Chapter 13 - Bordeaux

Question 1

What is the largest appellation region in France?

Answer 1

Bordeaux

Question 2

What is the climate in Bordeaux?

Answer 2

Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate that benefits from the effect of the Gulf Stream.

Question 3

Bordeaux wines are rarely made by blending different varietals, True or False?

Answer 3

False. Almost all red and most white wines produced in Bordeaux are from a blend of grape varieties.

Question 4

How many grape varieties are permitted under the Bordeaux appellation regulations?

Answer 4

Thirteen

Question 5

What are predominant Black varieties grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 5

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot.

Question 6

What are the predominant White varieties grown in Bordeaux?

Answer 6

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle

Question 7

What areas of Bordeaux are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon?

Answer 7

Haut-Medoc, Bas-Medoc and Graves

Question 8

Where is Cabernet Franc widely used within Bordeaux?

Answer 8

Saint Emilion and to a lesser extend in the Medoc and Graves

Question 9

What is the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux?

Answer 9

Merlot

Question 10

Where within Bordeaux is Merlot particularly important?

Answer 10

Satin Emilion and Pomerol.

Question 11

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

Answer 11

Semillon

Question 12

A Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois is awarded to the Chateau itself, True or False?

Answer 12

False. It is awarded to wines in a specific vintage, and therefore wines from new vintages must be submitted each year to gain classification.

Question 13

What is Bordeaux wine know as “Clairet”?

Answer 13

A rose that is mainly popular on the French market. It undergoes a longer maceration than a typical rose and is deeper in color and fuller in body.

Question 14

What are the four “communes” within the Haut-Medoc with the highest reputations?

Answer 14

Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Margaux

Question 15

What is the main variety used in the wines of Haut-Medoc?

Answer 15

Cabernet Sauvignon

Question 16

What are the two major appellations of the Right Bank of Bordeaux, and which variety dominates?

Answer 16

Saint Emilion and Pomerol, which are dominated by Merlot

Question 17

Which appellations make up Cotes de Bordeaux?

Answer 17

Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs

Question 18

What appellations are permitted to produce dry white wine?

Answer 18

Entre-Deux-Mers, Graves and Pessac-Leognan

Question 19

Where are the best sweet white wines of Bordeaux made?

Answer 19

Sauternes and Barsac

Question 20

Which variety dominates in the sweet white wines of Bordeaux?

Answer 20

Semillon dominates because of its thin skin and susceptibility to botrytis. Sauvignon Blanc adds acidity and fruity aromas.