Bordeaux

Question 1

How would you describe Bordeaux climate?

Answer 1

Moderate Maritime

Question 2

Which Ocean Current warms Bordeaux?

Answer 2

The Gulf Stream

Question 3

What are the three major and one minor Red grape varieties grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 3

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Minor - Petit Verdot

Question 4

What are the two major and one minor White grape varieties grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc

Minor - Muscadelle

Question 5

What is the name of the original classification of the best red and white wines of The Medoc and Sauternes?.
How are wines in this classification referred?

Answer 5

1855 classification

Crus Classé

Question 6

What term can be applied to wines outside the Crus Classé classification?
What condition is attached to wines having this term?

Answer 6

Cru Bourgeois

Only awarded to wines in a specific vintage, wines from new vintages must be submitted each year to gain classification

Question 7

Put the following wines in order of price and quality, lowest to highest
St Emilion, 
St Emilion Satellites, 
St Emilion Grand Cru Classé , 
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A, 
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B

Answer 7

St Emilion Satellites, St Emilion,
St Emilion Grand Cru Classé,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B,
St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A

Question 8

What is the main difference between Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superior

Answer 8

Superior has slightly stricter appelation rules and has a higher alcohol content than plain Bordeaux

Question 9

What is ‘Clairet’?

Answer 9

A deeper coloured Rose wine with fuller body made by longer maceration

Question 10

From north to south name the four leading appelations (communes’ of Haut-Medoc)

Answer 10

Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julian, Margeaux

Question 11

Name the most highly rated area in Graves

Answer 11

Pessac-Leognan

Question 12

What type of soil would you expect in Haut-Medoc and Pessac-Leognan?

Answer 12

Gravelly

Question 13

Name two benefits of Gravel soil

Answer 13

Good drainage, so doesn’t hold water

Gravel soils tend to be warming, helping Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen .

Question 14

Name the two leading appelations of the ‘right bank’.

Answer 14

St. Emilion and Pomerol

Question 15

Name the four regions that make up Côtes de Bordeaux

Answer 15

Blaye, Francs, Castillon, Cadillac

Question 16

Where are you likely to find the very best white wines in Bordeaux?

Answer 16

Pessac-Leognan

Question 17

Name the two best Sweet Wine appelations.

Answer 17

Sauternes and Barsac

Question 18

Name the two main and one minor grapes used in Sweet wine production

Answer 18

Semillon, Sauvignan Blanc

Minor - Muscadelle

Question 19

What is the process of ‘Passerillage’?

Answer 19

French term for leaving grapes on the vine past normal harvest so that they dry up and concentrate their flavours

Question 20

The climate in Bordeaux is maritime. What does that mean?

Answer 20

Low continentality, low diurnal, typically wet through the year

Question 21

What is the main taste difference of Pomerol Vs Saint Emilion wine?

Answer 21

Pomerol tends to be richer with a spicier blackberry fruit character

Question 22

Generally speaking what is the main difference between the soils of the left bank and the right bank?

Answer 22

Left bank predominately gravelly

Right bank predominately clay / limestone although there are gravelly outcrops

Question 23

The Atlantic brings high levels of rainfall and humidity to Bordeaux, what 3 risks does this bring?

Answer 23

Rain can disrupt flowering and fruit set
Dampness can promote rot
Rain at harvest time can dilute flavours

Question 24

How is Rosé wine labelled in Bordeaux?

Answer 24

Bordeaux Rosé or Bordeaux Clairet

Question 25

How are the best Bordeaux reds aged?

Answer 25

In 225 ltr Barriques, usually a mix of new and old oak.

Question 26

In what, and for how long, are the best sweet wines fermented and matured?

Answer 26

In new oak barrels for up to 3 years

Question 27

Within the context of Bordeaux, what is unique about the classification system in St-Emilion?

Answer 27

It forms part of the appellation system