Bordeaux Pt 5 - Grapes

Question 1

Which grape varieties make up 97% of plantings in Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Three red - Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc;
Three white - Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

Question 2

Which Bordeaux red varieties are being affected by global warming?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

How is white wine styles changing in Bordeaux?

Answer 3

Sweet wines from Semillon are declining and Sauvignon Blanc varietals is on the rise.

Question 4

What was the cause of Sauvignon Blancs being robbed of their aromas in Bordeaux?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Which red varieties dominate the Left Bank?

Answer 5

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Question 6

Which red varieties dominate the Right Bank?

Answer 6

Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Question 7

Which grapes dominate the Bordeaux white wines?

Answer 7

Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Ugni Blanc and Colombard are found in the Cotes de Blaye.

Question 8

Which new varieties are being planted in Bordeaux to combat climate change?

Answer 8

Red - Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan and Touriga Nacional;
White - Alvarinho and Liliorila

Question 9

What are the limits on the new varieties?

Answer 9

5% in vineyard area;
10% in the blend.

Question 10

What are the % of varieties planted in Bordeaux?

Answer 10

Merlot - 59%;
Cab. Sauv. - 20%;
Cab. Franc - 8%;
Semillon - 5%;
Sauv. Blanc - 5%;
Other - 3%.
Note SB has caught up with Semilllon.

Question 11

What are the three main white grapes used in AOC wines?

Answer 11

Semillon; Sauvignon Blanc; Muscadelle.

Question 12

What makes Semillon suitable for sweet wines of Bordeaux?

Answer 12

It is susceptible to botrytis;
Wines are aged in oak barriques and semillon has a natural affinity to oak.

Question 13

How is Sauvignon Blanc used in Bordeaux?

Answer 13

It now dominates the dry whites and mainly varietal.

Question 14

How is Muscadelle used in Bordeaux?

Answer 14

As an intensely aromatic grape it is used (5% approx.) to boost the aromatics of sweet wines.

Question 15

What does Sauvignon Gris add to wines?

Answer 15

It adds depth and texture to wines and a muskier aromatic profile.

Question 16

What are the main red varieties used in Bordeaux AOC wines?

Answer 16

Merlot; Cab. Sauvignon; Cab Franc; Malbec (Cot); Petit Verdot; Carmenere.

Question 17

What is the most widely-planted red in Bordeaux?

Answer 17

Merlot

Question 18

What does Merlot add to Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines?

Answer 18

It adds “flesh” to the skeletal structure.

Question 19

What does Merlot add to Cabernet Franc-based wines?

Answer 19

It adds fruit to herbal/leafy flavor profile.

Question 20

Where is Cab. Sauvignon the backbone of wines? What does it add?

Answer 20

On the Left Bank. Its inherent tannin and acidic structure crafts ageable wines.

Question 21

Where is Cab. Franc: a significant partner in the blends?; the backbone of wines?

Answer 21

It is 30-35% of the blend in St Emilion. It is the backbone of Cotes red blends.

Question 22

What does Cab. Franc add to blends?

Answer 22

It has a similar structure and flavour profiles to Cab. Sauvignon but to a lesser degree. It also has a leafy tea-like character.

Question 23

Where is Malbec mainly found in Bordeaux?

Answer 23

Bourg, Blaye and Entre-Deux-Mers.

Question 24

What does Malbec add to blends?

Answer 24

Its low acidity softens a blend and adds black fruit.

Question 25

What does Petit Verdot add to blends?

Answer 25

It adds tannin, pigment and spice.

Question 26

Why is Carmenere rarely found in Bordeaux?

Answer 26

It succumbed to the fungal diseases of the 1800’s and was not replanted on a large scale.