Bordeaux-General Flashcards
Bordeaux size
111,000 ha planted
Bordeaux % of France total vineyard area
14%
How many grape growers in Bordeaux
Over 8,000
Where do Bordeaux’s two main rivers converge?
The Gironde Estuary, which provides a moderating influence on vineyards near it.
Entre-Deux-Mers location
Between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers
Bordeaux climate type
Moderate maritime
Key moderating influences on climate include Atlantic ocean, Gironde Estuary, and Landes forest.
Average annual Médoc rainfall
950mm
Does Bordeaux have a true dry season?
No
Atlantic gulf stream effect on Bordeaux’s climate
It brings warm water up from the Caribbean and keeps Bordeaux’s climate mild
Does Bordeaux experience a diurnal shift?
No
Most planted grape Bordeaux
Merlot
What is the most planted white grape in Bordeaux?
Sémillon
Dominant grape in Bordeaux’s right bank
Merlot
Dominant grape in Bordeaux’s left bank
Cabernet Sauvignon
Color(s) of grape allowed in rosé wines in Bordeaux
Red
% Bordeaux wine production of red, white, sweet & rose
85% Red
10% Dry White
4% Rose
1% Sweet
Croupes
Mounds of warm gravel soil that allows for easy water drainage
How did the 1855 Classification get its start?
Napoleon III asked the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce to select the region’s best wines for presentation to the public
What is the 1855 Classification ranking based on?
Price
What is the only premier cru supérier wine in the 1855 Classification?
Chateau D’Yquem
Describe Place de Bordeaux
A three-tier de facto system of production, brokerage, and sales that controls the trade of wine in Bordeaux
Can a classified château in Bordeaux add to its classified holdings? How?
Yes. In the Médoc and Pomerol a château can add to its classifed holdings as long as the new parcel of land is in the same AOP as the one stated on their wine’s label.
Most common vine training Bordeaux
Guyot system
What form of the Guyot system is primarily used in the left bank?
Double
What form of the Guyot system is primarily used in the right bank?
Simple
What training system is most common in Sauternes?
Cordon-training
Why is cordon-training favored in Sauternes?
Cordon-training tends to produced smaller berries that are more susceptible to botrytis. Guyot cane-training produces larger berries more susceptible to grey rot
What is the minimum planting density in the Médoc?
7.000 plants per hectare
What spacing do many properties use in the Médoc?
1x1. Similar to Côte d’Or
Minimum planting density Right Bank (Saint-Émillion and Pomerol)?
5.500 plants per hectare
What spacing is common in the right bank?
1.3-1.5 meteres
What is the bedrock comprised of in the right bank?
Limestone
What is the maximum spacing in Entre-Deux-Mers?
2.5 meters
Describe green harvesting
The removal of bunches in the summer months. Is a routine occurance in modern Bordeaux
What is the theoretical appeal of green harvesting?
Reduces vigor and produces smaller berries with more concentrated flavor
Traditional mean of cap management in Bordeaux
Remontage - pump-over
How long does élevage typically last for a grand vin in Bordeaux?
18-24 months
