Bordeaux - Overview and Geography Flashcards
When was the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine created?
1935
Created to delimit and enforce France’s appellation system
How much volume does Bordeaux make?
Nearly 111,500 hectares
Second largest area after Languedoc
Largest AOC/AOP region
When did wine production start in Bordeaux?
4th century AD - near Garonne
Who provided framework for the Medoc wine region?
The Dutch - created complex series of drainage channels making it suitable for viticulture in the mid-1600s
When was Bordeaux ruled by England?
1152-1453 AD
What are courtiers?
Brokers of wine
Powerful force in the Medoc - supplied chateaux with financial backing while gaining total control over the actual wine trade
How did Bordeaux have an advantage on international distribution?
Pre-existing English thirst for claret
Dutch trade market was thriving
Proximity to the Atlantic/trade was huge for the region
What are en primeur sales?
Started by the courtiers
Yearly offering of Bordeaux wine as futures
Talk about Bordeaux wine region today
Great disparity between estates that have power/money/influence and those that don’t.
Great chateau will have architectural grandeur, wine tech, terroir, experience and expanse. Smaller ones will not and seem a lot more rustic/behind.
What does a typical Bordeaux chateau produce?
A single Grand Vin from the estate comprised of fruit from estate vineyards.
Some produce a red and white.
Some produce a less expensive “second wine” from fruit inappropriate for a Grand Vin.
What is the climate in Bordeaux?
Mostly maritime - Atlantic and Gironde estuary acting as moderating influences. Protects from winter freezes and spring frost.
Short winters, damp spring and high temp summers.
More continental towards St. Emillion and Pomerol
What protects the vineyards from high winds in Bordeaux?
Coastal pine forests in the Medoc. Protects from harsh west and northwest winds.
What are problems in Bordeaux around wetness/humidity?
Wet spring and humidity of the region can result in severe mold and rot. Autumn humidity = great for sweet wines. Colder years, gray rot can come and destroy fruit.
What is applied to the vineyards to avoid fungal problems in Bordeaux?
The Bordeaux mixture: lime, sulfate and water
How are dry white wines labeled in Bordeaux?
Sec
Bordeaux AOP Overview
Wines may be red, white, rose or clairet. Base level quality
Describe clairet wines
Darker, more aromatic style of Rose that evokes the original wines shipped to England in the Middle Ages
What are the six red grapes allowed in Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenere
What is assemblage?
Blend
Describe Merlot in Bordeaux
- Most widely planted
- Earliest to ripen
- Prefers clay-based soils to delay natural vigor
- Fleshy, juicy texture
- Dominates the Right Bank
Describe Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux
- Prefers well-drained gravel; allows the root system to dig deeply and slight water stress adds to concentration
- Gives wine structure, power and longevity
- Highly pigmented/tannic
- Left Bank dominates (2/3 of blend)
Describe Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux
- Likes limestone-based soils; promotes acidity and freshness
- Imparts herbal spice and red fruit
- Dominates more on the Right Bank
Describe blends on the Right Bank
Typically…
3/4 Merlot
1/4 Cabernet Franc
Describe blends on the Left Bank
Typically…
2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon
1/3 Merlot
Describe Petit Verdot in Bordeaux
- Last grape to ripen
- Occasionally added to Left Bank in small quantities for color, depth, and perfume
- Non-existent on Right Bank
Describe Malbec in Bordeaux
- Known as Pressac on the Right Bank
- Performs like Merlot in the blend
- Infrequently encountered
Describe Carmenere in Bordeaux
Virtually extinct
Which white grapes are allowed in Bordeaux AOP?
Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle, Sauvignon Gris
Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc, Colombard - restricted to 30% max
Describe Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux
- High acidity, pungency and citrus
- Often leavened with Semillon and rounded with oak
- Best wines achieve creamy, waxy texture while emitting aromas of honey/beeswax
Describe Muscadelle in Bordeaux
- Added sparingly to white blends
- Intense floral character can overtake wine’s balance
Describe red wine oak aging in Bordeaux
Top chateaus will often age its red wines up to two years in barriques (225 liters). Large percent new each vintage.
Describe white wine aging in Bordeaux
- From a top Graves site, will be aged in new oak
- Best whites spend 12-16 months in barrel
Describe Bordeaux Superieur AOP
Red and off-dry whites with higher minimum alcohol content
Describe Cremant de Bordeaux AOP
Traditional method sparkling wines
