Bordeaux Left Bank Appellations

Question 1

What climatic factors benefit the Left-Bank and how?

Answer 1

The Gulf-Stream moderates and warms to climate such that the Left-Bank has a longer growing season and later harvests than the more in-land Right-Bank districts (e.g., St. Emilion, Pomerol) . This benefits the later ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The cool moist ocean breezes off the Bay of Biscay moderate summer temperatures but also bring considerable dampness (further stressing the importance of gravel for drainage). The Landes pine forests on western part of peninsula shelter the vineyards from the harsh fall winds off the Bay and also help to collect much of the rain before it reaches the eastern part of the peninsula where the vineyards are.

Question 2

What are the six Commune Appellations of the Medoc?

Answer 2

1. Saint-Estephe
2. Pauillac
3. Saint-Julien
4. Margaux,
5. Listrac, and
6. Moulis

Question 3

What three varietals dominate Bordeaux reds?

Answer 3

a. Merlot 62% – 69,138 hectares
b. Cabernet Sauvignon 25% – 28,347 hectares
c. Cabernet Franc 12% – 13,218 hectares

Question 4

What three varietals dominate Bordeaux whites?

Answer 4

a. Semillon 54% – 7,728 hectares
b. Sauvignon Blanc 36% – 5,064 hectares
c. Muscadelle 7% – 929 hectares

Question 5

Which AOC is the only one in Bordeaux to be 100 percent dedicated to white wines?

Answer 5

Entre-Deux-Mers

Question 6

What does muscadelle add to a wine?

Answer 6

Adds aromatic spiciness and grapey richness. Used in moderation, it adds another dimension to Bordeaux whites, both dry and sweet. It plays an important role in the wines of Sauternes and Barsac. It is often used in higher percentages in the lesser known Bordeaux dry white appellations where it can give a welcome aromatic lift to some wines that might otherwise be relatively neutral character.

Question 7

What is delestage?

Question 8

What is remontage in wine making?

Question 9

What is pigeage in wine making?

Question 10

What were the appellations now collectively known as Côtes de Bordeaux? What do they have in common?

Answer 10

Côtes de Blaye, Côtes de Bourg, Côtes de Francs, Côtes de Castillon and Côtes de Cadillac. But in 2009, after years of lobbying, these appellations came together under the Côtes de Bordeaux umbrella, with the exception of the Côtes de Bourg, which chose to remain separate. Blaye, Francs, Castillon and Cadillac can now use the AOC Côtes de Bordeaux, with their individual name as a prefix.

Their principal commonality is that they are all bordered by rivers, giving them some maritime influence.

Question 11

Deep gravel outcroppings and a marginal and relatively wet maritime climate are the best conditions for growing what varietal? Which Bank?

Answer 11

Left Bank Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 12

What was the system of drainage ducts called that were installed by Dutch settlers in the 17th century transformed transformed the Medoc peninsula allowing vineyards to be planted.

Answer 12

Jalles

Question 13

What is the original Left-Bank Bordeaux?

Answer 13

Graves

Question 14

How much of the original Graves remains today?

Answer 14

50%

Question 15

What is the best area of Graves today?

Answer 15

Pessac-Leognon AOP

Question 16

What are the two classification systems of he Medoc?

Answer 16

1. The AOC appellation system (c. 1935); now called Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP).
2. The 1855 classification system.

Question 17

What are the four appellation categories of the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (AOP) system?

Answer 17

1. Regional Appellations: The rules that govern these larger appellations tend to be less demanding than smaller appellations.
2. District Appellations: A district appellation is smaller than a regional but can still be very broad.
3. Commune Appellations: Smaller still and generally encompass a village.
4. Vineyard: Generally most places stop at commune but examples are: Le Montrachet Grand Cru (Burgundy) and Kirchberg de Barr (Alsace).

Question 18

What are the other French wine categories, other than AOP?

Answer 18

1. Indication Géographique Protégée (IGP)
2. Vin de France

Question 19

In what year was the new AOP, IGP, and Vin de France system implemented?

Answer 19

2012

Question 20

In The Medoc, what is the difference between a classification and an appellation?

Answer 20

While the appellation defines the geographical origin and quality standards of wines produced in a specific area, the classification is a hierarchical ranking system that recognizes the historical reputation and perceived quality of individual châteaux within that appellation.

Question 21

List the appellations of Medoc from northeast to southwest.

Answer 21

1. Saint-Estèphe: Located in the northernmost part of the Médoc, known for producing structured and tannic wines.
2. Pauillac: Situated south of Saint-Estèphe, it is home to some of the most prestigious and renowned châteaux, including Château Latour, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Lafite Rothschild.
3. Saint-Julien: Found to the south of Pauillac, this appellation is known for producing well-balanced and elegant wines, often considered a blend of the power of Pauillac and the refinement of Margaux.
4. Listrac-Médoc: Located slightly inland and west of the previous three appellations, it produces wines that are generally more approachable in their youth.
5. Moulis-en-Médoc: Situated to the west of Listrac-Médoc, it is known for producing structured and full-bodied wines with good aging potential.
6. Margaux: Located to the southwest of the previous appellations, it is considered one of the most prestigious and elegant appellations of the Médoc, producing wines known for their finesse, perfume, and longevity.
7. Haut-Médoc: Covering a large portion of the Médoc region, this appellation includes vineyards from various sub-regions that are not classified under their specific appellations. It offers a range of styles and quality levels.

Question 22

Give an example of a classification used in The Medoc.

Question 23

What is most famous classification in the Médoc is the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, also known as the Bordeaux Classification of Grands Crus Classés.

Answer 23

Grands Crus Classés

Question 24

What are the different growths or levels of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855?

Answer 24

First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growths / Crus.

Question 25

What are the different levels of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 based on?

Answer 25

hese rankings were based on the market value and reputation of the châteaux at the time of the classification and have remained relatively unchanged since then.

Question 26

Define appellation and give an example.

Answer 26

An appellation refers to a legally defined geographical area where wines are produced. That region must adhere to certain regulations regarding grape varieties, viticultural practices, winemaking techniques, and quality standards. Each appellation has its own unique terroir, which encompasses factors such as soil composition, climate, and vineyard location, influencing the characteristics of the wines produced there. Example: Pauillac AOP

Question 27

Define classification and give an example.

Answer 27

Classification refers to a ranking system that categorizes the vineyards / châteaux within a specific appellation based on their perceived quality and historical reputation. These rankings were based on the market value and reputation of the châteaux at the time of the classification and have remained relatively unchanged since then. Example: Château Lynch-Bages Cinquièmes Crus, Pauillac AOP

Question 28

What are the 5 first growths or premier cru classés of Bordeaux?

Answer 28

1. Chateau Haut-Brion Pessac-Leognon (Graves), 2. Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac) 3. Chateau Mouton-Rothschild (Pauillac), 4. Chateau Latour (Pauillac), and 5. Chateau Margaux (Margaux)

Question 29

When did the classification system od Graves become official?

Answer 29

1959

Question 30

What are the Cru / growth levels of the Graves 1959 Official Classification called? How does this differ from the 1855 classification.

Answer 30

Cru Classé. Unlike the 1855 classification, no levels exist within the system. All that are ranked are given the same status of Cru Classe.

Question 31

When was the term term Cru Bourgeois created and why?

Answer 31

In 1932 the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce created the term Cru Bourgeois to designate properties that were producing wine of exceptional level but not recognized as classed growths.

Question 32

List the top 11 producing regional appelations of Bordeaux.

Answer 32

1. Bordeaux – 285,000 hectoliters 2. St. Emilion – 254,151 hectoliters 3. Medoc – 239,642 hectoliters 4. Bordeaux Superieur – 234,431 hectoliters 5. Haut Medoc – 213,893 hectoliters 6. Margaux – 71,360 hectoliters 7. Pessac Leognan Red – 60,381 hectoliters 8. St. Estephe – 56,505 hectoliters 9. Pauillac – 55,410 hectoliters 10. St. Julien – 43,588 hectoliters 11. Pomerol – 34,850 hectoliters

Question 33

List the main regional appellations of Bourdeaux

Answer 33

**Médoc: **Located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary, the Médoc region is known for producing some of Bordeaux's finest red wines. It encompasses several renowned sub-appellations, including Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Listrac-Médoc, and Moulis-en-Médoc. **Graves: **Situated south of the city of Bordeaux, Graves is known for its red and white wines. The region is divided into two sub-appellations: Graves and Pessac-Léognan. Graves produces both red and white wines, while Pessac-Léognan focuses more on reds and is home to prestigious estates like Château Haut-Brion. **Sauternes:** Located in the southern part of Bordeaux, Sauternes is renowned for its sweet, botrytized white wines. The region produces rich, honeyed, and concentrated dessert wines, with Château d'Yquem being the most famous and prestigious estate. **Entre-Deux-Mers: **Translating to "between two seas," Entre-Deux-Mers is situated between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers. This region produces mainly dry white wines, along with some reds and rosés. **Côtes de Bordeaux:** The Côtes de Bordeaux appellation comprises several sub-appellations, including Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, and Francs. These areas produce a range of red wines that offer good value for their quality. **Bordeaux Supérieur:** This appellation covers vineyards throughout the entire Bordeaux region. Bordeaux Supérieur wines are produced using stricter regulations than generic Bordeaux wines, ensuring a certain level of quality. They can be red, white, or rosé.

Question 34

List the Entre-Deux-Mers wine appellations.

Answer 34

1. Entre-Deux-Mers AOC (for dry white wines) 2. Cadillac-Côtes de Bordeaux AOC (botrytis-affected sweet white wines) 3. Graves de Vayres AOC (for dry wines, both red and white) 4. Loupiac AOC (sweet white wines, may be affected by botrytis) 5. Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire AOC (white wines – dry (sec), off-dry (moelleux) and sweet/botrytis affected (liquoreux)). 6. Sainte-Croix-du-Mont AOC (sweet, botrytis-affected white wines) 7. Sainte-Foy-Bordeaux AOC (may be dry, off-dry, or sweet/botrytis affected white; also approved for dry reds) 8. Bordeaux Haut-Benauge (dry whites) 9. Entre-Deux-Mers Haut Benauge (dry whites) Grapes grown in the Entre-Deux-Mers area may also be bottled under the generic Bordeaux AOC (including the sub-zone of Bordeaux Haut-Benauge) or Bordeaux Supérieur AOC

Question 35

List the Right Bank appellations.

Answer 35

Saint-Émilion Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Lussac-Saint-Émilion Montagne-Saint-Émilion Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion Parsac-Saint-Émilion Pomerol Lalande-de-Pomerol Fronsac Canon-Fronsac Côtes de Bordeaux-Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux-Francs Blaye (red) Côtes de Blaye (white) Côtes de Bordeaux-Blaye (red & white) Bourg Côtes de Bordeaux-Bourg

Question 36

List the District appellations of the Left Bank Bordeaus.

Answer 36

Medoc Haut Medoc Graves Graves Superior

Question 37

List the sweet wine appellations (Sauterais).

Answer 37

Cerons (left) Barsac (left) Sauternes (left) Barsac-Sauternes Premières Côtes de Bordeaux (right) Côtes de Bordeaux-Cadillac (right) Loupiac (right) Sainte-Croix-du-Mont (right) Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire AOC (right)