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WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise > Bordeaux - WSET L3 in Wines > Flashcards

Bordeaux - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards

1
Q

What is the climate of Bordeaux?

A

Moderate maritime climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, with extended growing seasons and high rainfall.

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2
Q

How does the Landes forest benefit Bordeaux vineyards?

A

It protects the vineyards from Atlantic storms.

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3
Q

Why is vintage variation significant in Bordeaux?

A

Rainfall during flowering, fruit set, or harvest can affect grape quality and ripeness.

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4
Q

How do canopy management improvements affect Bordeaux wines?

A

They result in healthier grapes and better sugar and flavor development.

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5
Q

What are the four primary black grape varieties in Bordeaux?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot

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6
Q

Where is Cabernet Sauvignon most commonly grown in Bordeaux?

A

In the Haut-Médoc, Bas-Médoc, and Graves, where gravel soils provide warmth for ripening.

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7
Q

What role does Merlot play in Bordeaux blends?

A

It adds softness and is often the dominant variety in Right Bank wines like Saint-Émilion and Pomerol.

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8
Q

Why is Petit Verdot used in Bordeaux blends?

A

Adds tannin, color, and spicy notes, but only ripens fully in very hot years.

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9
Q

What are the key characteristics of Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux?

A

Medium body, less tannic than Cabernet Sauvignon, with vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe, but herbaceous flavors if unripe.

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10
Q

What are the three main white grape varieties in Bordeaux?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle.

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11
Q

Why is Sémillon important in sweet Bordeaux wines?

A

Its thin skin makes it susceptible to noble rot.

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12
Q

Why is Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon in sweet Bordeaux wines?

A

To add acidity and fresh fruit flavors, complementing Sémillon’s richness.

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13
Q

What is the role of Muscadelle in Bordeaux blends?

A

Adds floral and grapey notes, often used in small quantities.

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14
Q

What distinguishes Bordeaux Supérieur from Bordeaux?

A

Stricter appellation rules and higher minimum alcohol levels.

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15
Q

What is Clairet?

A

A deeper-colored, fuller-bodied style of rosé popular in France.

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16
Q

What are the top four communes in the Haut-Médoc?

A

Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux.

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17
Q

How do Left Bank wines differ from Right Bank wines?

A

Left Bank wines are Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant; Right Bank wines are Merlot-dominant.

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18
Q

What is the key characteristic of Saint-Émilion wines?

A

Medium to high tannins with a rich mouthfeel and red berry and plum aromas.

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19
Q

How does Pomerol wine differ from Saint-Émilion wine?

A

Pomerol wines tend to be richer with spicier blackberry fruit.

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20
Q

What is “vins de garage”?

A

Small-production, high-quality wines made with no expense spared, mostly in the Right Bank.

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21
Q

What are the Côtes de Bordeaux appellations?

A

Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, and Francs.

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22
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Côtes de Bordeaux?

A

Merlot-based, early-drinking red wines offering good value.

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23
Q

What is the Entre-Deux-Mers appellation known for?

A

Producing dry white wines.

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24
Q

Which Bordeaux appellation produces the finest dry white wines?

A

Pessac-Léognan.

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25
Q

What is the primary sweet wine appellation in Bordeaux?

A

Sauternes.

26
Q

What grape variety dominates sweet Bordeaux wines like Sauternes?

A

Sémillon, complemented by Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.

27
Q

What creates ideal conditions for noble rot in Bordeaux?

A

Misty autumn mornings and warm, sunny afternoons near the Garonne and Ciron rivers.

28
Q

What is unique about Barsac wines?

A

Producers can label them as Barsac or Sauternes.

29
Q

What distinguishes Haut-Médoc wines?

A

High Cabernet Sauvignon content with blackcurrant and cedar notes.

30
Q

What are the top classifications in the Médoc and Sauternes?

A

1855 Classification, including First Growths like Château Lafite Rothschild and Château d’Yquem.

31
Q

How does gravel soil affect Bordeaux wines?

A

It provides excellent drainage and warmth, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.

32
Q

How is blending used in Bordeaux winemaking?

A

Balances flavors, tannins, and structure using multiple grape varieties.

33
Q

What is the primary style of wines from Médoc?

A

Medium to full-bodied reds, often with more Merlot in the blend than Haut-Médoc wines.

34
Q

What is the Graves appellation known for?

A

Producing both red and white wines, with Pessac-Léognan being the top sub-region.

35
Q

How are premium Bordeaux dry whites aged?

A

Often fermented and matured in oak barrels for richness and complexity.

36
Q

What characterizes generic Bordeaux wines?

A

Medium-bodied, easy-drinking wines with ripe fruit and occasional oak notes.

37
Q

Why is noble rot unpredictable in Bordeaux?

A

Its development depends on specific weather conditions, which vary year to year.

38
Q

What is the significance of the Ciron river for Sauternes?

A

It creates misty conditions ideal for noble rot.

39
Q

Why are appellations like Côtes de Bourg not part of Côtes de Bordeaux?

A

They chose not to join the group despite producing similar Merlot-based wines.

40
Q

How does clay soil benefit Merlot in Bordeaux?

A

Clay retains moisture and stays cooler, allowing Merlot to thrive and ripen fully.

41
Q

What role does oak aging play in Bordeaux wines?

A

Adds structure, complexity, and flavors like vanilla, toast, and spice.

42
Q

What is the difference between Saint-Julien and Margaux wines?

A

Saint-Julien wines are balanced and structured; Margaux wines are more perfumed and elegant.

43
Q

Why is vintage variation significant in Bordeaux?

A

The region’s maritime climate leads to inconsistent weather conditions, affecting grape ripeness and wine quality.

44
Q

How do canopy management techniques reduce rot in Bordeaux?

A

They improve airflow and sunlight exposure, leading to healthier grapes.

45
Q

What are the primary flavors of Pomerol wines?

A

Rich blackberry and plum with spicy and earthy undertones.

46
Q

What is a distinctive feature of Château d’Yquem?

A

It is the only Premier Cru Supérieur in Sauternes, known for its exquisite sweet wines.

47
Q

How are sweet wines like Sauternes harvested?

A

By hand, in multiple passes, to select botrytis-affected grapes.

48
Q

What distinguishes Entre-Deux-Mers wines?

A

They are exclusively dry white wines, often with high acidity and grassy notes from Sauvignon Blanc.

49
Q

What is the main advantage of blending in Bordeaux?

A

It mitigates risks from vintage variation by using different grape varieties.

50
Q

What does the term “cru classé” signify in Bordeaux?

A

It refers to classified growths, indicating quality within certain classifications.

51
Q

Why are noble rot wines from Sauternes balanced despite their sweetness?

A

High acidity offsets the sugar, creating a harmonious wine.

52
Q

What is a defining characteristic of Margaux wines?

A

Perfumed aromas with a silky, elegant texture.

53
Q

Why is Sauvignon Blanc blended with Sémillon in sweet Bordeaux wines?

A

To add acidity and fresh fruit flavors, complementing Sémillon’s richness.

54
Q

What is the role of the gravelly soils in the Médoc?

A

They provide excellent drainage and retain heat, aiding Cabernet Sauvignon ripening.

55
Q

How do premium Bordeaux wines handle fermentation?

A

Often use small oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, depending on the wine’s style.

56
Q

What are the aging potential and characteristics of Left Bank Bordeaux wines?

A

High tannins and acidity give them long aging potential, developing complex flavors like leather and earth over time.

57
Q

What is the significance of the Gironde Estuary in Bordeaux?

A

It divides the vineyards into three main areas: Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers.

58
Q

Why is Cabernet Sauvignon dominant in the Left Bank?

A

Gravel soils in the Left Bank provide warmth and drainage, allowing Cabernet Sauvignon to ripen fully.

59
Q

What makes Pessac-Léognan unique within Graves?

A

It produces both high-quality red and dry white wines, some of which are eligible for cru classé status.

60
Q

How does the blending tradition benefit Bordeaux winemaking?

A

It allows winemakers to adjust for vintage variation and create balanced wines.

WSET Level 3 in Wines - Thirsty and Wise (41 decks)

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