Bordeaux - Whites

Question 1

Bordeaux weather risks

And effects

Answer 1

Rainfall: disrupts flowering and fruitset, promotes rot and dilutes flavour

High humidity: Mildew

Question 2

Bordeaux risk management?

Answer 2

Canopy management

Different varietals with varying development timings spread the risk.

Question 3

The most important white grape in Bordeaux?

And why?

Answer 3

Sémillon

Adds body when blended to Sauvignon Blanc wines from Pessac-Leognan and Graves.

Question 4

What does Sauvignon Blanc give to white Bordeaux blends?

Answer 4

High acidity, especially necessary for sweet wines.

Question 5

The third white grape of Bordeaux?
What does to do for a blend?

Check this in da book

Answer 5

Muscadelle
Adds grapey floral flavour.
Only used sparingly.

Question 6

Are Pessac-Léognan wines oaked?

Answer 6

Oh yes.

Fermented and matured in new oak barrels.

Question 7

Sweet blended wine from Bordeaux… name 3 grapes

Answer 7

Semillon (affinity for noble rot)
Sauvignon Blanc (acidity)
and sometimes a little Muscadelle (grapey and floral notes)

Question 8

Describe the style of premium Pessac-Léognan

Answer 8

Fermented and matured in new oak

Rich, concentrated nutty flavours overlaying the fruit

Question 9

Sauternes… oaked or not?

Answer 9

Yes. Fermented and matured in new oak for upto three years

Question 10

Sauterne’s grapes… name them (3)

Answer 10

Semillon (noble rot)
Sauvignon Blanc (for acidity)
Muscadelle (hint of grapey floralness)

Question 11

Cru Bourgeois, what is it?

Answer 11

It’s awarded to wines of a specific vintage.

It is not awarded to the chateau.

Question 12

Entre-Deux-Mers…
Name the rivers that bound it
Red, white or both?
Predominant grape?

Answer 12

The Dordogne to the north
The Garonne to the south
Only WHITE wines (reds must have an appellation)
Predominant grape is Sauvignon Blanc (unoaked)

Question 13

The Barsac applellation in Bordeaux…
Where is it?
Style

Answer 13

Its an appelation that lies within Sauternes

Wines can carry either name