Bordeaux: Appellations Part 1 Flashcards
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
2
Q
Name the 3 regional AOCs in Bordeaux.
A
- Bordeaux AOC (1936)
- Bordeaux Superieur AOC (1943)
- Cremant de Bordeaux AOC (1990)
3
Q
What percentage of wine production in Bordeaux is released under Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superieur AOC?
A
Approx. 50%
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.
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
6
Q
What area does the Bordeaux AOC cover?
A
This regional AOC covers all areas of Bordeaux.
7
Q
Name the DGC under the Bordeaux AOC.
A
Haut-Benauge
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.
9
Q
What styles of wine are made in Haut-Benauge?
A
- Dry White
- Semi-Sweet White
Largely from Semillon & Sauvignon Blanc.
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.
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
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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
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
18
Q
Name the sub-regions of Bordeaux.
A
- Medoc
- Graves
- Sauternais
- Entre-deux-Mers
- The Libournais
- The Cotes
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)
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.
21
Q
What soil types are found in the Medoc?
A
Gravel mounds atop limestone
22
Q
What style of wine is produced in the Medoc?
A
Red
23
Q
What are the grape varieties grown in the Medoc?
A
Red:
* [P] Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
* [S] Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cot, Carmenere
24
Q
Where are the majority of the Cru Bourgeois located?
A
- Medoc AOC
- Haut-Medoc AOC
25
Where is the **Medoc AOC** located?
This appellation is located in the north of the *Medoc Peninsula*.
26
What soil types are found in the **Medoc AOC**?
Wide variety of *terroirs*:
* more *clay* & *limestone*
* less *gravel*
27
Which grape variety dominates the plantings in the **Medoc AOC**?
**Merlot**
28
What percentage of the *Medoc Peninsula*'s entire production is made in **Medoc AOC**?
Approx. 40%
29
Where is the **Haut-Medoc AOC** located?
This appellation covers the southern two-thirds of the *Medoc Peninsula*, in between the other named communes.
30
What soil types are found in **Haut-Medoc AOC**?
Gravels atop various subsoils.
31
How can you explain the variability across the **Haut-Medoc AOC**?
This area runs for 36mi/60km and there can be many mesoclimates and growing environments.
32
What kinds of wines are produced in the **Haut-Medoc AOC**?
As a rule, wine quality is high and offers good value.
33
Name the **4** communes on the *Medoc Peninsula* that are home to the majority of the *chateaux* ranked in the Classification of 1855.
* **Saint-Estephe AOC**
* **Pauillac AOC**
* **Saint-Julien AOC**
* **Margaux AOC**
34
What soil types are found in the **Saint-Estephe AOC**?
This commune has a higher percentage of *clay* than its southern neighbors.
35
How does the climate in **Saint-Estephe AOC** compare to other areas of the **Medoc**?
It is a little windier & cooler.
36
Which grape varieties are used in the production of **Saint-Estephe AOC** wines?
* **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.
37
What soil types are found in **Pauillac AOC**?
*Gravelly* soil with excellent natural drainage.
38
Which grape variety is dominant in blends from the **Pauillac AOC**?
**Cabernet Sauvignon**
This grape ripens fully here.
39
What are the characteristics of wines from the **Pauillac AOC**?
Powerful, structured wines with tremendous ageability and a benchmark note of dusty cocoa.
40
Which commune has the most classified growths in the **Medoc**?
**Pauillac AOC**
**17** Classified growths
41
Which did Robert Parker call the **Medoc**'s most underrated commune?
**Saint-Julien AOC**
42
What soil types are found in **Saint-Julien AOC**?
*Gravel* mounds over subsoils of *clay*, *marl*, *gravel* & iron-pan.
It is well-drained.
43
Which grape variety dominates the blends in **Saint-Julien AOC**?
**Cabernet Sauvignon**
Expressed as chocolate & cherry here.
44
Which commune in the **Medoc** is considered by many to be the most "Californian"?
**Saint-Julien AOC**
45
Where is the **Margaux AOC** located?
This is the most southerly of the **Medoc** communes.
46
What soil types are found in **Margaux AOC**?
*Gravels*, varying in size and composition.
47
What are the characteristics of wines from **Margaux AOC**?
Considered to be the most delicate, perfumed & elegant of all of the **Medoc** communes.
48
Where does the **Listrac-Medoc AOC** get its name?
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
What soil types are found in **Listrac-Medoc AOC**?
Has more *clay*, *sands* & *limestone*.
50
Which grape variety is dominant in the red blends of **Listrac-Medoc AOC**?
**Merlot**
Due to clay soils and cooler area.
51
What are the characteristics of wines from **Listrac-Medoc AOC**?
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
What soil types are found in **Moulis-en-Medoc**/**Moulis AOC**?
Varied soils & subsoils with a higher content of *clay* & *marls*.
53
What is the climate like in **Moulis-en-Medoc**/**Moulis AOC**?
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
Which grape variety dominates the wines in **Moulis-en-Medoc**/**Moulis AOC**?
Primarily **Merlot**
Note: These wines are full-bodied and express themselves best with a little bottle age.
55
Where is **Graves** located?
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
Name the appellations of **Graves**.
* **Graves AOC** (1937)
* **Graves Superieures AOC** (1937)
* **Pessac-Leognan AOC** (1987)
57
Where does **Graves** get its name from?
This appellation name is taken from the French word for "gravel".
58
What soil types are found in **Graves**?
*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
What styles of wine are produced under the **Graves AOC**?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted under the **Graves AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Semillon**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Merlot**
* [S] **Cabernet Franc**, **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**, **Cot**
61
What style of wine is produced in **Graves Superieures AOC**?
*Semi-Sweet White*: min. 3.4% (34g/l) R.S.
62
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Graves Superieures AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [P] **Sauvignon Gris**
63
How are the sweet wines of **Graves Superieures AOC** produced?
With grapes concentrated through the action of noble rot or *passerillage*.
64
What styles of wine are produced in the **Pessac-Leognan AOC**?
* *Dry White*: based on **Sauvignon Blanc** & **Semillon**; often sees oak
* *Red*: **Cabernet Sauvignon**-based blends
65
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Pessac-Leognan AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Semillon**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
Red:
* [P] **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Merlot**
* [S] **Cabernet Franc**, **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**, **Cot**
66
Where is the **Pessac-Leognan AOC** located?
This is the northernmost portion of **Graves**.
It was once part of **Graves AOC**, but received its own **AOC** in 1987.
67
What soil types are found in **Pessac-Leognan AOC**?
Deep *gravel* soils
68
What are the characteristics of **Pessac-Leognan AOC** wines?
Noteworthy reds that possess a unique hint of clove on the finish.
69
What is a defining characteristic of the dry white wines from **Pessac-Leognan AOC**?
Their crisp acidity keeps them aging gracefully for a decade or two.
70
Name the appellations of the **Sauternais** sub-region.
* **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
Where are the **Sauternais** located?
This sub-region forms the southernmost portion of **Graves** and is situated on the left bank of the Garonne.
72
How does the macroclimate in the **Sauternais** contribute to the production of sweet white wines?
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
How are red wines produced in the **Sauternais** bottled?
* **Bordeaux AOC**, or
* **Bordeaux Superieur AOC**
74
How are dry white wines produced in the **Sauternais** bottled?
**Bordeaux AOC**
75
What style of wine is produced in the **3 AOC**s of the **Sauternais**?
*Sweet White*: min. 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.
76
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **3 AOC**s of the **Sauternais**?
White:
* [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
77
Where is **Sauternes AOC** located?
This appellation is situated on the right bank of the *Ciron River*, near where this river flows into the *Garonne River*.
78
What types of soils are found in the **Sauternes AOC**?
*Sand*, *gravel*, *clay*, *marl* & *limestone*.
79
What percentage of **Sauternes AOC** is planted to **Semillon** and **Sauvignon Blanc**?
* 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
What are the characteristics of wines from **Sauternes AOC**?
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
How are dry white wines from **Sauternes** often branded?
With the first letter of the chateau name (e.g. Y; pronounced "ee-grek" from *Chateau d'Yquem*).
82
Where is **Barsac AOC** located?
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
What are the characteristics of wines from **Barsac AOC**?
These wines display a distinctive lemony freshness that many attribute to this limestone.
84
How many communes produce **Cerons AOC** wines?
3
It has a tiny area under vine at just 81.5ac/33ha.
85
How does the **Cerons AOC** compare to **Sauternes** & **Barsac**?
**Cerons AOC**:
* wines are similar in style
* has higher max. yields
* has a higher *gravel* & *sand* content
86
What **AOC** does **Cerons** bottle its dry red & white wines under?
**Graves AOC**
87
What **AOC** does **Cerons** bottle its semi-sweet white wines under?
**Graves Superieures AOC**
88
What soil types are found in **Entre-deux-Mers**?
* *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
The majority of vineyards in **Entre-deux-Mers** are dedicated to which grape variety?
**Sauvignon Blanc**
Most **AOC**s make dry & sweet white wines.
90
How are the red blends of **Entre-deux-Mers** bottled?
Red blends made of:
* **Merlot**
* **Cabernet Sauvignon**
* **Cabernet Franc**
Bottled as: **Bordeaux AOC**
91
Name the appellations of **Entre-deux-Mers**.
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
What area does the **Entre-deux-Mers AOC** cover?
This appellation covers the whole of the **Entre-deux-Mers** sub-region.
93
What style of wine is produced under the **Entre-deux-Mers AOC**?
*Dry White*: wines must be a blend
94
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Entre-deux-Mers AOC**?
White:
* [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
* [S] **Colombard**, **Mauzac**, **Merlot Blanc**, **Ugni Blanc**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
95
What percentage of dry white wine production in Bordeaux comes from **Entre-deux-Mers AOC**?
Nearly 25%
The **Bordeaux AOC** produces over 60% (2018)
96
Name a **DGC** of **Entre-deux-Mers AOC**.
*Entre-deux-Mers Haut-Benauge*
It produces dry whites.
97
Name the sweet white wine producing appellations of **Entre-deux-Mers**.
* **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
Where are **Cadillac**, **Loupiac** & **Sainte-Croix-du-Mont** located?
These appellations are located directly across the *Garonne River* from the famous sweet wine regions of the **Sauternais**.
99
How does the vineyard areas of **Cadillac**, **Loupiac** & **Sainte-Croix-du-Mont** compare to the **Sauternais**?
These appellations all share the same macroclimate.
However, thre is less morning mist on the right bank of the *Garonne* (where the **AOC**s of **Entre-deux-Mers** are situated).
100
Which of the sweet white wine **AOC**s in **Entre-deux-Mers** is considered to be more prestigious than the others?
**Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC**; because of the greater concentration of *gravels* in its soils.
101
What styles of wine are produced in the **Graves de Vayres AOC**?
* *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
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Graves de Vayres AOC**?
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
Where does **Graves de Vayres AOC** get its name?
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
What styles of wine are produced in Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?
* *Semi-Sweet Wine*: min. 3.4% (34g/l) R.S.
* *Sweet Wine*
105
Which grape varieties are permitted in Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?
White:
* [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
106
What styles of wine are produced in Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?
* *Dry White*
* *Semi-Sweet White*: 3.4-4.5% (34-45g/l) R.S.
* *Sweet White*: min. 4.5% (45g/l) R.S.
107
Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?
White:
* [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**
Rose/Gris:
* [S] **Sauvgnon Gris**
108
What soil types are found around the areas of Premieres Cotes de Bordeaux AOC and Cotes de Bordeaux Saint-Macaire AOC?
Both areas consist of a series of *clay* & *limestone* hills.
