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French Wine Scholar > Bordeaux: Appellations Part 1 > Flashcards

Bordeaux: Appellations Part 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

How much area can any AOC in Bordeaux cover?

A
  • Commune/small area (Margaux)
  • A single part of the region (Graves, Medoc, or Haut-Medoc)
  • Regional
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2
Q

Name the 3 regional AOCs in Bordeaux.

A
  • Bordeaux AOC (1936)
  • Bordeaux Superieur AOC (1943)
  • Cremant de Bordeaux AOC (1990)
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3
Q

What percentage of wine production in Bordeaux is released under Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A

Approx. 50%

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4
Q

What styles of wine are produced under the Bordeaux AOC?

A
  • Dry White: primarily Sauvignon Blanc or Sauvignon/Semillon blends
  • Rose: made from red varieties with the possible addition of Semillon and/or the Sauvignons; always dry
  • Red: made from red grapes only; most are Merlot-based (light tannic structure, best enjoyed upon release)
  • Light Red: made from red grapes only
  • Semi-Sweet White: All white varieties except Alvarinho can be used; 0.5-6% (5-60 g/l) R.S.
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5
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted under the Bordeaux AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Alvarinho, Liliorila

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere
* [S] Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Touriga Nacional

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6
Q

What area does the Bordeaux AOC cover?

A

This regional AOC covers all areas of Bordeaux.

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7
Q

Name the DGC under the Bordeaux AOC.

A

Haut-Benauge

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8
Q

Where is Haut-Benauge located?

A

This DGC is a slender strip of land in the Entre-deux-Mers sub-region that runs parallel to the Garonne.

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9
Q

What styles of wine are made in Haut-Benauge?

A
  • Dry White
  • Semi-Sweet White

Largely from Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc.

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10
Q

What styles of wine are produced under the Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A
  • Red
  • Semi-Sweet White: min.1.7% (17g/l) R.S.
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11
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Bordeaux Superieur AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Liliorila

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere
* [S] Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Touriga Nacional

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12
Q

What are the requirements of Bordeaux Superieur AOC that separates it from the Bordeaux AOC?

A
  • Lower max. yield
  • Higher min. alcohol

Red wine:
* must be aged until June 15th of the year after harvest

Semi-Sweet White wine:
* Must fall into moelleux (semi-sweet) category
* made from min. 70% of the primary white varieties

Note: there is no dry wine in this appellation, hence why Alvarinho is not permitted.

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13
Q

What separates Bordeaux Superieur AOC from Bordeaux AOC in regards to the grapes used for wine production?

A

Fruit designated for Bordeaux Superieur AOC hails from special parcels and/or older vines than the fruit going into the Bordeaux AOC.

Note: this does not mean the older vines are “old vines”.

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14
Q

Are the wines of Bordeaux Superieur AOC oak aged?

A

Sometimes, both the red and sweet white wines can be given a stint in oak.

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15
Q

Are the wines of Bordeaux Superieur AOC required to be estate bottled?

A

These wines are often estate-bottled, but it is not required.

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16
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cremant de Bordeaux AOC?

A
  • Sparkling White: must be min. 70% of primary varieties (including the major red grapes when vinified as blanc de noirs)
  • Sparkling Rose: made from red grape varieties only
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17
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted under the Cremant de Bordeaux AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
* [S] Colombard, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

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18
Q

Name the sub-regions of Bordeaux.

A
  • Medoc
  • Graves
  • Sauternais
  • Entre-deux-Mers
  • The Libournais
  • The Cotes
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19
Q

Name the appellations of the Medoc.

A
  • Medoc AOC (1936)
  • Haut-Medoc AOC (1936)
  • Saint-Estephe AOC (1936)
  • Pauillac AOC (1936)
  • Saint-Julien AOC (1936)
  • Margaux AOC (1954)
  • Listrac-Medoc AOC (1957)
  • Moulis-en-Medoc/Moulis AOC (1938)
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20
Q

Where is the Medoc located?

A

This sub-region encompasses a triangular peninsula to the north of the city of Bordeaux. The vineyards are located in a narrow swath along the left bank of the Gironde Estuary, and they enjoy the temperature-moderating effects of this body of water as well as that of the Atlantic.

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21
Q

What soil types are found in the Medoc?

A

Gravel mounds atop limestone

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22
Q

What style of wine is produced in the Medoc?

A

Red

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23
Q

What are the grape varieties grown in the Medoc?

A

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere

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24
Q

Where are the majority of the Cru Bourgeois located?

A
  • Medoc AOC
  • Haut-Medoc AOC
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25
Q

Where is the Medoc AOC located?

A

This appellation is located in the north of the Medoc Peninsula.

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26
Q

What soil types are found in the Medoc AOC?

A

Wide variety of terroirs:
* more clay & limestone
* less gravel

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27
Q

Which grape variety dominates the plantings in the Medoc AOC?

A

Merlot

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28
Q

What percentage of the Medoc Peninsula’s entire production is made in Medoc AOC?

A

Approx. 40%

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29
Q

Where is the Haut-Medoc AOC located?

A

This appellation covers the southern two-thirds of the Medoc Peninsula, in between the other named communes.

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30
Q

What soil types are found in Haut-Medoc AOC?

A

Gravels atop various subsoils.

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31
Q

How can you explain the variability across the Haut-Medoc AOC?

A

This area runs for 36mi/60km and there can be many mesoclimates and growing environments.

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32
Q

What kinds of wines are produced in the Haut-Medoc AOC?

A

As a rule, wine quality is high and offers good value.

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33
Q

Name the 4 communes on the Medoc Peninsula that are home to the majority of the chateaux ranked in the Classification of 1855.

A
  • Saint-Estephe AOC
  • Pauillac AOC
  • Saint-Julien AOC
  • Margaux AOC
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34
Q

What soil types are found in the Saint-Estephe AOC?

A

This commune has a higher percentage of clay than its southern neighbors.

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35
Q

How does the climate in Saint-Estephe AOC compare to other areas of the Medoc?

A

It is a little windier & cooler.

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36
Q

Which grape varieties are used in the production of Saint-Estephe AOC wines?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant blend
  • has a higher percentage of Merlot relative to other communes of the Medoc, due to:
    • high clay content in soil
    • windier/cooler area

Note: Merlot helps to soften a wine that would otherwise be quite hard & tannic upon release.

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37
Q

What soil types are found in Pauillac AOC?

A

Gravelly soil with excellent natural drainage.

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38
Q

Which grape variety is dominant in blends from the Pauillac AOC?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

This grape ripens fully here.

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39
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from the Pauillac AOC?

A

Powerful, structured wines with tremendous ageability and a benchmark note of dusty cocoa.

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40
Q

Which commune has the most classified growths in the Medoc?

A

Pauillac AOC
17 Classified growths

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41
Q

Which did Robert Parker call the Medoc’s most underrated commune?

A

Saint-Julien AOC

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42
Q

What soil types are found in Saint-Julien AOC?

A

Gravel mounds over subsoils of clay, marl, gravel & iron-pan.
It is well-drained.

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43
Q

Which grape variety dominates the blends in Saint-Julien AOC?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

Expressed as chocolate & cherry here.

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44
Q

Which commune in the Medoc is considered by many to be the most “Californian”?

A

Saint-Julien AOC

45
Q

Where is the Margaux AOC located?

A

This is the most southerly of the Medoc communes.

46
Q

What soil types are found in Margaux AOC?

A

Gravels, varying in size and composition.

47
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Margaux AOC?

A

Considered to be the most delicate, perfumed & elegant of all of the Medoc communes.

48
Q

Where does the Listrac-Medoc AOC get its name?

A

The name “Listrac” means “fringe” or “edge”, which describes this appellation’s location at the edge of the vineyard landscape where it meets the forest.

49
Q

What soil types are found in Listrac-Medoc AOC?

A

Has more clay, sands & limestone.

50
Q

Which grape variety is dominant in the red blends of Listrac-Medoc AOC?

A

Merlot

Due to clay soils and cooler area.

51
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Listrac-Medoc AOC?

A

These are heavier and denser wines with less fragrance than wines from other Medoc communes.
They benefit from a few years in the cellar.

52
Q

What soil types are found in Moulis-en-Medoc/Moulis AOC?

A

Varied soils & subsoils with a higher content of clay & marls.

53
Q

What is the climate like in Moulis-en-Medoc/Moulis AOC?

A

Cooler than other areas in the Medoc due to its distance from the Gironde, hence missing out on the moderating effect of the estuary.

54
Q

Which grape variety dominates the wines in Moulis-en-Medoc/Moulis AOC?

A

Primarily Merlot

Note: These wines are full-bodied and express themselves best with a little bottle age.

55
Q

Where is Graves located?

A

This sub-region is located south of the city of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne, stretching 36mi/60km further southeast, almost reaching Langon.
To the west of the vineyards lies the Les Landes forest.

56
Q

Name the appellations of Graves.

A
  • Graves AOC (1937)
  • Graves Superieures AOC (1937)
  • Pessac-Leognan AOC (1987)
57
Q

Where does Graves get its name from?

A

This appellation name is taken from the French word for “gravel”.

58
Q

What soil types are found in Graves?

A

Gravel mounds run along the left bank of the Garnonne (like Medoc).
In Cerons, the gravels begin to mix with clay, marl, limestone and sand.

59
Q

What styles of wine are produced under the Graves AOC?

A
  • Dry White: based on Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon; can be oaked or unoaked; blend varies from chateau to chateau
  • Red: blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon

85% of production is red

60
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted under the Graves AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Cot

61
Q

What style of wine is produced in Graves Superieures AOC?

A

Semi-Sweet White: min. 3.4% (34g/l) R.S.

62
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Graves Superieures AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [P] Sauvignon Gris

63
Q

How are the sweet wines of Graves Superieures AOC produced?

A

With grapes concentrated through the action of noble rot or passerillage.

64
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A
  • Dry White: based on Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon; often sees oak
  • Red: Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends
65
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Cot

66
Q

Where is the Pessac-Leognan AOC located?

A

This is the northernmost portion of Graves.

It was once part of Graves AOC, but received its own AOC in 1987.

67
Q

What soil types are found in Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

Deep gravel soils

68
Q

What are the characteristics of Pessac-Leognan AOC wines?

A

Noteworthy reds that possess a unique hint of clove on the finish.

69
Q

What is a defining characteristic of the dry white wines from Pessac-Leognan AOC?

A

Their crisp acidity keeps them aging gracefully for a decade or two.

70
Q

Name the appellations of the Sauternais sub-region.

A
  • Sauternes AOC (1936)
  • Barsac AOC (1936)
  • Cerons AOC (1936)

These are all sweet white AOCs. These are some of the world’s most classic & iconic sweet wines.

71
Q

Where are the Sauternais located?

A

This sub-region forms the southernmost portion of Graves and is situated on the left bank of the Garonne.

72
Q

How does the macroclimate in the Sauternais contribute to the production of sweet white wines?

A

This area promotes the growth of Botrytis cinerea; mornings are damp thanks to mist created by the Ciron River. The mist is generated when the cool waters of the Ciron, traveling through the shade of the Les Landes forest, reach the warm waters of the Garonne.

73
Q

How are red wines produced in the Sauternais bottled?

A
  • Bordeaux AOC, or
  • Bordeaux Superieur AOC
74
Q

How are dry white wines produced in the Sauternais bottled?

A

Bordeaux AOC

75
Q

What style of wine is produced in the 3 AOCs of the Sauternais?

A

Sweet White: min. 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.

76
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the 3 AOCs of the Sauternais?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

77
Q

Where is Sauternes AOC located?

A

This appellation is situated on the right bank of the Ciron River, near where this river flows into the Garonne River.

78
Q

What types of soils are found in the Sauternes AOC?

A

Sand, gravel, clay, marl & limestone.

79
Q

What percentage of Sauternes AOC is planted to Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc?

A
  • 2/3 (66%) Semillon
  • 1/3 (33%) Sauvignon Blanc

Muscadelle has largely fallen out of favor (Yields are just 1.5t/ac (25hl/ha).

80
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Sauternes AOC?

A

Sweet & voluptuous, complex & concentrated and have great aging ability.
* Young wines: flavours of apricot, pineapple, honey & almond
* Aged wines: dried apricot, grilled pineapple, spice & nuts

81
Q

How are dry white wines from Sauternes often branded?

A

With the first letter of the chateau name (e.g. Y; pronounced “ee-grek” from Chateau d’Yquem).

82
Q

Where is Barsac AOC located?

A

This appellation lies on the left bank of the Ciron River across from Sauternes.
It is included in the Sauternes zone of production and producers may bottle their wines as Sauternes if desired.

Most of the appellation encompasses a clay-limestone plateau, and the vineyards are typically bordered by low stone walls constructed from rocks that were pulled from the vineyard.

83
Q

What are the characteristics of wines from Barsac AOC?

A

These wines display a distinctive lemony freshness that many attribute to this limestone.

84
Q

How many communes produce Cerons AOC wines?

A

3

It has a tiny area under vine at just 81.5ac/33ha.

85
Q

How does the Cerons AOC compare to Sauternes & Barsac?

A

Cerons AOC:
* wines are similar in style
* has higher max. yields
* has a higher gravel & sand content

86
Q

What AOC does Cerons bottle its dry red & white wines under?

A

Graves AOC

87
Q

What AOC does Cerons bottle its semi-sweet white wines under?

A

Graves Superieures AOC

88
Q

What soil types are found in Entre-deux-Mers?

A
  • Alluvial deposits flank the rivers
  • Some slopes are pure gravel
  • On plateaus/hillsides, there are composites of clay & sand, as well as clay & limestone.
89
Q

The majority of vineyards in Entre-deux-Mers are dedicated to which grape variety?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Most AOCs make dry & sweet white wines.

90
Q

How are the red blends of Entre-deux-Mers bottled?

A

Red blends made of:
* Merlot
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Cabernet Franc

Bottled as: Bordeaux AOC

91
Q

Name the appellations of Entre-deux-Mers.

A
  1. Entre-deux-Mers AOC (1937)
  2. Cadillac AOC (1973)
  3. Loupiac AOC (1936)
  4. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC (1936)
  5. Graves de Vayres AOC (1937)
  6. Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC (1937)
  7. Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC (1937)
92
Q

What area does the Entre-deux-Mers AOC cover?

A

This appellation covers the whole of the Entre-deux-Mers sub-region.

93
Q

What style of wine is produced under the Entre-deux-Mers AOC?

A

Dry White: wines must be a blend

94
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Entre-deux-Mers AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
* [S] Colombard, Mauzac, Merlot Blanc, Ugni Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

95
Q

What percentage of dry white wine production in Bordeaux comes from Entre-deux-Mers AOC?

A

Nearly 25%

The Bordeaux AOC produces over 60% (2018)

96
Q

Name a DGC of Entre-deux-Mers AOC.

A

Entre-deux-Mers Haut-Benauge

It produces dry whites.

97
Q

Name the sweet white wine producing appellations of Entre-deux-Mers.

A
  • Cadillac AOC: min. 5.1% (51g/l) R.S.
  • Loupiac AOC: min. 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.
  • Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC: min 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.
98
Q

Where are Cadillac, Loupiac & Sainte-Croix-du-Mont located?

A

These appellations are located directly across the Garonne River from the famous sweet wine regions of the Sauternais.

99
Q

How does the vineyard areas of Cadillac, Loupiac & Sainte-Croix-du-Mont compare to the Sauternais?

A

These appellations all share the same macroclimate.
However, thre is less morning mist on the right bank of the Garonne (where the AOCs of Entre-deux-Mers are situated).

100
Q

Which of the sweet white wine AOCs in Entre-deux-Mers is considered to be more prestigious than the others?

A

Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC; because of the greater concentration of gravels in its soils.

101
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Graves de Vayres AOC?

A
  • Dry White: largely Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blends, but can contain up to 35% Merlot Blanc
  • Red
  • Semi-Sweet White: min. 0.4% (4g/l)

Most production is red.

102
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Graves de Vayres AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
* [S] Merlot Blanc

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

Red:
* [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Petit Verdot, Carmenere

103
Q

Where does Graves de Vayres AOC get its name?

A

This appellation takes its name from the gravel beds that comprise the soils.
Most of the rounded pebbles were deposited by the Isle River as this AOC lies directly opposite where the Isle empties into the Dordogne.

104
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?

A
  • Semi-Sweet Wine: min. 3.4% (34g/l) R.S.
  • Sweet Wine
105
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

106
Q

What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Semi-Sweet White: 3.4-4.5% (34-45g/l) R.S.
  • Sweet White: min. 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.
107
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?

A

White:
* [P] Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvgnon Gris

108
Q

What soil types are found around the areas of Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC and Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?

A

Both areas consist of a series of clay & limestone hills.

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

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