Bordeaux Flashcards
what is the largest appellation in France?
Bordeaux - in terms of both value and volume
what kind of climate does Bordeaux have?
a moderate maritime climate
what benefits does Bordeaux receive from the Gulf stream?
warming ocean currents extends the growing season, spring frosts are rarely a problem, and grape ripening continue well into October.
what problems does the Atlantic bring to Bordeaux
high levels of rainfall and humidity
what protects the vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?
the Landes Forest and coastal sand dunes that lie in the West region.
describe the rainfall in Bordeaux
rains all year round which can disrupt flowering and fruit set, promote rot, and dilute the flavors during harvest
Are Bordeaux wines blended or single varietals?
almost all Bordeaux reds and most of their whites are blended
Why is it too risky to rely on one variety in Bordeaux?
the variation in rainfall from year to year
what is one positive to using many varieties in Bordeaux?
one spring frost or heavy rainfall in unlikely to ruin an entire crop as they all flower at different times
how many grape varieties are allowed under the appellation?
13, however 3 black and 2 white predominate
Where does Cabernet Sauvignon predominate in Bordeaux?
Haut- Medoc, Bas-Medoc, and Graves - 3/4 of the blend if cab sauvignon in these regions
where can Cabernet most reliably ripen in Bordeaux and why?
Haut- Medoc, Bas-Medoc, and Graves due to the high stone/gravel soils which raise the vineyard’s temperature
Where is Cab Franc typically used?
Saint Emillion, and in a lesser extent Graves and Medoc
what are Cab Franc characteristics in Bordeaux?
less body and tannins than Cab Sauv, has stalky and herbaceous flavorswhen unripe, but when ripe can contribute vibrant fruit and floral notes to a blend.
what kind of soil does Cab Sauv and Cab Franc prefer?
well drained warm soil
what is the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux?
Merlot
where is Merlot mostly planted in Bordeaux?
Saint Emillion and Pommerol
Why is Merlot planted in Saint Emillion and Pommerol regions mostly in Bordeaux?
it can grow in cooler clay soils
What is the typical grape in Bordeaux for high volume inexpensive wines?
Merlot
What is the smaller variety grown in Bordeaux and why?
Petite Verdot - it only ripens in very hot years in Bordeaux
Describe the characteristic of Petite Verdot in Bordeaux
very deep color, tannin and slowly aging wine and spicy notes
when are most wines blended in Bordeaux?
the spring following the harvest
what is grand vin?
best wine
how is top quality red Bordeaux aged?
in small oak