C13 - Bordeaux Flashcards
In terms of volume and value, what is the largest appellation in France?
Bordeaux
What kind of climate does Bordeaux have?
Moderate maritime
What effect does the Gulf Stream have on the growing season in Bordeaux?
It extends it
How late can grape-ripening continue in Bordeaux?
Into October
What potential weather hazard is rarely a problem in Bordeaux? Why?
Spring frosts
The warming effect of the Gulf Stream
What effect does proximity to the Atlantic have on Bordeaux?
High levels of rainfall and humidity
What protects vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?
The Landes forest and coastal sand dunes
What effects on wine can the common rainfall promote in Bordeaux?
Disruption of flowering and fruit set Promote rot Dilute flavours at harvest
Which climatic phenomenon makes vintage variation relevant in Bordeaux?
The potential negative effects of rain
How do top producers reduce vintage variation in Bordeaux?
By rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes
Besides grape selection, what else has contributed to healthier, riper grapes on average in Bordeaux?
Changes in canopy management techniques A decline in the use of sprays
Almost all red Bordeaux wines and most white Bordeaux are …
Blended
Why in general are Bordeaux wines blended?
Variability in weather makes it too risky to rely on one grape variety
Why is it a good solution to be reliant on several grape varieties in Bordeaux?
The different varieties permitted in Bordeaux flower and ripen at different times, meaning that one bad episode of weather is unlikely to ruin an entire crop
How many grapes are technically permitted in Bordeaux?
Thirteen
How many grapes predominate in Bordeaux?
Three black Two white (Five)
Which are the five main grapes of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate?
The Haut-Médoc
In which two areas of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon also very important?
The Bas-Médoc The Graves
Why are Cabernet’s main regions of Bordeaux the only areas in which it can reliably ripen?
Their high stone/gravel content raises vineyard temperature
What percentage of the blend can Cabernet account for in its main areas of Bordeaux?
75%
Where in Bordeaux is Cabernet Franc most widely grown?
Saint-Émilion
To a lesser extent, in the Médoc and the Graves
What kind of wines does Cab Franc produce in Bordeaux?
Wines with less body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon
Herbaceous and stalky flavours when unripe
Vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe
What kind of soils does Cabernet Franc prefer?
Well drained, warm soils
What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?
Merlot
In which Bordeaux wines is Merlot most important?
The premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
Why are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol good for growing Merlot as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon?
Merlot can successfully grow on the cooler, clay based soils here where Cabernet would struggle
Which Bordeaux grape is predominant in the cheaper high volume wines? Why?
Merlot It is the softest in flavour
Which Bordeaux grape ripens fully in only the very hot years?
Petit Verdot
What kind of wines does Petit Verdot give in Bordeaux?
Very deep-coloured, tannic wine that ages slowly
What is Petit-Verdot used for in Bordeaux?
To add tannin, colour and some spicy notes
Which winemaking vessels are used in Bordeaux?
All (there is little agreement in Bordeaux as to which fermentation vessels produce the best wines)
When are most wines blended in Bordeaux? What is the other possible practice in Bordeaux?
The Spring following the vintage Some winemakers prefer to keep their parcels of wine separate until the end of maturation
Which blending practices are most common among leading Chateaux in Bordeaux?
Making second and sometimes third wines with blends that may not be suitable for the grand vin Some wine may be sold to a negociant
How is the top quality red in Bordeaux aged? Some of the finest chateaux may even use…casks
In 225 litre barriques
New
Generic Bordeaux wines are unlikely to see…at all
Oak
What is the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux?
Semillon
What is blended with Sémillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves? What Semillon’s role in these blends?
Sauvignon Blanc, It adds body,
What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux?
Citrus and green fruit
What is the one exception to the rule of all Bordeaux being blends?
Sauvignon Blanc varietal dry wines
What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends?
It adds high acidity
What is the importance of Sauvignon Blanc in sweet wines of Bordeaux?
It adds a necessary acidity
What flavours does Muscadelle have?
Pronounced grapey, floral flavour
What role does Muscadelle play in Bordeaux?
It plays an important role in sweet and dry white wines of Bordeaux (it makes up a small percentage of the blend)
What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux?
Fresh and fruity
Some show hints of oak
How are less expensive dry Bordeaux whites generally vinified?
Fermented in temperature controlled, inert vessels with minimal further ageing
How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?
Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels
What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?
They have a richness and concentrated nutty flavour overlaying the fruit
How are many of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux made?
From fruit that has been infected with noble rot
How are the best examples of Bordeaux sweet wines made (after harvest)?
They are fermented and matured in new oak barrels for anything up to 3 years
The…and…rivers combine in Bordeaux to form the…estuary
Dordogne Garonne Gironde