FR - Bordeaux Flashcards
When was the Institut National des Appellations d’Origine (INAO) created, and why?
1935
It was formed to delimit and enforce France’s wine appellation system, providing legal structure for AOC wines.
Which early appellation’s self-imposed guidelines inspired the AOC rules?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Its limits on yields, vineyard density, grape varieties, and production methods became the model for AOC regulations.
Name three key production requirements generally controlled by the AOC system.
Yield limits, minimum alcohol levels, and approved grape varieties
AOC rules also set vineyard density, pruning methods, and geographical boundaries.
By 2017, how many AOC appellations were awarded for wine and brandy in France?
363
Nearly 100 more were awarded to other agricultural products, such as cheese.
True or False: Over 75% of France’s wines and eaux-de-vie were released as AOC by 2017.
True
This was not the original goal of the AOC system, which was intended for France’s top wines.
What is the difference between AOC and AOP in France?
They are complementary designations
After 2009, producers can use AOC or the new EU-aligned term AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) on labels.
Which category did the INAO eliminate in 2011, allowing most regions to advance to AOC/AOP?
VDQS (Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure)
Created in 1949 as a steppingstone to AOC, it was removed and its regions upgraded.
What fraction of French wine production is released as Vin de Pays (IGP)?
About one-third
Vin de Pays/IGP permits higher yields and simpler regulations compared to AOC/AOP wines.
Name two regulations Vin de Pays (IGP) producers must follow.
Controls on added sulfur and total acidity, plus tasting panel approval
Grapes must come from the stated region and yields are capped at 90 hl/ha (white) or 85 hl/ha (red/rosé).
Which grapes are permitted for IGP (Vin de Pays) wines under EU law?
Vitis vinifera or hybrids
At least 85% of grapes must come from the stated region for PGI wines.
How many levels of IGP zones exist in France?
Three
Regional, departmental, and local are the tiers for Indication Géographique Protégée.
What replaced Vin de Table in 2009, allowing vintage and variety on labels?
Vin de France
It modernized French table wine, permitting oak chips and acidification to compete with New World styles.
Which are the current three tiers of French wine classifications?
AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée), IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée), and Vin de France
These replaced older designations after the 2009 EU reforms.
Which French region is second in volume of production, but first in AOC acreage?
Bordeaux
Languedoc produces more volume overall, but Bordeaux is France’s largest AOC region by area.
Which centuries-old engineering effort made the Médoc suitable for viticulture?
The mid-1600s Dutch drainage projects
They dug canals and drained swamps, creating arable land for vineyards.
Why did England’s historical rule (1152–1453) boost Bordeaux’s trade advantage?
It created a strong English market for claret
English and later Dutch trade helped distribute Bordeaux wines internationally.
What is a château’s grand vin, and how does it differ from a second wine?
The grand vin is the estate’s top wine
Second wines use fruit not selected for the flagship bottling, offering a lower-priced alternative.
Describe Bordeaux’s general climate and its main risk at harvest.
Maritime climate with frequent rain
Rain near harvest can cause rot and disrupt final grape ripening.
Which famous mixture is used in Bordeaux to combat fungal diseases?
Bordeaux mixture
A mix of lime, copper sulfate, and water applied to prevent mildew and rot.
True or False: Bordeaux AOP wines may include rosé and clairet styles.
True
Bordeaux AOP covers red, white, rosé, and clairet, a darker style of rosé.
Name the six red grapes approved for Bordeaux AOP wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Carmenère
Four additional reds were authorized in small percentages in 2021 due to climate change.
Why is Merlot the most planted grape in Bordeaux?
It ripens earlier and suits clay soils
These soils slow Merlot’s vigor, plus its earlier bud break avoids late-season autumn rains.
Which Left Bank soil type best suits Cabernet Sauvignon, and why?
Gravel
It provides good drainage, encourages deep root systems, and adds water stress for concentration in Cabernet Sauvignon.
Name two typical blending roles for Cabernet Franc and Merlot in Bordeaux reds.
Cabernet Franc adds spice and acidity; Merlot offers fleshy texture
Each variety complements Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure.
Compare the dominant grapes on the Left Bank versus the Right Bank of Bordeaux.
Left Bank is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon; Right Bank focuses on Merlot and Cabernet Franc
Soil differences and climate drive contrasting blends.
Which white grapes dominate the basic Bordeaux AOP white blend?
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle
Sauvignon Gris is also a principal variety but less common.
How long might top red Bordeaux châteaux typically age their wine in barriques?
Up to two years
Some use a high percentage of new oak, especially in classified growths.
Which style is produced under Bordeaux Supérieur AOP?
Reds and off-dry whites with higher minimum alcohol
Bordeaux Supérieur red must have at least 10.5% alcohol.
Name the traditional method sparkling wine AOP in Bordeaux.
Crémant de Bordeaux
It allows white and rosé sparkling wines from approved Bordeaux varieties.
Which broad AOP covers the entire left bank of the Gironde?
Médoc AOP
It spans 50 miles northward from the city of Bordeaux and includes Haut-Médoc and its communes.
What is the main difference between Bas-Médoc and the Haut-Médoc?
Bas-Médoc has more clay, producing simpler wines
Clay soils favor Merlot, while Haut-Médoc’s gravel soils better suit Cabernet Sauvignon.
Which six communal appellations lie within the Haut-Médoc AOP?
Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Listrac-Médoc, Moulis-en-Médoc, and Margaux
They contain many of Bordeaux’s top-classified estates.
In what year was the famous 1855 Classification of red Bordeaux wines commissioned?
1855
Napoleon III ordered it for the Universal Exposition in Paris.
Which lone Graves property was included in the 1855 Classification?
Château Haut-Brion
It was ranked a first growth alongside four other Médoc estates.
True or False: The 1855 Classification can be updated at any time based on quality changes.
False
It is largely static, with only one major change in 1973, elevating Château Mouton-Rothschild from second to first growth.
What are the five first growths recognized in the 1855 Classification?
Châteaux Lafite Rothschild, Latour, Mouton-Rothschild, Margaux, and Haut-Brion
Mouton was promoted to first growth in 1973.
Define a “super-second” in the Médoc.
A second growth often rivaling first-growth quality
Examples include Château Cos d’Estournel, Léoville-Las Cases, and Ducru-Beaucaillou.
What are Cru Artisan and Cru Bourgeois in Bordeaux?
They are separate quality designations for Médoc estates
Cru Artisan recognizes small producers, while Cru Bourgeois is a broader classification reinstated with levels in 2020.
How frequently will Cru Bourgeois classifications be reviewed under the 2020 rules?
Every five years
The 2020 list includes Cru Bourgeois, Supérieur, and Exceptionnel tiers.
Which commune AOP in the Haut-Médoc has three first growths?
Pauillac AOP
It is home to Lafite Rothschild, Mouton-Rothschild, and Latour.
Which grape is more common in Saint-Estèphe due to heavier clay soils?
Merlot
Saint-Estèphe’s clay subsoils favor Merlot for reliable ripening.
Name the largest communal AOP in the Haut-Médoc and its one first growth.
Margaux AOP, with Château Margaux
Margaux AOP includes 21 classified growths, more than any other commune.
Which commune AOP has no classified growths but can offer good values?
Listrac-Médoc or Moulis-en-Médoc
These lesser-known areas often produce solid wines in good vintages.
Which estate in Graves was historically considered on par with the Médoc’s top wines?
Château Haut-Brion
By the 17th century it was already esteemed, evidenced by Samuel Pepys in 1663 and others.
What are boulbenes, and where are they found?
A mix of sand, gravel, and light clay
Common in Graves, particularly in the southern portion of the region.
When were the wines of Graves first classified, and how many estates are included?
1953 (revised 1959), 16 estates
All of them lie in Pessac-Léognan; there is only one level of classification.
Which year saw the creation of Pessac-Léognan AOP?
1987
It became the premium sub-appellation of northern Graves for red and dry white wines.
Which Graves AOP covers only sweet white production?
Graves Supérieures AOP
It requires a minimum of 34 g/l residual sugar.
List the three smaller sweet wine AOPs located in Graves besides Sauternes.
Cérons, Barsac, and Barsac-labeled-as-Sauternes
Cérons, Barsac, and Sauternes share similar conditions for botrytis.
What is pourriture noble, and why is it crucial in Sauternes?
Botrytis cinerea (noble rot)
It dehydrates grapes and concentrates sugars, acidity, and flavors for sweet wine production.
Name the five communes of Sauternes AOP.
Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Bommes, Fargues
Barsac wines may be labeled as either Barsac or Sauternes.
What is the minimum residual sugar for Sauternes AOP wines?
45 g/l
Must weights must be at least 221 g/l, and wines must reach 15% potential alcohol.
Which estate is the only Premier Cru Supérieur in Sauternes?
Château d’Yquem
It can skip vintages deemed unworthy, such as 2012.
Describe the typical harvest method in Sauternes.
Multiple selective passes (tries)
Pickers move through vineyards several times to gather fully botrytized clusters or berries.
What is “Crème de Tête,” and who produces it?
A decades-aged dessert wine from Château Gilette
Unclassified Sauternes matured in concrete vats for extended periods.
Which two major Right Bank AOPs produce Merlot-dominant blends?
St-Émilion and Pomerol
They rely on clay and limestone soils more conducive to Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon.
What are the two broad soil types in St-Émilion?
Côtes (limestone slopes) and Graves (gravelly limestone plateau)
This influences each estate’s blend and style.
Why was St-Émilion’s classification repeatedly revised since 1954?
It is based on peer-reviewed tastings and intended updates
Legal disputes over demotions caused turmoil in 2006 and 2012.
Compare St-Émilion AOP and St-Émilion Grand Cru AOP.
Grand Cru AOP requires higher alcohol and longer élevage
It is an appellation, separate from the classification of Grand Cru Classé.
Which châteaux withdrew from the 2022 St-Émilion classification?
Châteaux Ausone, Cheval Blanc, and Angélus
They declined reapplication due to controversy around classification changes.
True or False: Pomerol has never had an official classification.
True
Despite high prices for estates like Pétrus, Vieux-Château-Certan, and Le Pin, there is no formal ranking.
What is crasse de fer, and which estate is famous for it?
An iron-rich clay subsoil in Pomerol
Pétrus thrives on this clay that comes close to the surface, ideal for Merlot.
Name two so-called “microchâteaux” (garagistes) from the Right Bank.
Le Pin and Valandraud
They produce tiny quantities of modern, highly extracted wines.
List the four satellite appellations of St-Émilion.
Lussac, St-Georges, Puisseguin, Montagne
St-Georges is the smallest, Montagne the largest.
Which small AOP near Pomerol includes Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac?
Lalande-de-Pomerol AOP
It makes Merlot-based red wines similar in style to Pomerol.
What styles of wine are produced in Bourg and Côtes de Bourg AOP?
Primarily red wines, with some white
The Romans first planted vines here, older than in the Médoc.
Which new consolidated appellation was launched in 2008 for Bordeaux’s “Côtes”?
Côtes de Bordeaux AOP
It unites Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs, and Sainte-Foy (added later) subzones.
Name the largest region for dry white production in Bordeaux.
Entre-Deux-Mers AOP
It produces only dry white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
Which three sweet wine AOPs sit along the eastern shore of the Garonne in Entre-Deux-Mers?
Loupiac, Ste-Croix-du-Mont, and Cadillac
All may produce botrytized or late-harvest sweet whites.
Which lesser-known AOP in Entre-Deux-Mers can produce white wines in sec, moelleux, or liquoreux styles?
Côtes de Bordeaux-Saint-Macaire AOP
Residual sugar can range from dry to sweet.
Name two classified growths in the Haut-Médoc that use simply the Haut-Médoc AOP rather than a commune.
Château La Lagune (3rd Growth) and Château Cantemerle (5th Growth)
Both are located outside the top communal boundaries.
How does spring frost affect Bordeaux yields?
It causes coulure and millerandage
Flowers fail to pollinate normally, reducing and unevening the crop.
Order these vintages from best to worst in Bordeaux: 2009, 2013, 2016, 2005.
2005 (excellent), 2009 (excellent), 2016 (very good), 2013 (poor)
Vintage quality is heavily impacted by weather conditions.
Which classified Sauternes estate sometimes produces a dry white called “Y” (Ygrec)?
Château d’Yquem
It labels the wine as Bordeaux AOP rather than Sauternes.
Which sweet wine AOP requires a minimum must weight of 221 g/l and at least 45 g/l residual sugar?
Sauternes AOP
Grapes must be affected by botrytis, with strict yields of 25 hl/ha.
How often do tries occur during Sauternes harvest?
Several times (3–10) as needed
Pickers seek only botrytized grapes in successive passes.
True or False: Malbec (Pressac) and Carmenère are virtually extinct in modern Bordeaux blends.
True
They appear in very small amounts, overshadowed by Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Which two major red grapes does Cheval Blanc typically blend?
Merlot and Cabernet Franc
It often has about 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc, unusual for the Right Bank.
Name the sweet white-only appellation in Graves that can label wines also as Sauternes if in Barsac.
Barsac AOP
Producers in Barsac may choose to label their wines as Barsac or Sauternes.
Which classification recognized 36 small producers as Crus Artisans in its latest review?
Cru Artisan
Established officially in 2002, updated in 2018, designating smaller Médoc estates with artisanal practices.
