Bordeaux Pt 4 - Geology, Topography and Soils Flashcards
Which region does Bordeaux lie in?
The Aquitaine region.
What does ‘Aquitaine’ mean?
It comes from the latin for ‘well watered place”.
What are the primary soils of Bordeaux?
Post the Ice-Age, sedimentary deposits, featuring gravel terraces interspersed with sand, silt and clay, plus both freshwater and salt-water limestone.
In a simple sense, what are the two soil types in Bordeaux?
“Warm” and “cool” soils.
Which soils are regarded as “warm”? Where are they found?
Gravel and sands, found primarily on the Left Bank of the Gironde and Garonne as well as in parts of Entre-Deux-Mers.
How do warm soils impact the vines?
They warm up quickly in spring, radiate warmth up into the vine canopy and are well-draining. They can extend or speed up the ripening of the grape.
Which varieties planted in Bordeaux benefit from warm soils? Why?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot which are late-ripening and need additional warmth provided by soils to ripen.
How does (1) gravel and (2) sand affect wine character?
Gravel - Structure and firm tannins;
Sands - opulent, soft and fruit -forward , easily drinkable.
Which soils are regarded as “cool”? Where are they mainly found?
Clay and Limestone - found mainly on the right bank of the Gironde and Dordogne and on the hillsides of Entre-Deux-Mers.
How do cool soils impact the vines?
They dont warm up as quickly as they are both dense and water-retaining and do not speed up the ripening process.
Which varieties in Bordeaux do ok from cool soils? Why?
Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc which are early-ripening and therefore dont need extended heat to ripen fully.
How do (1) clay and (2) limestone affect wine character?
Clay - wines with noticeable texture;
Limestone - wines with pronounced acidity and lean, polished tannins.
What is the overall topography of the Left Bank?
Mostly flat.Expanse of gravel mounds.
Elevation - 100-140 ft/30-40 m ASL
What is the overall topography of the Right Bank?
String of small hills, interspersed by plateau and deep valleys.
Highest elevation - 377 ft/115 m in east at Saint-Foyes Cotes de Bordeaux;
What is the overall topography of the Entre-Deux-Mers?
It has some significant slopes ideal for vineyards.
