Bordeaux: Key Growing Regions Flashcards
Which properties are first growths according to the 1855 Bordeaux classification? Name the appellation in which each is found.
Ch. Lafite Rothschild, Pauillac Ch. Latour, Pauillac Ch. Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac Ch. Margaux, Margaux Ch. Haut Brion, Pessac, Graves
In Sauternes, which two bodies of water meet promoting morning mists (ideal for promoting noble rot)?
The cold Ciron river and the warmer Garonne River
Can Barsac be labelled as Sauternes?
Yes
Give a typical tasting note for Sauternes or Barsac. Note the varieties in the blend.
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle Pronounced intensity Citrus peel, honey, tropical fruit (mango), vanilla Sweet Medium to medium (+) acidity Full bodied High alcohol Very good to outstanding Mid-priced to super premium
Name 3 sweet wine appellations in Bordeaux other than Barsac and Sauternes.
Saint-Croix-du-Mont AOC
Loupiac AOC
Premières Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Wines from these appellations may be botrytis infected or late harvest.
What is the maximum yield for Saint-Croix-du-Mont AOC and Loupiac AOC? What sort of wines are made in these two appellations?
40hl/ha Sweet wines (botrytised and / or late harvest)
What is the maximum yield for Côte de Bordeaux AOC red wines?
What is the maximum yield for Côte de Bordeaux AOC red wines if a village name is appended?
55hl/ha
52hl/ha if a village name is appended
What colour is Côtes de Bordeaux AOC?
Red or white wines can be made.
Which four villages may append their name to Côte de Bordeaux AOC on the label?
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Francs Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Are Côtes de Bordeaux AOC villages found on the left or right bank?
Right bank
What are the first and second most planted grapes in Pomerol AOC?
Merlot (80%), followed by Cabernet Franc
What is the maximum yield for Pomerol AOC?
49hl/ha
What colour wines can be produced in Pomerol AOC?
Red only
Explain the classification system in Pomerol AOC
There isn’t one! Although there are many top estates here e.g. Petrus, Ch. Lafleur and Le Pin…
Wines from here are highly regarded and fetch super premium prices.
Give a typical tasting note for Pomerol AOC wines.
Pronounced instensity Red and black plum, vanilla, clove Medium (+) to high acidity Medium (+) to high tannins Full body High alcohol Very good to outstanding Premium to super premium
The best wines can age for many years in bottle
What colour wines are produced in St. Emilion AOC?
Only red
What is the maximum yield for St. Emilion AOC?
53hl/ha
What is the minimum maturation time for St. Emilion AOC?
6 months
What is the maximum yield for St. Emilion Grand Cru?
46hl/ha
What is the minimum maturation time for St. Emilion Grand Cru?
20 months
Give a typical tasting note for St. Emilion AOC wines.
Pronounced intensity Red and black plum, vanilla, clove Medium (+) to high acidity Medium (+) to high tannins Full body High alcohol
The best wines can age for many years in bottle. There is a great range of quality from simple wines made for early drinking through to top Grand Cru Classé wines that are comparable to the first growths of th 1855 classification.
What are the first and second most planted grapes in St. Emilion AOC?
Merlot (60%) followed by Cabernet Franc
Name the two largest St. Emilion Satellites
Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC
Lussac-Saint-Emilion AOC
What is the maximum yield for Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC and Lussac-Saint-Emilion AOC?
53hl/ha (same as St. Emilion AOC)
What is the minimum maturation period for Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC and Lussac-Saint-Emilion AOC?
6 months (same as St. Emilion AOC)
What colour wines are Entre Deux Mers AOC?
White only (reds from the same area are labelled Bordeaux AOC)
What is the maximum yield for Entre Deux Mers AOC?
65hl/ha
What is the quality and price of wines from Entre Deux Mers AOC?
Acceptable to good, inexpensive to mid-priced. Wines can be light in intensity.
What colour wines can be produced in Pessac-Léognan AOC?
Red and white
Pessac-Léognan AOC is a sub region within which other region?
Graves AOC
Which first growth estate from the 1855 classification can be found in Pessac-Léognan AOC?
Ch. Haut Brion
What are the maximum yields for wines from Pessac-Léognan AOC?
54hl/ha for both red and white
Give a typical tasting note for a white wine from Pessac-Léognan AOC, noting the grape varietals used.
Typically a Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc blend
Pronounced aromas of gooseberry, lemon and grapefruit with vanilla and clove notes from new oak
Medium (+) body
Medium (+) to high acidity
Medium to high alcohol
Very good to outstanding
Premium to super premium in price
What are the maximum yields for white wines from Graves AOC?
What are the maximum yields for red wines from Graves AOC?
58hl/ha for whites
55hl/ha for reds
Is there more white wine or red wine made in Graves AOC?
More red (85% of production)
What type of wines are made in Graves Superieur AOC?
Sweet wines made from botrytised or late harvest grapes
What is the maximum yield for Graves Superieur AOC?
40hl/ha