Bordeaux - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, with extended growing seasons and high rainfall.
How does the Landes forest benefit Bordeaux vineyards?
It protects the vineyards from Atlantic storms.
Why is vintage variation significant in Bordeaux?
Rainfall during flowering, fruit set, or harvest can affect grape quality and ripeness.
How do canopy management improvements affect Bordeaux wines?
They result in healthier grapes and better sugar and flavor development.
What are the four primary black grape varieties in Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon most commonly grown in Bordeaux?
In the Haut-Médoc, Bas-Médoc, and Graves, where gravel soils provide warmth for ripening.
What role does Merlot play in Bordeaux blends?
It adds softness and is often the dominant variety in Right Bank wines like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.
Why is Petit Verdot used in Bordeaux blends?
Adds tannin, color, and spicy notes, but only ripens fully in very hot years.
What are the key characteristics of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux?
Medium body, less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon, with vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe, but herbaceous flavors if unripe.
What are the three main white grape varieties in Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.
Why is Sémillon important in sweet Bordeaux wines?
Its thin skin makes it susceptible to noble rot.
Why is Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon in sweet Bordeaux wines?
To add acidity and fresh fruit flavors, complementing Sémillon’s richness.
What is the role of Muscadelle in Bordeaux blends?
Adds floral and grapey notes, often used in small quantities.
What distinguishes Bordeaux Supérieur from Bordeaux?
Stricter appellation rules and higher minimum alcohol levels.
What is Clairet?
A deeper-colored, fuller-bodied style of rosé popular in France.
What are the top four communes in the Haut-Médoc?
Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux.
How do Left Bank wines differ from Right Bank wines?
Left Bank wines are Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant; Right Bank wines are Merlot-dominant.
What is the key characteristic of Saint-Émilion wines?
Medium to high tannins with a rich mouthfeel and red berry and plum aromas.
How does Pomerol wine differ from Saint-Émilion wine?
Pomerol wines tend to be richer with spicier blackberry fruit.
What is “vins de garage”?
Small-production, high-quality wines made with no expense spared, mostly in the Right Bank.
What are the Côtes de Bordeaux appellations?
Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, and Francs.
What is the primary style of wines from Côtes de Bordeaux?
Merlot-based, early-drinking red wines offering good value.
What is the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation known for?
Producing dry white wines.
Which Bordeaux appellation produces the finest dry white wines?
Pessac-Léognan.
What is the primary sweet wine appellation in Bordeaux?
Sauternes.
What grape variety dominates sweet Bordeaux wines like Sauternes?
Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
What creates ideal conditions for noble rot in Bordeaux?
Misty autumn mornings and warm, sunny afternoons near the Garonne and Ciron rivers.
What is unique about Barsac wines?
Producers can label them as Barsac or Sauternes.
What distinguishes Haut-Médoc wines?
High Cabernet Sauvignon content with blackcurrant and cedar notes.
What are the top classifications in the Médoc and Sauternes?
1855 Classification, including First Growths like Château Lafite Rothschild and Château d’Yquem.
How does gravel soil affect Bordeaux wines?
It provides excellent drainage and warmth, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.
How is blending used in Bordeaux winemaking?
Balances flavors, tannins, and structure using multiple grape varieties.
What is the primary style of wines from Médoc?
Medium to full-bodied reds, often with more Merlot in the blend than Haut-Médoc wines.
What is the Graves appellation known for?
Producing both red and white wines, with Pessac-Léognan being the top sub-region.
How are premium Bordeaux dry whites aged?
Often fermented and matured in oak barrels for richness and complexity.
What characterizes generic Bordeaux wines?
Medium-bodied, easy-drinking wines with ripe fruit and occasional oak notes.
Why is noble rot unpredictable in Bordeaux?
Its development depends on specific weather conditions, which vary year to year.
What is the significance of the Ciron river for Sauternes?
It creates misty conditions ideal for noble rot.
Why are appellations like Côtes de Bourg not part of Côtes de Bordeaux?
They chose not to join the group despite producing similar Merlot-based wines.
How does clay soil benefit Merlot in Bordeaux?
Clay retains moisture and stays cooler, allowing Merlot to thrive and ripen fully.
What role does oak aging play in Bordeaux wines?
Adds structure, complexity, and flavors like vanilla, toast, and spice.
What is the difference between Saint-Julien and Margaux wines?
Saint-Julien wines are balanced and structured; Margaux wines are more perfumed and elegant.
Why is vintage variation significant in Bordeaux?
The region’s maritime climate leads to inconsistent weather conditions, affecting grape ripeness and wine quality.
How do canopy management techniques reduce rot in Bordeaux?
They improve airflow and sunlight exposure, leading to healthier grapes.
What are the primary flavors of Pomerol wines?
Rich blackberry and plum with spicy and earthy undertones.
What is a distinctive feature of Château d’Yquem?
It is the only Premier Cru Supérieur in Sauternes, known for its exquisite sweet wines.
How are sweet wines like Sauternes harvested?
By hand, in multiple passes, to select botrytis-affected grapes.
What distinguishes Entre-Deux-Mers wines?
They are exclusively dry white wines, often with high acidity and grassy notes from Sauvignon Blanc.
What is the main advantage of blending in Bordeaux?
It mitigates risks from vintage variation by using different grape varieties.
What does the term “cru classé” signify in Bordeaux?
It refers to classified growths, indicating quality within certain classifications.
Why are noble rot wines from Sauternes balanced despite their sweetness?
High acidity offsets the sugar, creating a harmonious wine.
What is a defining characteristic of Margaux wines?
Perfumed aromas with a silky, elegant texture.
Why is Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon in sweet Bordeaux wines?
To add acidity and fresh fruit flavors, complementing Sémillon’s richness.
What is the role of the gravelly soils in the Médoc?
They provide excellent drainage and retain heat, aiding Cabernet Sauvignon ripening.
How do premium Bordeaux wines handle fermentation?
Often use small oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the wine’s style.
What are the aging potential and characteristics of Left Bank Bordeaux wines?
High tannins and acidity give them long aging potential, developing complex flavors like leather and earth over time.
What is the significance of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux?
It divides the vineyards into three main areas: Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers.
Why is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant in the Left Bank?
Gravel soils in the Left Bank provide warmth and drainage, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen fully.
What makes Pessac-Léognan unique within Graves?
It produces both high-quality red and dry white wines, some of which are eligible for cru classé status.
How does the blending tradition benefit Bordeaux winemaking?
It allows winemakers to adjust for vintage variation and create balanced wines.
