Bordeaux Flashcards
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime
What climatic benefit does Bordeaux have?
Gulf Stream:
warming ocean current extends the growing season
What climatic issues does Bordeaux have?
High rainfall and humidity:
can disrupt flowering and fruit set
fungal disease pressure
can dilute flavours in grapes during harvest
What helps protect Bordeaux from Atlantic Storms?
(2)
Landes Forest
Coastal sand dunes
What are the main black grape varieties from Bordeaux?
(4)
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot
What are the main white grape varieties from Bordeaux?
(3)
Semillion
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
What soil type does Cabernet Sauvignon thrive on?
Stone/gravel soils of the Left Bank (Medoc)
What soil type does Cabernet Franc thrive on?
Where is widely used to blend?
Well drained warm soils
St. Emilion
What soil type does Merlot thrive on?
Cooler clay soils
What are the generic appellations of Bordeaux?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Superieur
What are the four appellations in the Haut-Medoc with the highest reputation?
Saint-Estephe
Pauillac
Saint-Julien
Margaux
What are the main wine regions of the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
Saint-Emilion
Pomerol
Cotes de Bordeaux
What are the three soil profiles of Saint-Emilion?
- North-west - gravel/limestone
- South-East - clay/limestone
- Escarpment foot - sandy soils
Describe a wine from Saint-Emilion
still dry red wine made predominantly of Merlot
med-high tannin
soft and rich mouthfeel
complex red berry fruit, plum aromas
tobacco and cedar as they develop
Describe a wine from Pomerol
Still dry red wine made of predominantly Merlot
richer, spicier
blackberry fruit characters
