Bordeaux

Question 1

In terms of volume and value, what is the largest appellation region in France?

Answer 1

Bordeaux

Question 2

Climate in Bordeaux?

Answer 2

moderate maritime

Question 3

What are the benefits of the Gulf Stream(warming ocean currents)?

Answer 3

extends the growing season
grape ripening can continue well into October
rarely a problem with spring frosts

Question 4

What protects Bordeaux from the worst of the Atlantic Storms?

Answer 4

Landes forest

Coastal sand dunes

Question 5

What are 2 cons to being in close proximity to the Atlantic?

Answer 5

High levels Rainfall and Humidity

Question 6

What disadvantages are a result of heavy rainfall?

Answer 6

disrupts flowering and fruit set

promotes rot and dilutes the flavors in the grapes at harvest

Question 7

considering to vintage variation, how do top producers reduce the differences in style and quality between vintages?

Answer 7

rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes

Question 8

What has resulted in healthier grapes, decline in the use of sprays, marked rise in sugar levels and flavor development at harvest time?

Answer 8

changes in canopy management techniques

Question 9

Almost all red and white wines are blends, what does the weather have to do with that?

Answer 9

variability in weather, particularly rainfall, means that its too risky to rely to much on one variety. Different varieties flower and ripen at different times, so one bad frost or heavy shower is unlikely to ruin an entire crop

Question 10

How many varietals are permitted under the appellation regulations in Bordeaux?

Answer 10

13, however 3 black and 2 white predominate:
Cab sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot
Sauv Blanc, Semillon

Question 11

What red grape dominates Haut-Medoc, is important in Bas-Medoc and the Graves? it is usually 75% in the blend of the finest wines.

Answer 11

Cab Sauv

Question 12

The high stone/gravel content of the soils in Medoc and Graves raises vineyard temps, and makes this place perfect for ripening what grape

Answer 12

Cab Sauv

Question 13

What is the most planted grape in Bordeaux?

Answer 13

Merlot. Particularly important to the premium wines of Saint-Emilion and Pomerol.

Question 14

What varietal successfully grows on the cooler clay soils found in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion?

Answer 14

Merlot

Question 15

Why does Cab sauv struggle in Pomerol and Saint-Emilion?

Answer 15

Cooler clay soils.

Question 16

what grape is predominant in high volume, inexpensive wines?

Answer 16

Merlot

Question 17

This variety ripens fully only in very hot years

gives deep color, tannins, and spicy notes

Answer 17

Petit verdot

Question 18

When are the wines blended?

Answer 18

most in the spring following the vintage, but some like to wait until after maturation.

Question 19

What are top quality red Bordeaux aged in?

Answer 19

225L small oak barriques. Finest chateaux are mostly put in new casks. Lesser props may use a smaller proportion of new casks. Generic Bordeaux wines are unlikely to see oak at all.

Question 20

What do chateaux do to maintain quality and style? What do they do with the with wines not suitable for gran vin?

Answer 20

some wines are sold to negotiants

others are placed in second or even third labels