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Introductory Sommelier > Bordeaux > Flashcards

Bordeaux Flashcards

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Introductory Sommelier Exam (CMS) flashcards
1
Q

Evidence of wine production in the Bordeaux region dates back to

A

4th century AD

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2
Q

Bordeaux Location

A

Southwestern France, inland from the Atlantic Ocean

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3
Q

Bordeaux Climate

A

Maritime, mild yet humid. Can suffer rain and frost

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4
Q

Bordeaux geographic and climate influences

A

A large pine forest along the coast to the west protects the region from harsh storms and winds from the Atlantic. Two rivers, the Garonne and the Dordogne, meet north of the city of Bordeaux and form the Gironde Estuary, which flows into the Atlantic.

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5
Q

Left Bank

A

West of the Garonne and Gironde

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6
Q

Right Bank

A

East and north of the Dordogne and Gironde

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7
Q

Entre-Deux-Mers

A

Between the Garonne and Dordogne

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8
Q

Bordeaux Soil

A

Each of the regions of Bordeaux is known for a specific soil type that is matched with the grape varieties that grow best there. Water drainage is key.

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9
Q

Soil in Médoc and Graves on the Left Bank

A

Gravel

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10
Q

Soil in Saint-Émilion on the Right Bank

A

Gravel, limestone and sand

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11
Q

Soil in Pomerol on the Right Bank

A

Iron pan under sand and clay

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12
Q

Grape Varieties of Bordeaux

A 
Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon
Muscadelle
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot
Malbec
Carménère
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13
Q

Bordeaux Viticulture

A

This region suffers from rain at harvest and frost

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14
Q

Bordeaux Vinification

A

Wines from Bordeaux are usually blends of two or more of the grape varietals in the Bordeaux family

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15
Q

Typical Red Wine Blend from Médoc

A

70% Cabernet Sauvignon
30% Merlot
Plus Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
These wines are usually aged in new French oak barrels

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16
Q

Typical Red Wine Blend from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

A

70% Merlot
30% Cabernet Franc
These wines are usually aged in new French oak barrels

17
Q

Dry white wines mainly from Graves (Pessac-Léognan) on the left bank and Entre-Deux-Mers

A

80% Sauvignon Blanc
20% Sémillon
The majority of inexpensive white wines from Bordeaux are made without oak. Prestigious wines in the upper price tiers, however tend to be aged in new French oak barriques

18
Q

Sweet wines mainly from Sauternes and nearby communes

A

80% Sémillon
20% Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle (small percentage)
Many sweet wines of Bordeaux are aged in new French oak barrels

19
Q

Bordeaux yearly weather and vintage variation

A

Spring frosts and excessive rainfall at harvest are the biggest problems.

20
Q

Bordeaux AOP

A

Largest appellation in size and production
Grapes can come from anywhere in the entire region
An appellation for red and white wines in both sweet and dry styles

21
Q

Sub-Regional or District Appellations

A

These may be the highest appellations attainable in a particular locale or they may encompass a number of separate commune appellations (Haut Médoc AOP and Entre-Deux-Mers AOP)

22
Q

Commune Appellations

A

These are the smallest AOPs in each region, with generally the highest quality wines. (Pauillac, Margaux, Pomerol, Saint Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Émilion

23
Q

The Château Concept

A

Most vineyards in Bordeaux are not known by names attached to specific plots of land, as they are in other important French wine-growing regions. Instead, Bordeaux vineyards are known by names of château, the French word for castles or manor houses. Not all Bordeaux château, however are as architecturally grand as the word suggests. A Bordeaux château is an estate under a single ownership. A château name is more of a brand than a specific vineyard location.

24
Q

This is Bordeaux’s most renowned red wine area.

A

Médoc

25
Q

Médoc Factors of Production

A

Location: North of the city of Bordeaux along the Gironde Estuary
Soil: Gravel, with great moisture draining properties. Perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon - based blends

26
Q

First growth Châteaux of the 1855 Classification

A 
Château Lafite-Rothschild
Château Latour
Château Margeaux
Château Haut-Brion (Graves)
Château Mouton-Rothschild (elevated in 1973)
27
Q

Médoc AOPs

A 
Médoc AOP (Sub-Region)
Haut-Médoc AOP (Sub-Region)
Saint-Estèphe AOP (Commune)
Pauillac AOP (Commune)
Saint-Julien AOP (Commune)
Margaux AOP (Commune)
28
Q

Top Recent Vintages of the Médoc

A

2015
2010
2009
2005

29
Q

Graves AOP Factors of Production

A

Location: South of the Médoc and directly south and around the city of Bordeaux
Soil: Gravel
Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Sub-Region: Pessac-Léognan AOP

30
Q

Sauternes AOP Factors of Production

A

Location: Southernmost portion of Graves, bordered by the Garonne and Ciron rivers
Vinification: Botrytis-affected sweet wines. Oak aged often in new French barrique.

31
Q

Entre-Deux-Mers AOP Factors of Production

A

Location: Translates to “land between two seas”. A large area between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers.
Soil: Very fertile silt
Grape Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle
Vinification: Dry white wines only. Little to no oak, stainless steel. Red wines made in this area fall under the Bordeaux AOP appellation.

32
Q

Saint-Émilion AOP

A

Location: Along the Dordogne River near the town of Libourne
Soils: Proportions vary depending on the location. Large bed of silt, clay and gravel. Limestone plateau. Sand.
Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, AOP for red wines only.
Classification system instituted in 1955

33
Q

Saint-Émilion Classification 2012 Premier Grands Crus Classé A

A

Château Ausone
Château Angélus
Château Pavie
Château Cheval-Blanc

34
Q

Pomerol AOP

A

Location: A very small appellation (only 3 square miles) along the Dordogne River near the town of Libourne to the nothwest of Saint-Émilion.
Soils: Sand, clay, gravel, subsoil of iron pan, and rich clay.
Grape varieties: Merlot and Cabernet Franc based blends

Introductory Sommelier (24 decks)

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