86
What is produced under the Graves Supérieur AOC?
A small amount of sweet wine
## Footnote
It is known for being of higher quality.
87
What are the main grape varieties used in Sauternes production?
Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle
## Footnote
Eighty percent of the vines are Semillon.
88
What causes the noble rot in Sauternes grapes?
Botrytis cinerea
## Footnote
This fungus reduces water content and increases sugar concentration in grapes.
89
How does the microclimate of Sauternes contribute to the production of sweet wines?
Morning mists from the Ciron river and pine forests create humidity
## Footnote
Dry winds in the afternoon help dry the grapes and prevent grey rot.
90
What is a 'trie' in the context of grape harvesting?
One pass through the vineyard for picking grapes
## Footnote
Hand harvesting is typically done over several tries.
91
What is the average must weight for grapes harvested for Château d'Yquem?
Approximately 360 g/l
## Footnote
Equivalent to 150° Oechsle or 35° Brix.
92
What is the minimum alcohol content for wines produced under Sauternes and Barsac AOCs?
13 percent abv
## Footnote
This ensures the quality and concentration of the wines.
93
What is the aging process for the best Sauternes wines?
Matured in cask for up to three years, then in bottle for 30-40 years
## Footnote
Must be kept away from light and in cool environments.
94
How was Château d'Yquem classified in the 1855 classification?
Graded alone as the only Premier Grand Cru Exceptionnel
## Footnote
There were also 11 Premiers Crus and 15 Deuxiemes Crus.
95
What distinguishes Cerons AOC from Graves AOC?
Cerons has its own AOC for sweet wines
## Footnote
It is known for reasonably priced sweet wines similar in style to Sauternes.
96
What types of soils are present in the St-Emilion region?
Clay-limestone and sandy soils
## Footnote
This variety contributes to the complexity of the wines produced.
97
98
What is the geographical location of St-Emilion?
On the right bank of the Dordogne
99
What types of soils are found in St-Emilion?
Clay-limestone and sandy gravel over iron pan, limestone and sand
100
How many acres are planted to vines in St-Emilion?
13,600 acres (5,500 ha)
101
Which grape variety is predominant in St-Emilion?
Merlot
102
What is the main grape variety used in St-Emilion red wine blends?
Merlot, followed by Cabernet Franc
103
True or False: St-Emilion wines are usually ready for drinking later than Medoc wines.
False
104
List the communes entitled to use the St-Emilion AOC.
* St-Emilion
* Montagne
* Lussac
* Puisseguin
* St-Georges
105
What are the three categories established in the 1955 classification of St-Emilion wines?
* Premier Grand Cru Glasse
* Grand Cru Glasse
* Grand Cru
106
How many Premiers Grands Crus Classes châteaux are there in St-Emilion?
Four
107
Name the four Premiers Grands Crus Classes châteaux in St-Emilion.
* Ausone
* Cheval Blanc
* Pavie
* Angelus
108
What is the primary grape variety in Pomerol?
Merlot
109
What is the size of the Pomerol wine-producing area?
800 ha
110
What is the typical blend composition for Pomerol wines?
* Merlot (80% or more)
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon (very small amount)
111
True or False: Pomerol has an official classification system.
False
112
Which château is considered the best in Pomerol?
Château Petrus
113
What is the characteristic aroma of Pomerol wines?
Slight truffle smell
114
What is the predominant grape variety in Fronsac?
Merlot
115
What type of wines does Bourg AOC produce?
Average to good quality red and white wines
116
What grape varieties are used for red wines in Bourg?
* Merlot
* Cabernet Franc
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Malbec
117
What regions does Cotes de Bordeaux AOC cover?
* Blaye
* Cadillac
* Cotes de Franc
* Cotes de Castillon
118
What varietals are used for dry white wine in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux?
* Colombard
* Ugni Blanc
* Sauvignon Blanc
119
What grape variety is dominant in the red wines produced in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux?
Merlot
120
121
What is the geographical location of Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?
A long, narrow district following the northern bank of the Garonne
122
What types of wines are produced in Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux?
* Red wines
* Medium-dry to dry wines
* Sweet white wines
123
How do the red wines from Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux compare to those from the Medoc?
They are produced nowhere near the quality of those from the Medoc
124
Which varieties of wines are produced from the Bordeaux varieties in Premiers Cotes de Bordeaux?
Some good quality red and white wines
125
What are the names of the three AOC/AOPs located in the Entre-Deux-Mers region?
* Saint-Croix-du-Mont
* Loupiac
* Cadillac
126
What type of wines do Saint-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac, and Cadillac AOC/AOPs produce?
Similar but lesser sweet white wines
127
What is a requirement for the wines produced in Saint-Croix-du-Mont, Loupiac, and Cadillac?
They must contain some botrytized grapes
128
Where is Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux AOC/AOP located?
In the northeastern corner of Entre-Deux-Mers bordering Bergerac
129
What types of wines are produced in Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux AOC/AOP?
* Sweet white wines
* Dry white wines
* Red wine
130
What is unique about the Graves de Vayres AOC/AOP?
It produces some good quality reds and whites from the Bordeaux varieties
131
What percentage of Merlot Blanc is permitted in Graves de Vayres white wines?
Up to 30%
132
What type of wines can be sold under Vin de Pays / IGP de l'Atlantique?
Generic wines from the Bordeaux region
133
134
What type of wine is primarily produced in Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?
Dry white wine from Colombard, Ugni Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc varietals
## Footnote
Reds are produced from a blend of Bordeaux red varieties with Merlot as the dominant grape.
135
Which region is Cadillac-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP located in?
Entre-deux-Mers region
## Footnote
Only red wines are produced for this appellation.
136
What grape varieties are used in Cadillac-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec
## Footnote
Only red wines are produced.
137
Where is Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP located?
East of St. Emilion
## Footnote
The wines are red made from a blend of Bordeaux varieties with Merlot predominant.
138
What does the Saint-Macaire AOC/AOP primarily produce?
Sweet white wine
## Footnote
This region produces a very small amount.
139
What types of wines are produced in Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?
Botrytised Sweet, Moelleux, and dry white wines
## Footnote
Dry white wines are made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle.
140
Which communes are part of the Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?
Arbis, Cantois, Escoussans, Gornac, Ladaux, Mourens, Saint-Pierre-de-Bat, Soulignac, Targon
## Footnote
These communes are known for producing specific wine types.
141
What is the primary characteristic of Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP?
Most extensive district of Bordeaux
## Footnote
It occupies the area between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne.
142
What types of wines are produced in Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP?
Ordinary quality wines, mainly dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, and reds from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc
## Footnote
Dry white wines are sold as Entre-Deux-Mers AOC, reds as Bordeaux AOC.
143
True or False: Entre-Deux-Mers AOC/AOP produces only red wines.
False
## Footnote
It produces both dry white wines and red wines.
144
Fill in the blank: The dry white wines in Entre-Deux-Mers AOC are primarily produced from _______.
Sauvignon Blanc
145
What is the predominant grape in the red wines of Castillon-Cotes de Bordeaux AOC/AOP?
Merlot
## Footnote
The wines are a blend of Bordeaux varieties.
146
What type of wines are produced from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle in Haut-Benauge AOC/AOP?
Dry white wines
## Footnote
These wines are distinct from the botrytised sweet and moelleux wines produced in the same area.
147
148
What are the second labels of the first growths?
Chateau Lafitte-Rothschild
-Carruades de Lafitte
Chateau Margaux
-Pavillon Rouge du Chateau
Chateau Haut-Brion
-Le Clarence de Haut-Brion
Chateau Latour
-Les Forts de Latour
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild
-Le Petit Mouton
149
