Bordeaux Flashcards
What is a Second Wine?
- A second wine is produced from areas of vineyards deemed to be less good.
- From vines which have not reached full maturity
- Wines rejected at assemblage
When Was Cru Artisan established and how many Chateaux does it include?
- 19th Century (but fell into disuse)
- This was re-established in 2005 and is now a legal classification for 44 Chateaux
When was the Cru Bourgeois established?
1932 - with 444 Chateaux
- It was updated in 2003, when 247 chateaux were classified, however after much controversy it was annulled in 2007 for leaving out 200 chateaux and returned to the 1932 list.
How many classified growth chateaux are there?
61
Why do wines from the Medoc age well?
- High Tannin
- Strong Flavour
- High Acid
These mellow over maturation period
Flavours associated with good Medoc?
- Blackcurrant
- Cassis
- Cedar wood
- Graphite
- Pencil
- Pencil Shavings
- Wet leaf / Wet soil
What is the best soil in the Medoc?
Well-draining Alluvial gravel, deposited by glacial erosion of the last ice age.
What is Bordeaux red wine known as in the UK
Claret
What soil type is the Medoc?
Mainly gravel with some clay and limestone
When was the Haut-Medoc drained and who by?
17th century by Dutch engineers
How much of France’s premium wine does the Bordeaux region produce?
25%
How many acres is under vine in Bordeaux
310,000 Acres
128,000 Ha
What oak is used in Bordeaux?
French Limousin Oak
Limousin is a forest north of Bordeaux where the oak comes from.
What are the barrels used in Bordeaux called and how much wine can they hold?
Barriques
225L
What are the 3 major Bodies of water in Bordeaux
- Gironde Estuary
- Garonne River
- Dordogne River
True or False
You can only produce Red wine in Graves
False
Unlike Medoc & Haut-Medoc the Graves region has the perfect terroir to produce both red and white wine.
What are Boulbenes?
Mixture of sand, gravel and light clay soil
Found in Graves
3 Important facts on Graves
- Produces both Red and White wine
- Named after the gravely soil found in this area
- Situated south of Bordeaux along the banks of the Garonne River
3 Important facts on Pessac-Leognan
- Pessac-Leognan was granted its own AOC in the 80’s
- Historically produced the best wine with in Graves
- Home to First growth Chateau Haut-Brion
What us the Flavour profile of wine from Margaux?
Margaux wines are known to be Elegant and smooth with soft tannins and intense aromas.
What are the two lesser known AOC communes within the Haut-Medoc?
- Listrac
2. Moulis
Wines Labelled “Appellation Medoc controlee” were made in what part of the Medoc?
Most of the wines are made by Chateaux in the Bas-Medoc
What us the Dominant grape of the Medoc?
Cabernet Sauvignon
What are the 4 Premium AOC communes in the Haut-Medoc?
- Saint Estèphe
- Pauillac
- Saint Julien
- Margaux