Bordeaux Pt 5 - Grapes Flashcards
Which grape varieties make up 97% of plantings in Bordeaux?
Three red - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc;
Three white - Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
Which Bordeaux red varieties are being affected by global warming?
Petit Verdot - which is ripening more regularly and becoming fashionable:
Merlot - which is ripening to high alcohol levels and its role in blends may need to reduce.
How is white wine styles changing in Bordeaux?
Sweet wines from Semillon are declining and Sauvignon Blanc varietals is on the rise.
What was the cause of Sauvignon Blancs being robbed of their aromas in Bordeaux?
Copper-sulfate sprays were found to be robbing the aromas. Whites were mineral with herbal undertones but more judicious use of sprays has changed this.
Which red varieties dominate the Left Bank?
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Which red varieties dominate the Right Bank?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Which grapes dominate the Bordeaux white wines?
Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Ugni Blanc and Colombard are found in the Cotes de Blaye.
Which new varieties are being planted in Bordeaux to combat climate change?
Red - Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan and Touriga Nacional;
White - Alvarinho and Liliorila
What are the limits on the new varieties?
5% in vineyard area;
10% in the blend.
What are the % of varieties planted in Bordeaux?
Merlot - 59%;
Cab. Sauv. - 20%;
Cab. Franc - 8%;
Semillon - 5%;
Sauv. Blanc - 5%;
Other - 3%.
Note SB has caught up with Semilllon.
What are the three main white grapes used in AOC wines?
Semillon; Sauvignon Blanc; Muscadelle.
What makes Semillon suitable for sweet wines of Bordeaux?
It is susceptible to botrytis;
Wines are aged in oak barriques and semillon has a natural affinity to oak.
How is Sauvignon Blanc used in Bordeaux?
It now dominates the dry whites and mainly varietal.
How is Muscadelle used in Bordeaux?
As an intensely aromatic grape it is used (5% approx.) to boost the aromatics of sweet wines.
What does Sauvignon Gris add to wines?
It adds depth and texture to wines and a muskier aromatic profile.
What are the main red varieties used in Bordeaux AOC wines?
Merlot; Cab. Sauvignon; Cab Franc; Malbec (Cot); Petit Verdot; Carmenere.
What is the most widely-planted red in Bordeaux?
Merlot
What does Merlot add to Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines?
It adds “flesh” to the skeletal structure.
What does Merlot add to Cabernet Franc-based wines?
It adds fruit to herbal/leafy flavor profile.
Where is Cab. Sauvignon the backbone of wines? What does it add?
On the Left Bank. Its inherent tannin and acidic structure crafts ageable wines.
Where is Cab. Franc: a significant partner in the blends?; the backbone of wines?
It is 30-35% of the blend in St Emilion. It is the backbone of Cotes red blends.
What does Cab. Franc add to blends?
It has a similar structure and flavour profiles to Cab. Sauvignon but to a lesser degree. It also has a leafy tea-like character.
Where is Malbec mainly found in Bordeaux?
Bourg, Blaye and Entre-Deux-Mers.
What does Malbec add to blends?
Its low acidity softens a blend and adds black fruit.
What does Petit Verdot add to blends?
It adds tannin, pigment and spice.
Why is Carmenere rarely found in Bordeaux?
It succumbed to the fungal diseases of the 1800’s and was not replanted on a large scale.
