Bordeaux Flashcards

0
Q

Describe the Bordeaux region

A

Largest fine wine district in the world
Reds outnumber whites 9 to 1
Great red wines areas are Medoc north of Bordeaux.
Commands the worlds highest prices.
Rarely upholds the glory during vintage years due to Climate.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
1
Q

What are the principal grape varieties of Bordeaux?

A
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Semillion
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the major white varieties in Bordeaux?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Semillion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Which 2 areas in Bordeaux are known for their White Wines?

A

Graves and Sauternes

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How are the White Graves wines classified?

A

Graves and Pessac-Leognan

Simple wines are called Graves

Best Wines are in Pessac-Leognan.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the breakdown of Bordeaux Production?

A

85% red
13% white
2% sweet

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What does Graves mean?

A

Gravel - the soil type on the region.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

How to select a Graves Wine?

A

Purchase from a classified Chateaux

Chateau Bouscaut
Chateau Carbonnieux
Chateau Couhins-Lurton
Domaine de Chevalier
Chateau Haut-Brion
Chateau La Louviere
Chateau La Tour-Martillac
Chateau Laville-Haut-Brion
Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere
Chateau Olivier
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is White Bordeaux?

A

A blend if SB, Semillion and sometimes Muscadet.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the wine styles of White Bordeaux?

A

There are two major styles of White Bordeaux: Light & Fruity or Rich & Creamy. Light & Fruity styles make up the majority of White Bordeaux and are generally cheaper. Rich & Creamy White Bordeaux wines are made in a specific region (Pessac-Leognan) and tend to be expensive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the best vintages for White Bordeaux?

A

2000, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are good food pairings for a White Bordeaux?

A
Grilled Sea Bass with Beurre Blanc
Goat Cheese Soufflé 
Crab Salad
Mussels
Clams
Scallops
Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Asparagus Risotto
English Pea Ravioli with Crab or Lobster
Angel Hair Pasta with Basil Pesto
Yellowtail Sushi with Avocado
White Fin Fish, such as Cod or Halibut, with Beurre Blanc
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe the Light and Fruity style of White Bordeaux.

A

This is the most readily available style of White Bordeaux. Expect big flavors and aromas of citrus, grapefruit, lemon, gooseberry and lime along with grass, freshly-wet concrete, honey, passionfruit and honeysuckle flower.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe the Rich and Creamy Style of White Bordeaux.

A

This is the most highly sought-after style of White Bordeaux. These wines tend to be predominantly Semillon which offers a much richer, more oily feeling on the tongue than Sauvignon Blanc. Expect flavors of baked apples and pears, crème brûlée, carmelized grapefruit, orange zest, ginger, figs, lemon butter and even chamomile.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the difference between Sauternes and Barsac Region?

A

Barsac is adjacent to Sauternes and has the option of using Sauternes or Barsac.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are the best vintages for Sauternes?

A

1986,1988, 1989, 1990, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010

16
Q

What is the primary grape used in Sauternes?

A

Semillion

17
Q

How long can you age Sauternes?

A

Most classified Chateau wines can age 10-30 yrs.

18
Q

What is the Grand Premier Cru for Sauternes?

A

Chateau d’Yquem

19
Q

What are the 4 most important wine regions for red wine?

A

Medoc
Pommerol
Graves/Pessac-Leognan
St-Emilion

20
Q

What are 7 important appellations in Medoc?

A
Haut Medoc
St-Estephe
Pauillac
St-Julien
Margaux
Moulis
Listrac
21
Q

What are the 3 classifications for Bordeaux wine?

A

Bordeaux -proprietary or brand name wines ie Mouton-Cadet
Region ie Pauillac and St-Emilion
Region + Chateau

22
Q

What is the typical Medoc Blend?

A

60-80% CS
25-40% Merlot
10-20% CF

23
Q

What 6 grapes are allowed in standard Bordeaux AOP red?

A
CS
Merlot
CF
Petit Verdot
Malbec 
Carmenere
24
Q

Describe the climate in Bordeaux?

A

Maritime climate, Atlantic and Gironde protect the vines from winter freeze and spring frost.
Winters are short, spring is damp and summers can reach high temperatures.
Climate becomes more continental towards St-Emilion & Pomerol.

25
Q

What is the Bordeaux mixture in context of vineyard mgmt?

A

A mix of lime, copper sulfate & water applied to avoid fungal problems.

26
Q

How do Merlot, Cab Sauv and Cab Franc compliment each other in a Bordeaux blend?

A

CS gives the wine structure, power and longevity. Merlot gives fleshy, fruity texture that can soften the CS. CF is more tannin than Merlot but less weight than CS and imparts herbal spice and red fruit aromatics.

27
Q

What is the Right Bank?

A

Right Bank of the Dordogne River

28
Q

What are the Grand Crus of Graves?

A
Chateau Bouscaut
Chateau Carbonnieux 
Chateau de Chevalier
Chateau de Fieuzal
Chateau de Haut-Bailly
Chateau La Mission-Haut-Brion
Chateau La Tour-Martillac
Chateau Malartic-Lagraviere
Chateau Olivier
Chateau Pape-Clement
Chateau Smith-Haut-Lafitte
29
Q

Which region does not have official classification?

A

Pomerol

Smallest of the top red wine districts - wines are scarce and expensive.

30
Q

Which Bordeaux regions make Merlot style Bordeaux?

A

St-Emilion or Pomerol

Easier to drink when young

31
Q

Which regions make Cabernet style Bordeaux?

A

Medoc or Graves