Bordeaux Region

Question 1

Classifications

Answer 1

Cru Classes
1855 - 5 tier classification of 61 producers in Graves, Medoc, Sauternais
Saint-Emilion - top quality producers in region
Graves - Producers in Graves dating back to 1953

Crus
Bourgeois - Producers in Medoc that test wines to meet certain criteria
Artisans - A syndicate of small artisan producers in Medoc

Bordeaux
Appellations - specific areas (37 appellations)
Superieur - regional wines with higher production standards than AOP/AOC
AOP/AOC - basic regional wines

Question 2

Location/Climate

Answer 2

South Western France (not too far south though) - edge is at the Atlantic Ocean

Divided by the Gironde Estuary and along the Gironde river

Temperate maritime climate with moderate summers and no dry season

Influenced by Atlantic Ocean, Gulf Stream, Gironde River/Estuary

Question 3

Grapes

Answer 3

Red Blend (80%), Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon (5%), Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot (4%), Cabernet Franc-Merlot (4%), White Blend (3%), Merlot (2%), Semillon (2%)

Question 4

Terroir

Answer 4

Left Bank - Gravel Based

Right Bank - clay and limestone

Question 5

Wine Characteristics

Answer 5

Balance of alcohol, acidity, and tannins

Dark fruits, florals, earthiness, black cherry, coffee, spice, tobacco

Can be powerful, firm, tannic

Question 6

Medoc (left bank)

Answer 6

Cab Sav based wines grown in clay and gravel soils

Winds tend to deliver earthy fruit, grippy tannins, and a medium to full body

Famous regions include Paulliac, Saint Estephe, Haut-Medoc

(Black cherry, charcoal, anise, smoke, blackberry)

Question 7

Libournais (right bank)

Answer 7

Merlot based wines that deliver bold cherry, tobacco, and chocolate tannins

Best wine yards are around Pomerol and Saint Emilion where there is a lot of clay soil

(Black cherry, tobacco, plum, anise, cocoa powder)

Question 8

Bordeaux Blanc

Answer 8

Less than 10% of production

Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle grapes

Often found in sandy soils of Entre-Deux-Mets region

(Grapefruit, lime, chamomile, crushed rocks)

Question 9

Region - Sauternais

Answer 9

This region among others is known for collecting fog from the Garonne River causing grapes to grow with a fungus that concentrates the grapes making very sweet wines

(Apricot, marmalade, honey, ginger, tropical fruit)