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2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM > C13 - Bordeaux /checked > Flashcards

C13 - Bordeaux /checked Flashcards

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 the growing season in Bordeaux?

A

It extends it

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4
Q

How late can grape-ripening continue in Bordeaux? (month)

A

Into October

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5
Q

What potential weather hazard is rarely a problem in Bordeaux? (1)
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? (2)

A

High levels of rainfall and humidity

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7
Q

What protects vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms? (2)

A
  1. The Landes forest

2. Coastal sand dunes

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8
Q

What effects on wine can the common rainfall promote in Bordeaux? (3)

(as it can everywhere)

A
  1. Disruption of flowering and fruit set
  2. Promote rot
  3. Dilute flavours at harvest
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9
Q

Which climatic phenomenon is responsible for most vintage variation in Bordeaux?

A

THE AMOUNT OF RAIN

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? (2)

A
  1. Changes in canopy management techniques

2. A decline in the use of sprays

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12
Q

Are Red Bordeaux typically blends or varietal?

Are White Bordeaux typically blends or varietal?

A

Almost all Red is Blended

Most White is Blended

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13
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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14
Q

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

A

RISK MANAGEMENT

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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15
Q

How many grape varieties are technically permitted in Bordeaux?

A

13

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16
Q

Which are the five main grapes of Bordeaux?
3 Black
2 White

A

Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc

Sauvignon Blanc
Sémillon

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17
Q

Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate?

A

Haut-Médoc

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18
Q

In which 2 areas of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon also very important?

A

Bas-Médoc

Graves

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19
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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20
Q

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

A

75%

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21
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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22
Q

What kind of wines does Cab Franc produce in Bordeaux?

body, flavours unripe, flavours ripe

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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23
Q

What kind of soils does Cabernet Franc prefer?

A

Well drained, warm soils

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24
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot

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25
Q

In which Bordeaux wines is Merlot most important?

A

The premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

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26
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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27
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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28
Q

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

A

Petit Verdot

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29
Q

What kind of wines does Petit Verdot give in Bordeaux?

color, tannin

A

Very deep-coloured, high tannin wine that ages slowly

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30
Q

What is Petit-Verdot used for in Bordeaux?

A

To add tannin, colour and some spicy notes

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31
Q

Which fermentation vessels (material) 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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32
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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33
Q

What is a Chateaux’s best wine called?

A

GRAND VIN

Making second and sometimes third wines with blends that may not be suitable for the grand vin is common.
Some wine may be sold to a NEGOCIANT

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34
Q

How is the top quality red in Bordeaux aged?

A

In NEW OAK 225 litre barriques

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35
Q

Is it common for Generic Bordeaux to be oak aged?

A

NO

Generic Bordeaux wine are unlikely to see oak at all.

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36
Q

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

A

Semillon

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37
Q

What is blended with Sémillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves?

What the role of Semillon in these blends?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Semillon adds body to the blend

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38
Q

What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux? (2)

A
  1. Citrus

2. Green fruit

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39
Q

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

A

Sauvignon Blanc varietal dry wines

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40
Q

What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in (sweet) Bordeaux blends?

A

It adds high acidity

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41
Q

What flavours does Muscadelle have? (2)

A
  1. Pronounced GRAPEY

2. FLORAL

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42
Q

What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux? (2)

flavour, oak

A
  1. Fresh and fruity

2. Some show hints of oak

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43
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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44
Q

How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?

A

Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels

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45
Q

What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?

flavour

A

They have a RICHNESS and concentrated NUTTY flavour overlaying the fruit

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46
Q

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

A

From fruit that has been infected with NOBLE ROT

Botrytis Cinerea

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47
Q

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

fermentation, maturing, time

A

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

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48
Q

What 2 rivers combine the Estuary in Bordeaux?

What is the Estuary called?

A
  1. Dordogne
  2. Garonne

Gironde Estuary

49
Q

Which 3 broad areas lie on the west bank?

A 
Médoc
- Saint-Estèphe
- Pauillac
- Saint-Julien
- Margaux
Haut Medoc

Graves

  • Pessac-Leognan
  • Barsac
  • Sauternes
50
Q

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

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

51
Q

What are the 2 principal districts comprising the right bank?

A
  1. St Emilion

2. Pomerol

52
Q

How many appellations are there in Bordeaux?

A

More than 50

53
Q

Bordeaux’s classification does not rank X but Y

A

X = Vineyards

Y = Estates/Chateaux

54
Q

What prompted the creation of the 1855 classification?

A

A LIST OF THE BEST AT THAT TIME

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

55
Q

What term is used for Bordeaux Chateaux that are listed in the 1855 classification?

A

CRU CLASSÉS

56
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 Médoc classification?

A

5 growths

5 classés

57
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Sauternes?

A

3

58
Q

Which 5 wines are in the top classification for the Médoc?

A
  1. Chateau Lafite Rothschild
  2. Chateau Latour
  3. Chateau Margaux
  4. Chateau Mouton Rothschild
  5. Chateau Haut Brion (Graves)
59
Q

Which 1 chateau occupies the top rank of Sauternes wine in the 1855 classification?

A

Chateau d’Yquem

60
Q

What is Cru Bourgeois?

A

A classification invented for chateaux not included in the 1855 classification

It is only for SPECIFIC WINES SPECIFIC VINTAGES, so wines must be submitted every year

61
Q

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

A

‘Cru Classés’ (a list for each red and white)

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

62
Q

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

A

They’re not

All listed wines are simply ‘Cru Classés’

63
Q

How are Saint-Émilion wines classified?

A

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru:

  1. Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé (A)
  2. Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé (B)
  3. Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
64
Q

How often is the Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé reconsidered?

A

At least once every ten years

65
Q

What are the 2 generic appellations of Bordeaux?

A
  1. Bordeaux

2. Bordeaux Supérieur

66
Q

What differentiates Bordeaux Supérieur? (2)

A
  1. Slightly stricter appellation rules

2. A higher required minimum level of alcohol

67
Q

How are generic white Bordeaux labelled?

How are generic rosé Bordeaux labelled?

A 
Red = Bordeaux
Rosé = Bordeaux Rosé/Clairet
68
Q

Why are basic Bordeaux improving?

A

(NEW WORLD) COMPETITION

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

drinking window, body, flavours

A
  1. Early drinking
  2. Medium bodied
  3. Ripe red and black fruit; occasional cedar notes from oak
70
Q

Describe the cheaper Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines

body, tannin

A

Lighter bodied

More astringent tannins

71
Q

How does the best Bordeaux Rosé taste?

A

Fresh and fruity

72
Q

Describe a unique characteristic of Bordeaux Clairet compared with many other French Rosés.

colour, body

Why is it like this?

A

It is deeper in colour and fuller in body.

Due to longer maceration

73
Q

White Bordeaux is increasingly dominated by what grape?

What is its flavour character?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant and grassy

74
Q

Describe the location of the city of Bordeaux

A

In between Médoc and Graves

75
Q

What’s the northernmost part of the Médoc called?

A

The Bas-Médoc

76
Q

How are wines of the Bas-Médoc labelled?

A

Médoc

77
Q

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

A

Predominantly clay with outcrops of gravel

78
Q

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

A

Merlot

Easy drinking

79
Q

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

A

Communes

80
Q

What are the highest reputation communes in Haut-Médoc called (from north to south)? (4)

A
  • Saint-Estèphe
  • Pauillac
  • Saint-Julien
  • Margaux
81
Q

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

flavours, tannin, againg potential

A

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

82
Q

Where is Pessac-Léognan

A

Immediately south of Bordeaux

83
Q

What are soils like in Pessac-Léognan?

A

Gravelly

84
Q

What is the most suitable grape for Pessac soils?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

85
Q

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

body, aromas

A

Usually lighter in body and more fragrant

86
Q

How do remaining wines of Graves compare with those of Pessac?

flavour, blend

A

Similar, but less concentrated and complex

Higher proportion of MERLOT usually

87
Q

Which variety dominates blends of the right bank?

A

Merlot

88
Q

Which is the second dominant variety of the right bank?

A

Cabernet Franc

89
Q

Which is the larger of the two appellations in Bordeaux’s right bank, Pomerol or Saint-Émilion?

A

Saint-Émilion

90
Q

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

A

3

91
Q

Where is the 1st group of Saint-Émilion vineyards?

Describe the soil.

A

To the NORTH and WEST of the town of Saint-Émilion

On a plateau, with warm, well drained GRAVEL and LIMESTONE soils

92
Q

Where is the 2nd group of Saint-Émilion vineyards?

Describe the soil.

A

On the escarpment to the SOUTH and EAST of the region.

CLAY, LIMESTONE limestone soils

93
Q

Where is the 3rd group of Saint-Émilion vineyards?

Describe the soil.

A

At the foot of the escarpment.

SANDY soils

94
Q

Describe the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion

tannin, body, flavours

A

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

95
Q

Describe wines of Pomerol

body, flavours

A

Richer than those of Saint-Émilion

spicy, blackberry fruit character

96
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

97
Q

What were the original terms for the breakout wines/winemakers of the right bank?

A

Vins de garage / Garagistes

98
Q

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

A

Côtes de Bordeaux

99
Q

Which appellations can append their names to the beginning of Côtes de Bordeaux? (4)

A
  1. Blaye
  2. Francs
  3. Castillon
  4. Cadillac
100
Q

What style of wines are Côtes de Bordeaux?

style, grape

A

Early drinking, Merlot based wines

Excellent value for money

101
Q

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

A

Côtes de Bourg

102
Q

Which Bordeaux appellation can only produce white wines?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

103
Q

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

A

With a generic appellation name

104
Q

What color wines may Graves and Pessac-Léognan produce?

A

Red and white

105
Q

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

A

Predominantly UNOAKED Sauvignon Blanc

106
Q

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

A

Pessac-Léognan

107
Q

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

A

Pessac-Léognan

108
Q

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

grape blend, oak, body, flavour

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

109
Q

Can DRY whites be made in Médoc and Sauternes?

A

Yes, but with a generic Bordeaux appellation

110
Q

Where are the top sweet wine appellations of Bordeaux?

A

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

111
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

112
Q

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

A

PASSERILAGE = drying on the vine

113
Q

Where do the best sweet wines of Bordeaux come from?

A

Sauternes

114
Q

Where is Sauternes?

A

The West Bank of the Garonne

115
Q

Where is the village of Barsac?

A

Within Sauternes

116
Q

Which appellations can Barsac producers use? (2)

A

Either Barsac or Sauternes

117
Q

Which grape variety dominates in Sauternes? Why?

A

Sémillon

Because of its THIN SKIN and consequential susceptibility to Botrytis

118
Q

Describe the best sweet wines of Sauternes

alcohol, sweetness, acidity, flavour

A

High in alcohol
Sweet, but balanced with high acidity
Apricot and citrus peel aromas of noble rot, toast and vanilla from oak fermentation and/or maturation

119
Q

Where else can sweet wine be made in Bordeaux?

A

Near to Sauternes (made in a similar style)

2019-06-03 WSET3 EXAM (52 decks)

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