Bourdeaux - Red Wines Flashcards
What type of climate is Bordeaux?
Moderate maritime.
What contributes to the warming of Bordeaux?
the Gulf Stream - warming ocean current
What negative impacts does Bordeaux’s proximity to the Atlantic bring?
High levels of rainfall and humidity
What protects Bordeaux from the worst of Atlantic storms?
Landes Forest and sand dunes.
Potential negative impacts of rainfall Bordeaux?
Disrupts flowering and fruit set
Diluted fruit at harvest
What has brought consistency and healthier grapes to the region?
Canopy management. Specifically, trellising and Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP)
What does VSP aid with in Bordeaux?
Sunlight and ripening
(No need to worry about sunburn)
Air circulation and limiting fungal disease = less need to spray chemicals and if needed, more effective spraying
Mechanical harvesting
What does Botrytis Cinerea (grey rot) lead to in black grapes? (Negative)
Colour loss,
What are the two main types of mildew and what are they treated with?
Powdery Mildew - sulphur-based spray
Downy Mildew - Bordeaux mixture (copper-based)
Where is Cabernet Sauvignon focused?
Haut-Medoc
Graves (pessac-Leognan)
and to a lesser extent, Bas-Medoc
What type of soil does Cab Sauv need to reliably ripen?
Gravel
Where is Cabernet Franc most important? Where else is it relevant?
Saint Emilion and Pomerol
Relevant in Medoc and Graves
What character does Cabernet Franc have when unripe?
Herbaceous and stalky
How does Cab Franc compare to Cab Sauv in terms of body and tannin?
Lower body and tannin
What type of soils does Cabernet Franc thrive in?
Well-drained, warm soil
What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?
Merlot
Where is Merlot particularly important?
Saint-Emilion and Pomerol (Right Bank)
What are the characteristics of “international style” Merlot? (colour, flavour, tannin, maturation)
Intense purple colour, concentrated blackberry and plum, soft velvet tannin. Often aged in new, toasty oak
What is the second style in which Merlot is made?
grapes are harvested earlier. medium body and alcohol, higher acid, fresh red fruit character with some vegetal, leafy aromas.
What does Merlot add to Bordeaux blends?
Smooth texture and juicy plum