Bordeaux Flashcards
According to EU legislation, what geographical indications exist in France ?
Vin de France PGI Wines (IGP/Vin de Pays) PDO wines (AOP/AOC)
Which is the largest appellation in France, in terms of both volume and value ?
Bordeaux
How is the climate in Bordeaux ?
Moderate maritime climate (benefitting from the warm Gulf stream)
What are the beneficial consequences of the Gulf stream in Bordeaux ?
Spring frost rarely a problem Long ripening period (will into October)
What are the negative effects of the presence of the Atlantic in Bordeaux ?
Humidity, high levels of rainfall (throughout the year) => disruption of flowering, fruit set, rot and dilution of flavour in grapes.
What natural features protect Bordeaux from the Atlantic storms ?
The Landes forest The coastal sand dunes (west)
What are the benefits from producing wine from a blend of grapes in Bordeaux ?
The variability in the weather, in particular rain, makes it risky to rely on one variety only. The 13 varities permitted flower and ripen at different times, thus spreading the risk.
What are the most important black Bordeaux varieties ?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot (Petit Verdot)
Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate ?
Haut-Médoc (plus Bas-Médoc and the Graves) due to the high stone/gravel content=> raise in temperature. In the finest wines it account for 3/4
Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Franc dominate ?
Saint-Émilion (plus Médoc and the Graves) It prefers well drained warm soils, just like CS.
What are the main differences between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon ?
CF produces wines with less body and tannin than CS. CF can have herbaceous or stalky flavours when unripe but when ripe contribute with vibrant fruit and floral notes.
Which is the most widely planted black variety in Bordeaux ?
Merlot. It can succesfully grow on the cooler soils in e.g. Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
In which premium wines is Merlot particularly important ?
Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
What is the role of Petit Verdot in Bordeaux blends ?
Minor. It is mainly added for tannin, colour and some spicy notes. Ripens fully only in very hot years, deep-coloured, tannic wine that ages slowly.
Are Bordeaux wines made from field blends or blended by a wine maker ?
Most wines are blended in the spring following the vintage.
How is top-quality Bordeaux aged ?
In small oak barriques of 225 litres. The finest in new casks.
Why is Sémillon the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux ?
Due to its thin skin and affinity for noble rot
In the premium wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves, what is the role of Sauvignon Blanc ?
It adds body and acidity to Sémillon
What are the differences in aroma between Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle in Bordeaux ?
SB has citric and green fruit aromas, whereas Muscadelle has a pronounced grapey, floral flavour.