BORDEAUX REDS

Question 1

What grape is dominated in a blend from the left bank? What % is found in the blend?

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon, 75% can be found in the blend

Question 2

What are the regions, and sub regions for the left bank called from N->S? What grapes are grown where?

Answer 2

Medoc, Haut-Medoc (St Estephe, Paulliac, St Julien, Margeaux sub appellations known for cab S.), Graves (Pessac-Leognan sub appelation known for cab S.), Sauternes (known for sweet wines, mainly Semillon).

Question 3

Why is Cab Sauv able to grow in the left bank? What does the soil do?

Answer 3

The soil has a high gravel content, which retains heat and provides good drainage. Assists with ripening in Maritime climate.

Question 4

What is the difference of a high quality cabernet sauvignon between Haut-Medoc and Pessac Leognan?

Answer 4

Haut Medoc: blackcurrant, cedar, full body.
Pessac Leognan: lighter body, more fragrant.

Question 5

What appellations are found in the right bank? What is grown there?

Answer 5

The appellations of the right bank are Saint Emilion and Pomerol, known for their Merlot dominated wines.

Question 6

What is the soil like in the right bank? What red grapes of Bordeaux is it more suited for?

Answer 6

The soil of the right bank is made of clay, more suitable for Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Question 7

Where is Cabernet Franc grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 7

Plantings are more commonly found in the right bank

Question 8

What are the 4 reds of Bordeaux?

Answer 8

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot

Question 9

What does petit verdot contribute to a wine? Is it dominant in blends?

Answer 9

Colour, tannins, spicy notes. It is a small contribution to blends in Bordeaux.

Question 10

What is the difference of a Merlot from Pomerol and Saint Emilion?

Answer 10

Pomerol produces richer and spicier wines than Saint Emilion.

Question 11

What are the lesser-value, broader appellations in Bordeaux? What are they labelled as?

Answer 11

Blaye, Cadillac, Castillion and Francs. Labelled as _____ Cotes de Bordeaux.

Question 12

What is grown in Cahors?

Answer 12

Malbec is most widely found in Cahors

Question 13

What are the 2 rivers in Bordeaux? What do they form?

Answer 13

The Dordogne river and the Garonne river meet and form the Gironde Estuary.

Question 14

What is the appellation called between the Dordogne and Garonne rivers?

Answer 14

Entre-deux-mers

Question 15

What does Bordeaux use to age the top quality wines?

Answer 15

225L Barriques.

Question 16

Explain Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux. (Characteristics of the grape, difficulties with growing it, where its found, etc)

Answer 16

Thick skinned grape, has difficulties ripening in the maritime climate due to cloud coverage from maritime rains. It is found predominantly in the left bank appellaitons (medoc, H.Medoc - Saint estephe, Pomerol, St julien, Margeaux)

Question 17

Explain Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux. Where is it mostly grown?

Answer 17

Cabernet Franc is most widely grown in Saint Emilion, and contributes mostly to blends.

Question 18

Explain Merlot in Bordeaux. Where is it grown? What soil is it grown in? What varieties of Merlot wines are found?

Answer 18

Merlot is mainly grown in the right bank (Pomerol and St. Emilion) and the four different Cotes de Bordeaux appellations (Blaye, Cadillac, Castillion, Francs). It grows well in cooler soils and can grow in the clay soils of the right bank. It is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux and can be expensive or inexpensive and mass-produced.

Question 19

What protects the growing area of Bordeaux?

Answer 19

The landes forest and the sand dunes act as a natural barrier from atlantic storms

Question 20

What stream affects the climate in Bordeaux? What does it contribute?

Answer 20

The gulf stream from the Caribbean. It moderates the climate with warm winds.

Question 21

How long is Cabernet sauvignon matured for in a barrel?

Answer 21

12-18 months avg

Question 22

How long is Merlot matured for in a barrel?

Answer 22

12-18 months avg

Question 23

What temperature does fermentation occur for Cabernet Sauvignon and why?

Answer 23

26-30 degrees celsius. this is cool enough to promote fresh fruit flavours and warm enough for fermentation to occur.

Question 24

What are the 2 styles of Merlot? explain.

Answer 24

International style: late harvested grapes to promote deep purple colour and black fruit (plum, blackberry) flavours. Matured in new oak.

Bordeaux style: Harvesting earlier to promote red fruit characters, medium body and alcohol with higher acidity.