Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

French Wine Scholar > Bordeaux: Appellations Part 2 > Flashcards

Bordeaux: Appellations Part 2 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the name of the principal city on the right bank of the Dordogne?

A

Liborne

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the collective term for the wine regions surrounding the city of Libourne?

A

Libournais

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What style of wine is produced in the Libournais?

A

Red: predominantly Merlot & Cabernet Franc blends with a little Cabernet Sauvignon added if soils allow.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

How do the red wines of the Libournais compare to those of the Left Bank in Bordeaux?

A

Because of the high concentration of Merlot in the blend, Libournais wines are silken in texture and less powerfully structured.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the wines of the Libournais?

A

9 of the 10 red AOCs in this sub-region (except Pomerol) allow the use of the following varieties:
* [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot
* [S] Petit Verdot, Carmenere

Note: there is some variation on which varieties are primary vs. secondary in each AOC.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Name the appellations of the Libournais.

A
  1. Fronsac AOC (1937)
  2. Canon Fronsac AOC (1939)
  3. Pomerol AOC (1936)
  4. Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC (1936)
  5. Saint-Emilion AOC (1936)
  6. Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC (1954)
  7. Lussac Saint-Emilion AOC (1936)
  8. Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC (1936)
  9. Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC (1936)
  10. Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion AOC (1936)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Where is Fronsac AOC located?

A

This appellation is situated on the right bank of the Dordogne River, opposite of the Graves de Vayres AOC.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Which appellations are the only 2 Libournais AOCs that lie on the right bank of the Isle River?

A
  • Fronsac AOC
  • Canon-Fronsac AOC: this AOC nests within Fronsac along the Dordogne River.
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the soil types in Fronsac AOC and Canon-Fronsac AOC

A

Clay & limestone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Which grape varieties do the Fronsac AOC and Canon-Fronsac AOC specialize in ?

A
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc

Due to the clay & limestone soils.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the characteristics of red wines from Fronsac AOC and Canon-Fronsac AOC?

A

Red fruits and black pepper.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Pomerol AOC?

A
  • [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cot
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

How do the soils in Pomerol AOC and Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC influence the wines?

A

The unique iron-rich soils are ideal for Merlot & Cabernet Franc which express themselves with heady aromas and rich textures.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How do the wines of Pomerol AOC compare to those of Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC?

A
  • Pomeral: soft, velvety, round & generous
  • Lalande-de-Pomerol: tends to be less aromatic, less structured & more characterized by bright berry fruit
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Name the appellations of Saint-Emilion.

A
  • Saint-Emilion AOC
  • Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC
  • Lussac Saint-Emilion AOC
  • Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC
  • Puisseguin Saint-Emilion AOC
  • Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion AOC
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What area do the Saint-Emilion AOC and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC cover?

A

These 2 AOCs cover exactly the same area of production. It is situated on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River, to the east of Libourne.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are the restrictions for wines from Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC?

A

Tougher production standards compared to Saint-Emilion AOC:
* Lower yield
* Higher min. alcohol
* All wines must be bottled at the chateau
* must undergo 2 tastings, both before and after its mandatory one-year period of aging

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What is the size of production in Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC compared with Saint-Emilion AOC?

A

Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC is over 3 times the production of Saint-Emilion AOC (2018).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What soil types are found in Saint-Emilion?

A

Most are comprised of limestone & clay.
There are pockets of sand along the river.
There are 2 “islands” of Pomerol soil within this sub-region (Chateau Figeac & Chateau Cheval Blanc are located on them).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How do the varied soils influence the wines in Saint-Emilion?

A
  • Limestone: high acidity & polished tannins
  • Sand: Fruit-forward
  • Pomerol soil (iron-rich): Velvet tannins & hints of walnut & prune (Pomerol flavours)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How do the wines of the four Saint-Emilion satellites compare to those of Saint-Emilion AOC/Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AOC?

A

These wines boast the same flavours & aromas but in a more delicate structure.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What does Cotes mean in French?

A

Coast/slope

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Where are the Cotes located in Bordeaux?

A

Most of the Cotes are located on the right banks and are southwest-facing. These areas slope to the rivers or the estuary.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What soil types are found in the Cotes?

A

Principally clay & limestone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What are the prevalent grapes in the wines of the **Cotes**?
* **Merlot** * **Cabernet Franc**
26
Name the *appellations* of the **Cotes** in **Bordeaux**.
1. **Cotes de Bordeaux AOC** (2009) 2. **Blaye AOC** (1936) 3. **Cotes de Blaye** (1936) 4. **Bourg**/**Cotes de Bourg**/**Bourgeais AOC** (1936, Dry White 1941) (this **AOC** goes by 3 names)
27
What style of wine is produced under **Cotes de Bordeaux AOC**?
Red only
28
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cotes de Bordeaux AOC** wines?
Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
29
Name the **5 DGC**s of the **Cotes de Bordeaux AOC**.
1. **Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** (2009 2. **Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** (2009) 3. **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** (2009) 4. **Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** (2009) 5. **Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** (2016) This **AOC** can incorporate the fruit from any of these **DGC**s into their wines. Note: some **DGC**s are allowed to make more wine styles than just red.
30
What styles of wine are produced under **Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
* *Dry White*: produces 3% of all the dry white wine made in **Bordeaux** (2018) * *Red*: **Merlot**-based; only 40% of its production is red
31
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** wines?
White: * [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle** * [S] **Colombard**, **Ugni Blanc** Rose/Gris: * [S] **Sauvignon Gris** Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
32
Where is **Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** located?
This **DGC** is located on the right bank of the *Garonne* in **Bordeaux**.
33
What soil types are found in **Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
*Clay* & *limestone* interspersed with pockets of *gravel*, hence the use of **Cabernet Sauvignon**.
34
What style of wine is produced under the **Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
*Red* only: **Merlot**-dominant, with significant additions of **Cabernet Sauvignon**
35
Which grape varieties are permitted under the **Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
36
Where is the **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** located?
This **DGC** is located on the *right bank* of the *Dordogne*, just east of **Saint-Emilion**.
37
What soil types are found in the **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
An abundance of *clay*. Hence, **Merlot** is dominant in these wines.
38
What style of wine is produced under **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
*Red*-only: **Merlot** often comprises 70-80% of the blend.
39
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** wine
Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
40
Where is **Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** located?
This DGC is located to the north of **Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**.
41
What soil types are found in **Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
Lots of *limestone* (conducive to **Cabernet Franc**)
42
What styles of wine are made in **Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
* *Dry White*: small amount produced * *Red*: most of production; **Merlot**-dominant blend with a significant component of **Cabernet Franc** * *Sweet White*: min. 5.1% (51g/l) RS; even smaller amount produced
43
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
White: * [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle** * [S] **Colombard**, **Ugni Blanc** Rose/Gris: * [S] **Sauvignon Gris** Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
44
Where is **Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC** located?
This **DGC** is located on the left bank of the *Dordogne* and faces east; it is situated to the east of the **Entre-deux-Mers**.
45
What styles of wine are made under **Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
* *Dry White* * *Red* * *Semi-Sweet White*: 1.7-4.5% (17-45g/l) RS * *Sweet White*: min. 5.1% (51g/l) RS White wines are produced in small amounts.
46
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC**?
White: * [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle** * [S] **Colombard**, **Ugni Blanc** Rose/Gris: * [S] **Sauvignon Gris** Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**
47
What soil types are found in **Blaye AOC**?
A mix of soil types: * *Sandy gravel* * *Clay* * *Limestone* This makes for great diversity in vine planting.
48
What style of wine is produced in **Blaye AOC**?
*Red*: min. 50% **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc** and/or **Cabernet Sauvignon**.
49
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Blaye AOC**?
Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon** * [S] **Petit Verdot**, **Carmenere**, **Cot**
50
Which is the most widely planted grape in the **Blaye AOC**?
**Merlot**
51
What style of wine is produced in **Cotes de Blaye AOC**?
*Dry White* Historically, this appellation crafted dry whites primarily from **Colombard** & **Ugni Blanc**, but is currently in transition. ## Footnote Errata: Cotes de Blaye has been decommissioned with the implementation of the Cotes de Bordeaux AOC
52
Which grape varieties are permitted in **Cotes de Blaye AOC**?
White: * [P] **Colombard**, **Ugni Blanc** * [S] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle** Rose/Gris: * [S] **Sauvignon Gris**
53
What styles of wine are produced in the **Cotes de Bourg AOC**?
* Dry White * Red
54
Which grape varieties are permitted in the **Cotes de Bourg AOC**?
White: * [P] **Semillon**, **Sauvignon Blanc**, **Muscadelle**, **Colombard** Rose/Gris: * [S] **Sauvignon Gris** Red: * [P] **Merlot**, **Cabernet Franc**, **Cabernet Sauvignon**, **Cot**
55
What percentage of red varieties planted in **Cotes de Bourg AOC** are **Merlot**?
**65%**; the dominant red grape.
56
What percentage of white varieties planted in **Cotes de Bourg AOC** are **Sauvignon Blanc**?
**40%** **Sauvignon Blanc** Balance is split between **Colombard** (30%) & **Semillon** (30%).
57
What is the **Classification of 1855**?
This list places the top chateaux in Bordeaux in a ranking of first through fifth growths. The listing itself was a "working document" put together by the Union of Brokers attached to the Bordeaux Commodities Market and served as a reference guide for setting prices and/or paying taxes. It was never intended as a classification system.
58
How many *chateaux* were ranked on the original document for the **Classification of 1855**?
**87** total: * **1** *chateau* from **Graves** (**Pessac-Leognan**) * **26** *chateaux* from **Sauternes** & **Barsac** * **60** *chateaux* from the **Medoc**
59
What were the **3** categories that *chateaux* crafting sweet wines were placed into upon the creation of the **Classification of 1855**?
1. *Premier Cru Superieur* 2. *Premier Cru* 3. *Deuxieme Cru*
60
Which sweet wine was selling for the highest price at the inception of the **Classification of 1855**?
*Chateau d'Yquem* It alone bears the title *Premier Cru Supiereur*, for this reason.
61
What changes have occurred to the **Classification of 1855** since its inception?
* *Chateau Cantemerle* was added; changing the number of **Medoc** *chateaux* to **61** * There are now **27** ranked wines from **Sauternes**/**Barsac** * *Pexoto* no longer exists * *Chateau Mouton Rothschild* was elevated from second-growth status to first-growth status in 1973
62
Detail the current numbers of *chateaux* under the *Classification of 1855* for each sub-region and tier.
**Medoc**: **61** *Chateaux* ranked * **5** *Premier* Crus: including 1 in **Pessac-Leognan** (**Graves**) * **14** *Deuxieme* Crus * **14** *Troisieme* Crus * **10** *Quatriemes* Crus * **18** *Cinquiemes* Crus **Sauternes** & **Barsac**: **27** *Chateaux* ranked * **1** *Premier Cru Superieur* * **11** *Premiers Crus* * **15** *Deuxiemes Crus*
63
What is *Cru Bourgeois*?
This is a classification system created in 1932 and was applied to select wines in recognition of their quality.
64
Name the **3** levels of *Cru Bourgeois*.
1. *Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels* 2. *Crus Bourgeios Superieurs* 3. *Crus Bourgeois*
65
How often are the rankings for *Cru Bourgeois* reviewed?
Every **5** years
66
Detail the current numbers of *Medoc Crus Bourgeois* in total and in each tier.
**249** Estates ranked: * **14** *Crus Bourgois Exceptionnels* * **56** *Crus Bourgeois Superieurs* * **179** *Crus Bourgeois*
67
What is a *Cru Artisan*?
These are identified as small (2.5-12.5ac/1-5ha) estates that are entirely responsible for their own red wine production process from vineyard to barrel to bottle. This classification recognizes "boutique" wineries of quality.
68
How many *Medoc Crus Artisans* estates are there?
**36** *Crus Artisans*
69
What is the **Graves** classification system?
* Established 1953 * Revised in 1959 * Ranks the wines of **16** properties * wines fall within the **Pessac-Leognan AOC** * wines are labeled "*Grand Cru Classe de Graves*" (may also be labeled as "*Cru Classe de Graves*"). * only classification system in **Bordeaux** that ranks the wines, not the estates
70
Detail the number of *(Grand) Cru Classes de Graves*.
**22** *Crus Classes de Graves* from **16** Estates: * **6** Estates for red & white wines * **3** Estates for white wine only * **7** Estates for red wine only
71
When was the *Saint-Emilion classification system* established?
**1955** It was designed to be revised every 10 years.
72
What are *chateaux* graded on when being considered under the *Saint-Emilion Classification system*?
* Quality * Condition of the winery & its equipment * Standing of the estate in the marketplace * Quality of the wine * Their efforts to create a welcoming environment for visitors (controversially)
73
When was the most recent revision of the *Saint-Emilion Classification system*?
2022
74
What is the difference between **Saint-Emilion Grand Cru** and *Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe*?
* **Saint-Emilion Grand Cru**: Is an **AOC** * *Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe*: Is a ranking within the classification system However, a wine that achieves *Grand Cru Classe* status must be a **Grand Cru AOC** before joining the classified ranks.
75
Detail the number of *Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classes*.
**85** Chateaux are ranked: * **2** *Premiers Grands Crus Classes A*: *Chateau Figeac*, *Chateau Pavie* * **12** Premiers Grands Crus Classes B * **71** Grands Crus Classes ## Footnote Errata
76
Why were *Chateaux Ausone*, *Cheval Blanc* and *Angelus* removed from the *Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classes A* rank?
They withdrew from consideration prior to the classification being announced. ## Footnote Errata

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions