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WSET 3 - Geoff > C13 - Bordeaux > Flashcards

C13 - Bordeaux Flashcards

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1
Q

In terms of volume and value, what is the largest appellation in France?

A

Bordeaux

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2
Q

What kind of climate does Bordeaux have?

A

Moderate maritime

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3
Q

What effect does the Gulf Stream have on Bordeaux?

A

It has a warming effect and it extends the growing season

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4
Q

How late can grape-ripening continue in Bordeaux?

A

Into October

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5
Q

What potential weather hazard is rarely a problem in Bordeaux? Why?

A

Spring frosts due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream

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6
Q

What effect does proximity to the Atlantic have on Bordeaux?

A

High levels of rainfall and humidity

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7
Q

What protects vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?

A

The man-made Landes forest and coastal sand dunes

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8
Q

What effects on wine can the common rainfall promote in Bordeaux?

A
  • Disruption of flowering and fruit set
  • Promote rot
  • Dilute flavours at harvest
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9
Q

Which climatic phenomenon makes vintage variation relevant in Bordeaux?

A

The potential negative effects of rain

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10
Q

How do top producers reduce vintage variation in Bordeaux?

A

By rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes

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11
Q

Besides grape selection, what else has contributed to healthier, riper grapes on average in Bordeaux?

A
  • Changes in canopy management techniques
  • A decline in the use of sprays
  • Also has marked higher level of sugar and falvour development at harvest time
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12
Q

Why in general are Bordeaux wines blended?

A

Variability in weather makes it too risky to rely on one grape variety

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13
Q

Why is it a good solution to be reliant on several grape varieties in Bordeaux?

A

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

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14
Q

How many grapes are technically permitted in Bordeaux?

A

Thirteen

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15
Q

Which are the five main grapes of Bordeaux?

A
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Sémillon
  • Sauvignon Blanc
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16
Q

Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate?

A

The Haut-Médoc

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17
Q

In which two areas of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon also very important?

A
  • The Bas-Médoc
  • The Graves
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18
Q

Why are Cabernet’s main regions of Bordeaux the only areas in which it can reliably ripen?

A

Their high stone/gravel content raises vineyard temperature

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19
Q

What percentage of the blend can Cabernet account for in its main areas of Bordeaux?

A

75%

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20
Q

Where in Bordeaux is Cabernet Franc most widely grown?

A
  • Saint-Émilion
  • To a lesser extent, in the Médoc and the Graves
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21
Q

What kind of wines does Cab Franc produce in Bordeaux?

A
  • Wines with less body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Herbaceous and stalky flavours when unripe
  • Vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe
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22
Q

What kind of soils does Cabernet Franc prefer?

A

Well drained, warm soils

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23
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot

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24
Q

In which Bordeaux wines is Merlot most important?

A

The premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

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25
Q

Why are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol good for growing Merlot as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Merlot can successfully grow on the cooler, clay based soils here where Cabernet would struggle

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26
Q

Which Bordeaux grape is predominant in the cheaper high volume wines? Why?

A

Merlot

It is the softest in flavour

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27
Q

Which Bordeaux grape ripens fully in only the very hot years?

A

Petit Verdot

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28
Q

What kind of wines does Petit Verdot give in Bordeaux?

A
  • Very deep-coloured, tannic wine that ages slowly
  • It is added to the blend to add tannin, colour and some spicy notes
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29
Q

Which winemaking vessels are used in Bordeaux?

A

All (there is little agreement in Bordeaux as to which fermentation vessels produce the best wines)

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30
Q

When are most wines blended in Bordeaux? What is the other possible practice in Bordeaux?

A

The Spring following the vintage

Some winemakers prefer to keep their parcels of wine separate until the end of maturation

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31
Q

Which blending practices are most common among leading Chateaux in Bordeaux?

A

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

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32
Q

How is the top quality red in Bordeaux aged? Some of the finest chateaux may even use…casks

A

In 225 litre barriques

New

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33
Q

Generic Bordeaux wines are unlikely to see…at all

A

Oak

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34
Q

What is the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux?

A

Semillon

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35
Q

What is blended with Sémillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves? What Semillon’s role in these blends?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

It adds body

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36
Q

What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux?

A

Citrus and green fruit

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37
Q

What is the one exception to the rule of all Bordeaux being blends?

A

Dry wines based on Sauvignon Blanc

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38
Q

What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends?

A

It adds high acidity

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39
Q

What is the importance of Sauvignon Blanc in sweet wines of Bordeaux?

A

It adds a necessary acidity

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40
Q

What flavours does Muscadelle have?

A
  • Pronounced grapey, floral flavour
  • It plays an important role in sweet and dry white wines of Bordeaux (it makes up a small percentage of the blend)
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41
Q

What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux?

A
  • Fresh and fruity
  • Some show hints of oak
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42
Q

How are less expensive dry Bordeaux whites generally vinified?

A

Fermented in temperature controlled, inert vessels with minimal further ageing

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43
Q

How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?

A

Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels

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44
Q

What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?

A

They have a richness and concentrated nutty flavour overlaying the fruit

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45
Q

How are many of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux made?

A

From fruit that has been infected with noble rot

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46
Q

How are the best examples of Bordeaux sweet wines made (after harvest)?

A

They are fermented and matured in new oak barrels for anything up to 3 years

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47
Q

The…and…rivers combine in Bordeaux to form the…estuary

A

Dordogne … Garonne … Gironde

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48
Q

Which three broad areas lie to the south and west of the Gironde/Garonne?

A
  • The Médoc
  • Graves
  • Sauternes
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49
Q

Which appellation covers most of the area between the Dordogne and the Garonne?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

50
Q

What are the principal districts comprising the right bank?

A

St Emilion and Pomerol

51
Q

How many appellations are there in Bordeaux?

A

More than fifty

52
Q

Bordeaux’s classification does not rank…but…

A

Vineyards … Estates/Chateaux

53
Q

What prompted the creation of the 1855 classification?

A

On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was approached to produce an official list of their best red wines from Médoc and white wines from Sauternes

54
Q

What term is used for Chateaux in the 1855 classification?

A

Cru classés

55
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 Médoc classification?

A

Five

56
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Sauternes?

A

Three

57
Q

Which wines are in the top classification for the Médoc?

A
  1. Chateau Lafite Rothschild
  2. Chateau Latour
  3. Chateau Mouton Rothschild
  4. Chateau Margaux
  5. Chateau Haut Brion (Graves)
58
Q

Which chateau occupies the top rank of Sauternes wine in the 1855 classification?

A

Chateau d’Yquem

59
Q

What is Cru Bourgeois?

A

A classification invented for chateaux not included in the 1855 classification

It is only for specific wines in specific vintages, so wines must be submitted every year

60
Q

How are the wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan) classified?

A

They are classified within a separate list (for red and white) entitling them to be called ‘Cru Classés’

61
Q

How are Cru classé wines ranked in Graves/Pessac-Léognan?

A

They’re not

62
Q

How are the best wines classified in Saint-Émilion?

A
  • Within a separate appellation, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.
  • There is a separate classification within this appellation of the best Châteaux
63
Q

What is the within Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification?

A
  • Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A
  • Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé B
  • Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
64
Q

How often are Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé reconsidered?

A

At least once every ten years

65
Q

What are the generic appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

66
Q

What differentiates Bordeaux Supérieur?

A
  • Slightly stricter appellation rules
  • A higher required minimum level of alcohol
67
Q

How are generic white Bordeaux labelled? Rosé?

A

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé/Clairet

68
Q

Why are basic Bordeaux improving?

A

Export focused producers are having to compete with similarly priced wines from other parts of the world

69
Q

Describe the best Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines

A
  • Early drinking
  • Medium bodied
  • Ripe red and black fruit
  • Occasional cedar notes from oak
70
Q

Describe the cheaper Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines

A

Lighter bodied with more astringent tannins

71
Q

How does the best Bordeaux Rosé taste?

A

Fresh and fruity

72
Q

Why is there less Bordeaux Clairet here than elsewhere?

A

It is mainly popular on the French market

73
Q

Describe a unique characteristic of Bordeaux Clairet compared with many other French Rosés. Why is it like this?

A

It is deeper in colour and fuller in body due to longer maceration

74
Q

White Bordeaux is increasingly dominated by… What is its flavour character?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant and grassy

75
Q

Describe the location of the city of Bordeaux

A
  • South of the Médoc
  • North of Graves
76
Q

What’s the northernmost part of the Médoc called?

A

The Bas-Médoc

77
Q

How are wines of the Bas-Médoc labelled?

A

Médoc

78
Q

What is the soil/ground like in the Bas-Médoc?

A

Predominantly clay with outcrops of gravel

79
Q

What is usually the higher proportion of the Bas-Médoc blends? What style are the wines?

A
  • Merlot
  • Easy drinking
80
Q

What is the northernmost limit of the Haut-Médoc?

A

Saint-Estèphe

81
Q

How are the smaller appellations within the Haut-Médoc called?

A

Communes

82
Q

What are the highest reputation communes in Haut-Médoc called (from north to south)?

A
  • Saint-Estèphe
  • Pauillac
  • Saint-Julien
  • Margaux
83
Q

Describe the varietal ratios in the best commune appellations of Haut-Médoc

A

They have a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon

84
Q

Describe the flavour profile of commune appellation wines from Haut-Médoc

A
  • A core of Blackcurrant fruit complemented by cedar notes from oak
  • Grippy tannins when young
  • Often long ageing potential
85
Q

Where is Pessac-Léognan

A

Immediately south of Bordeaux

86
Q

What are soils like in Pessac-Léognan?

A

Gravelly

87
Q

What is the most suitable grape for Pessac soils?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

88
Q

How do Pessac reds compare with those of the Haut-Médoc?

A

Usually lighter in body and more fragrant

89
Q

How do wines of Graves compare with those of Pessac?

A
  • Similar, but less concentrated and complex
  • Higher proportion of Merlot usually
90
Q

Which variety dominates blends of the right bank?

A

Merlot

91
Q

Which is the second dominant variety of the right bank?

A

Cabernet Franc

92
Q

Which is the larger of the two appellations in Bordeaux’s right bank?

A

Saint-Émilion

93
Q

How many groups of distinct vineyards are there in Saint-Émilion? Describe them

A

To the north and west of the town of Saint-Émilion

  • On a plateau, with warm, well drained gravel and limestone soils
  • Mostly Cab Franc but some Cab Sauvignon

On the escarpment to the south and east of the region

  • Clay limestone soils

At the foot of the escarpment

  • Sandy soild
  • Lighter bodied and less prestigious
94
Q

Where do the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion come from?

A

The first two regions - north and west of the town of Saint-Émilion and on the escarpment to the south and east of the region

95
Q

Describe the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion

A
  • Medium to high tannins
  • Soft and rich mouthfeel
  • Complex red berry fruit and plum aromas, developing tobacco and cedar notes with evolution
96
Q

Describe wines of Pomerol

A

Richer than those of Saint-Émilion with spicy, blackberry fruit character

97
Q

What winemaking movement has recently appeared in the right bank?

A
  • The appearance of full-bodied, very ripe wines in small quantities, from small plots of land
  • Vins de garage / Garagistes
98
Q

Describe the ‘other’ wines of the right bank…

A

Saint-Émilion and Pomerol are surrounded by a group of appellations producing Merlot dominated wines, similar in style to their better-known neighbours

99
Q

What is the collective name for the lesser known appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Côtes de Bordeaux

100
Q

Which appellations can append their names to the beginning of Côtes de Bordeaux? from Northt to South

A
  • Blaye
  • Francs
  • Castillon
  • Cadillac
101
Q

What style of wines are Côtes de Bordeaux?

A
  • Early drinking
  • Merlot based wines
  • Excellent value for money
102
Q

Name a group of producers who have chosen not to join Côtes de Bordeaux

A

Côtes de Bourg

103
Q

Which Bordeaux appellation can only produce white wines?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

104
Q

How must red wines be named if they are from Entre-Deux-Mers?

A

With a generic appellation name

105
Q

What wines may Graves and Pessac-Léognan produce?

A

Red and white

106
Q

Describe the white wines of Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers

A

Both made from unoaked Sauvignon Blanc

107
Q

Where are many of the very best dry whites of Bordeaux made?

A

Pessac-Léognan

108
Q

Where may some white wines be eligible for Cru Classé status in Bordeaux?

A

Pessac-Léognan

109
Q

Describe the best white wines of Pessac and how they are vinified

A
  • They tend to be blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc
  • Usually fermented and/or matured at least partly in new oak
  • Medium to full body
  • Toasty oak flavours
110
Q

Can dry whites be made in Médoc and Sauternes?

A

Yes, but with a generic Bordeaux appellation

111
Q

Where are the top sweet wine appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Grouped on the banks of the Garonne and its tributary (Ciron)

112
Q

Why is the proximity of water important for vinification of sweet wine in Bordeaux?

A

The rivers create the ideal misty Autumn conditions for noble rot to develop

113
Q

What is needed to help concentrate sugars in sweet Bordeaux when there is little noble rot

A

Passerillage

114
Q

Where do the best sweet wines of Bordeaux come from?

A

Sauternes

115
Q

Where is Sauternes?

A

The West Bank of the Garonne

116
Q

Where is the village of Barsac?

A

Within Sauternes

117
Q

Which appellation must Barsac producers use?

A

Either Barsac or Sauternes

118
Q

Which grape variety dominates in Sauternes? Why?

A
  • Sémillon
  • Because of its thin skin and consequential susceptibility to Botrytis
119
Q

Describe the best sweet wines of Sauternes

A
  • Sweet
  • Balanced with high acidity
  • High in alcohol
  • Apricot and citrus peel aromas of noble rot
  • Toast and vanilla from oak fermentation and/or maturation
120
Q

Where else can sweet wine be made in Bordeaux?

A

Near to Sauternes (made in a similar style)

WSET 3 - Geoff (45 decks)

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