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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

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2
Q

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

A

Libournais

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)
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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.

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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.
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9
Q

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

A

Clay & limestone

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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.

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11
Q

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

A

Red fruits and black pepper.

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12
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Pomerol AOC?

A
  • [P] Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cot
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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.

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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
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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
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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.

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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

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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).

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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).

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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)
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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.

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22
Q

What does Cotes mean in French?

A

Coast/slope

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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.

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24
Q

What soil types are found in the Cotes?

A

Principally clay & limestone

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25
Q

What are the prevalent grapes in the wines of the Cotes?

A
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
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26
Q

Name the appellations of the Cotes in Bordeaux.

A
  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)
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27
Q

What style of wine is produced under Cotes de Bordeaux AOC?

A

Red only

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28
Q

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

A

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

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29
Q

Name the 5 DGCs of the Cotes de Bordeaux AOC.

A
  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 DGCs into their wines.
Note: some DGCs are allowed to make more wine styles than just red.

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30
Q

What styles of wine are produced under Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A
  • Dry White: produces 3% of all the dry white wine made in Bordeaux (2018)
  • Red: Merlot-based; only 40% of its production is red
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31
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux DGC wines?

A

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
Q

Where is Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC located?

A

This DGC is located on the right bank of the Garonne in Bordeaux.

33
Q

What soil types are found in Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

Clay & limestone interspersed with pockets of gravel, hence the use of Cabernet Sauvignon.

34
Q

What style of wine is produced under the Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

Red only: Merlot-dominant, with significant additions of Cabernet Sauvignon

35
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted under the Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

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

36
Q

Where is the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC located?

A

This DGC is located on the right bank of the Dordogne, just east of Saint-Emilion.

37
Q

What soil types are found in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

An abundance of clay.

Hence, Merlot is dominant in these wines.

38
Q

What style of wine is produced under Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

Red-only: Merlot often comprises 70-80% of the blend.

39
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC wine

A

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

40
Q

Where is Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC located?

A

This DGC is located to the north of Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux DGC.

41
Q

What soil types are found in Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

Lots of limestone (conducive to Cabernet Franc)

42
Q

What styles of wine are made in Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A
  • 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
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Francs Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

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
Q

Where is Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC located?

A

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
Q

What styles of wine are made under Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A
  • 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
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Sainte-Foy Cotes de Bordeaux DGC?

A

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
Q

What soil types are found in Blaye AOC?

A

A mix of soil types:
* Sandy gravel
* Clay
* Limestone

This makes for great diversity in vine planting.

48
Q

What style of wine is produced in Blaye AOC?

A

Red: min. 50% Merlot, Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.

49
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Blaye AOC?

A

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

50
Q

Which is the most widely planted grape in the Blaye AOC?

51
Q

What style of wine is produced in Cotes de Blaye AOC?

A

Dry White

Historically, this appellation crafted dry whites primarily from Colombard & Ugni Blanc, but is currently in transition.

Errata: Cotes de Blaye has been decommissioned with the implementation of the Cotes de Bordeaux AOC

52
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in Cotes de Blaye AOC?

A

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

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

53
Q

What styles of wine are produced in the Cotes de Bourg AOC?

A
  • Dry White
  • Red
54
Q

Which grape varieties are permitted in the Cotes de Bourg AOC?

A

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

Rose/Gris:
* [S] Sauvignon Gris

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

55
Q

What percentage of red varieties planted in Cotes de Bourg AOC are Merlot?

A

65%; the dominant red grape.

56
Q

What percentage of white varieties planted in Cotes de Bourg AOC are Sauvignon Blanc?

A

40% Sauvignon Blanc

Balance is split between Colombard (30%) & Semillon (30%).

57
Q

What is the Classification of 1855?

A

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
Q

How many chateaux were ranked on the original document for the Classification of 1855?

A

87 total:
* 1 chateau from Graves (Pessac-Leognan)
* 26 chateaux from Sauternes & Barsac
* 60 chateaux from the Medoc

59
Q

What were the 3 categories that chateaux crafting sweet wines were placed into upon the creation of the Classification of 1855?

A
  1. Premier Cru Superieur
  2. Premier Cru
  3. Deuxieme Cru
60
Q

Which sweet wine was selling for the highest price at the inception of the Classification of 1855?

A

Chateau d’Yquem

It alone bears the title Premier Cru Supiereur, for this reason.

61
Q

What changes have occurred to the Classification of 1855 since its inception?

A
  • 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
Q

Detail the current numbers of chateaux under the Classification of 1855 for each sub-region and tier.

A

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
Q

What is Cru Bourgeois?

A

This is a classification system created in 1932 and was applied to select wines in recognition of their quality.

64
Q

Name the 3 levels of Cru Bourgeois.

A
  1. Crus Bourgeois Exceptionnels
  2. Crus Bourgeios Superieurs
  3. Crus Bourgeois
65
Q

How often are the rankings for Cru Bourgeois reviewed?

A

Every 5 years

66
Q

Detail the current numbers of Medoc Crus Bourgeois in total and in each tier.

A

249 Estates ranked:
* 14 Crus Bourgois Exceptionnels
* 56 Crus Bourgeois Superieurs
* 179 Crus Bourgeois

67
Q

What is a Cru Artisan?

A

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
Q

How many Medoc Crus Artisans estates are there?

A

36 Crus Artisans

69
Q

What is the Graves classification system?

A
  • 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
Q

Detail the number of (Grand) Cru Classes de Graves.

A

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
Q

When was the Saint-Emilion classification system established?

A

1955

It was designed to be revised every 10 years.

72
Q

What are chateaux graded on when being considered under the Saint-Emilion Classification system?

A
  • 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
Q

When was the most recent revision of the Saint-Emilion Classification system?

74
Q

What is the difference between Saint-Emilion Grand Cru and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classe?

A
  • 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
Q

Detail the number of Saint-Emilion Grands Crus Classes.

A

85 Chateaux are ranked:
* 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classes A: Chateau Figeac, Chateau Pavie
* 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classes B
* 71 Grands Crus Classes

Errata

76
Q

Why were Chateaux Ausone, Cheval Blanc and Angelus removed from the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classes A rank?

A

They withdrew from consideration prior to the classification being announced.

Errata

French Wine Scholar (34 decks)

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