Bordeaux - FWS Flashcards
What are considered “Warm Soils” in BDX? Where are they?
Gravel & Sand. These become warm from sun and retain heat, while radiating heat back on to vine canopy, keeping ambient temperature above 50°F and ripening grapes. Mostly found on the Left Bank with Cab Sauv and Petite Verdot.
What are considered “cool soils” in Bdx, and where are they located?
Cold soils: clay and limestone. moisture retaining, do not hasten ripening process. Located mostly in warmer Right Bank. Preferred grapes: CF, Malbec, Merlot
Are the soils in Bordeaux a result of glacier/ice age movement or volcanic/seismic activity?
the alluvial and marine sediments found in BDX are a result of inter-glacial melt.
What is the largest man made forest in Bordeaux and why was it planted?
Les Landes were planted as a weather-break from the cold winds of the Pacific.
Name the natural phenomenas that affect or moderate the climate of Bordeaux.
Gulf Stream warms and regulates temperatures.
Les Landes pine forest provides a barrier from Atlantic winds and storms.
Dordogne, Garonne, Ceron, and Gironde Estuary
33in/rain per year.
What is the largest production region is France by area?
Bordeaux (63x78miles, 297,000 acres). 5x the size of Bourgogne
What is the most planted grape in Bdx?
Merlot
What are the lesser white grape varieties of Bordeaux?
Ugni Blanc, colombard, merlot blanc, chenin, folle blanche, mauzac, ondenc.
What are the lesser red grape Varieties of Bdx?
malbec, petite verdot, carmenere
As a rule of thumb, one vine of botrytized grapes yields how many glasses of wine?
1 to 3 glasses.
What is the difference between Claret, Clairet, Clarette?
Claret: general British term regarding BDX style red wines.
Clairet: deep rosé, or semi-red wine from BDX. saignee with 24-36 hours maceration.
Clarette: grape in the Rhône
What is the minimum sur lie aging for Crémant de Bordeaux?
9 mos min sur lie (same as all crémants)
