Bordeaux

Question 0

What it comes to branding and AOC’s there are three known facts:

Answer 0

1. The chateau brand is more important than the vineyard
2. Local classification systems are more important than AOC’s when it comes to determining price.
3. Highest ranking in AOC for majority of the region is commune level

Question 1

Bordeaux rouge and Bordeaux superior account for what percentage of total production?

Answer 1

45% of total production

Question 2

What is a chateau?

Answer 2

Estate under single ownership. The size of the chateau varies with purchase or sale of vinyards. Chateau petrus has increased by 50% since 1969

Question 3

What is a Courtier

Answer 3

The middleman between the chateaux and the Bordeaux merchants, very little top Bordeaux is sold directly.

Question 4

What is en premier sales

Answer 4

Early release of wines for sale.( futures)

Question 5

What are the primary white grape varieties of Bordeaux

Answer 5

Semilllon, Sauvignon blanc, muscadelle

Question 6

What are the primary grape varieties for reds

Answer 6

Cabernet Sauvignon, merlot, Cabernet franc, Malbec, petite Verdot

Question 7

What are the two typical blend of Bordeaux

Answer 7

Medoc communes (left bank)
St-Emilion and pomerol (right bank)

Question 8

What is the difference between left bank blends and right bank blends

Answer 8

Left bank (70% cab and 30% merlot)
Right bank (70% merlot and 30% cab)

90-100% merlot in pomerol

Question 9

What is the climate and soil type of Bordeaux

Answer 9

Maritime climate

Medoc/Northern Graves = Gravel
St. Emilion = gravel over limestone
Pomerol = iron pan under sand and clay

Question 10

What was the medoc classification of 1855?

Answer 10

It is when emperor Napoleon III commissioned the union de Bordeaux to classify its best wine for display at the universal exhibition in Paris

Question 11

How many properties are included in the Medoc classification of 1855.

Answer 11

61 properties in the medoc plus one in graves

Question 12

How many growths are there through category

Answer 12

1er - 5
2eme - 14
3eme - 14
4eme - 10
5eme - 18

Question 13

What was the only change in 1973 to the medoc classification

Answer 13

Chateau Mouton Rothschild (2 to 1)

Question 14

What are the medoc first growths

Answer 14

Chateau Lafite Rothschild 
Chateau Margaux 
Chateau Haut Brion (graves)
Chateau Latour
Chateau Mouton Rothschild

Question 15

What are the 7 AOC’s

Answer 15

• Medoc
• St. Estephe
• Pauillac
• St. Julien
• Listrac
• Moulis
• Margaux

Question 16

What are some characteristics of St. Estephe AOC

Answer 16

• northernmost commune of haut medoc

- wines are generally sturdy and full bodied

Question 17

What are some characteristics of Pauillac

Answer 17

• Considered to be the epitome of claret
• wines balance power and finesse
• three first growths: Chateau Latour, Chateau Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild

Question 18

What are some characteristics of saint-julien

Answer 18

• Smallest commune but largest % of classified growths (11)
• style combines elegance of Pauillac with sturdiness of St-Estephe
• Five second growths: Ducru-beaucaillou, Leoville-las cases, Leoville-poyferre, Leoville-Barton, Gruaud-Larose

Question 19

What are some characteristics of Margaux

Answer 19

• Largest AOC in the Haut Medoc
• Wines are known for their Elegance and Finesse
• One first growth: Chateau Margaux

Question 20

What are the communes of graves

Answer 20

Pessac leognan, cerons, graves, Sauternes, Barsac

Question 21

The graves classification AOC is unique in what way?

Answer 21

It is the only classification system that is classified by wine style, not chateau.

-all wines are designated simply as cru classe

Question 22

What are the grape varieties included in Sauternes and Barsac

Answer 22

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Question 23

What is botrytis cinerea?

Answer 23

Fungus that develops under humid conditions

• dehydrates the grapes
• concentrates sugars
• changes flavor profile (honey and mushroom)

Question 24

What is one highly regarded producers of sauternes

Answer 24

Chateau Yquem

Question 25

What is the St.-Emilion classification of 1954?

Answer 25

• It is the three tier classification created in 1954

* updated once every decade

Question 26

What are the three categories of the St.-Emilion classification

Answer 26

Premier Grand Cru Classe A
• Chateaux Ausone, Angélus, Pavie, Cheval Blanc

Premier Grannd Cru Classe B
• 14 chateaux

Grand Cru Classe
• 64 chateaux

Question 27

What are some characteristics of Pomerol AOC

Answer 27

• Merlot dominant wines
• iron pan and clay soils
• Five square miles
• no classification system
• AOP for red wines only, typically 75% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc

Question 28

What are the principal chateaux of Pomerol AOC

Answer 28

• Petrus
• La Fleur Petrus
• La Conseillante
• Vieux-Chateaux-Certan
• Trotanoy
• Le Pin

Question 29

What is in Bordeaux mixture?

Answer 29

Lime, copper sulfate, and water

Question 30

What is assemblage?

Answer 30

The blending of grapes and base wine to create the house style

Question 31

What does Cabernet Sauvignon bring to the Bordeaux blend?

Answer 31

Structure, power, and longevity

Question 32

What does Merlot bring to the Bordeaux blend?

Answer 32

Fleshy, juicy texture

Question 33

What does Cabernet franc bring to the Bordeaux blend?

Answer 33

Tannin, herbal spice, and red fruit aromatics

Question 34

What is the most planted grape in Bordeaux?

Answer 34

Merlot

Question 35

What is the mixture of sand, gravel, and light clay known as in the graves region of bordeaux?

Answer 35

Boulbones

Question 36

How long do Bordeaux wines age in oak?

Answer 36

2 years