Bordeaux Flashcards
When was INAO created?
1935
What was the first AOC in France?
Chateauneuf du Pape in 1936.
What are the regional IGPs of France?
- Atlantique IGP - Bordeaux, Cognac & Dordogne
- Comte Tolosan IGP - South Western France
- Comtes Rhodaniens IGP - Northern Rhone & Savoie
- Mediterranee IGP - Rhone Valley & Provence
- Pays d’ Oc IGP - Languedoc & Roussillon
- Val de Loire IGP - Loire Valley & Chablis
Define “Courtiers”.
Brokers of wine which were financially backing the Chateaux while gaining total control over the actual trade of wine. They are responsible for the current En Primeur sales.
What is the climate in Bordeaux?
Maritime with the Atlantic and the Gironde acting as moderating influences, protecting the vines from spring frosts and winter freezes.
What are the main viticultural concerns in Bordeaux?
Mold and rot in the wet spring season and rain, especially at harvest.
How does springtime frost affect vineyards in Bordeaux?
Can lead to coulure (no fertilisation - no berries) and millerandage (poor fertilisation - uneven berries) reducing the yields.
Which mixture can be used to combat fungal problems in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux mixture - lime, copper sulfate and water.
What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?
Merlot.
What are the preferred soil for the 3 main red grapes in Bordeaux?
Merlot - clay soils, they delay its natural vigor
Cabernet Sauvignon - gravel, well drained result in slight water stress thus a higher concentration of fruit
Cabernet Franc - limestone soils which promote freshness and acidity
Which grape is the last to ripen in Bordeaux?
Petit Verdot.
How is Malbec known on the right bank in Bordeaux?
Pressac Noir.
What is the restriction for Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc and Colombard in Bordeaux AOP?
A maximum proportion of 30%.
What is the size of a barrique in Bordeaux? How about Burgundy?
225 liters in Bordeaux
228 liters in Burgundy
What is the name for the draining channels in Bordeaux?
Jalles.
What does the term “Croupes” refer to in Bordeaux?
Gravelly mounds.
Who commissioned the 1855 classification?
Napoleon the 3rd.
When was Chateau Mouton Rothschild awarded 1st Growth?
1973
What is Cru Artisan?
Quality designation recognized in 2002.
- 33 producers classified as of 2022 (next review in 2026)
- the estates must be smaller than 5 hectares
- the list is reviewed every 10 years
What are the categories for Cru Bourgeois?
Cru Bourgeois
Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel
Cru Bourgeois Superieur
reinstated in 2018; will be reviewed every 5 years
List the communes of Margaux.
Soussans
Margaux
Cantenac
Labarde
Arsac
Which commune has the largest number of classified growths in Bordeaux?
Margaux, 21
Which Chateau was the first identifiable vineyard estate?
Chateau Pape Clement, a papal gift awarded to Bordeaux in 1305.
Which soil is referred to as “boulbenes” in Bordeaux?
Mixture of sand, gravel and light clay in Graves.