Bordeaux: Grape varieties

Question 1

What does Merlot add to a Bordeaux blend?

Answer 1

1. Merlot is the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux, very important for Premium wines on Pomerol and Saint Emilion.
2. Medium yields.
3. Mature early than Cabernet Sauvignon.
4. It produces full-bodied, moderately tannic wines.
5. It adds softness, richness and body, but need the 2 Cabernets for the aromatic fruit, colour and tannins.
6. Merlot´s softness means it is better suited to produce inexpensive wine.

Question 2

Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux Blend gives …

Answer 2

1. Moderate yields and produce tannic, full bodies wines with a characteristic blackcurrant aroma.
2. Dominates in the Haut Medoc, where it can ripe successfully.
3. Also ripes on Bas Medoc and Graves, due to the high stone/gravel content of the soils, here helps reflect heat back into the vineyard and make that ripe.
4. It can account 3/4 of the blend in the finest wines.
5. Produce tannic wines with an affinity to oak and a core of blackcurrant fruit.
6. Cabernet Sauvignon always is blend.
7. Can be age for decades.

Question 3

What does Cabernet Franc add to a Bordeaux blend

Answer 3

1. Grown in Saint Emilion.
2. Produces wines with less body, tannin and finesse than Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. More tannic than Merlot.
4. Can be market fragrance when ripe which is its key contribution to a blend.
5. When unripe is herbaceous or stalky flavours.
6. Prefers well drained soils.

Question 4

What does Petit Verdot add to a Bordeaux blend ?

Answer 4

1. It ripens fully only in very hot years.
2. It giving a very deep coloured, tannic wine which ages slowly.
3. Minor role in a blend.
4. Used mainly to add tannin, colour and some exotic spicy notes to great wines.

Question 5

What does Malbec add to a Bordeaux blend?

Answer 5

1. Usage in decreasing.
2. Used for early drinking reds.
3. Can suffer from coulure.

Question 6

What does Semillon add to a Bordeaux blend?

Answer 6

1. It is the most widely planted white variety in Bordeaux.
2. Is used widely for sweet wines. Also, dry.
3. Its thin skin make it susceptible to noble rot.
4. It give wines with a golden colour and plenty of body.
5. It is has affinity for the oak and can age well.

Question 7

What does Sauvignon Blanc add to Bordeaux blend?

Answer 7

1. In Bordeaux, produces wine herbaceous, grassy and elderflowers aromas.
2. It is used for single varietal.
3. When is blended, its high acidity acts as a counterbalance to the potential of flabbiness of the Semillon (mostly on great sweet wines).

Question 8

What does Muscadelle add to Bordeaux blend?

Answer 8

1. It has a pronounced grapey, floral flavour.
2. Play an important supporting role in sweet and dry wines.
3. Used an small percentage of any blend.