France-Bordeaux Flashcards
Modern Negotiant system in France is the?
La place de Bordeaux
First property to implement a bottling system was? What year?
Chateau Mounton Rothschild in 1920
En Primeur?
Is a merchant that pays for the wine in the spring following harvest, but not taking delivery until 12-18 months later.
Wine Regions of Bordeaux?
- Medoc
- Graves
- Blaye and Bourg
- Libournais district
- Entre-deux-mers
Soil of Bordeaux, left bank and right?
Left is well drained gravels in the best sights. More clay in St. Estephe and Pomerol with increasing more gravel moving south through communes.
Climate Of Bordeaux?
Maritime Climate, With the Pin forest to the east blocking the winds from the ocean. Increasingly hotter and more humid summers.
What are the two major rivers in Bordeaux?
- Gironde (Garonne as you move further south)
2. Dordogne
1855 Classification: Reds- How many? From where? how many levels?
61 total
60 from Medoc, 1 Graves
5 Levels
1855 Classification
Whites-
How Many?
How many levels?
27 sweet white wines
2 levels with a superior classification awarded to d’Yquem
What was the 1855 classification based on?
Sale price for current wine.
Graves Classification was introduced in what year and reconfirmed when?
Graves Classification was Introduced in 1954 and reconfirmed in 1959
How many reds and how many white were part of the confirmation of ‘59 in Graves?
13 red, 9 whites
How many levels of classification in Graves?
1
Pessac-Leognan appellation was founded in what year?
1987
St. Emillion reclassifies its vineyards how often?
Every 10 or so years?
In what year was Mounton Rothschild Promoted to First Growth?
1973
1855 Classification of White Wine:
What is the Premier Cru Superieur Chateau?
Chateau d’Yquem
1855 Classification of white wines:
Premier Cru (First Growth)
How many originally?
How many now?
9 originally
11 Currently
1855 Classification of white wines:
Premier Cru
Memory 1?
Memory 2?
Memory 1: Siglas-Raboud went on La Tour Blanche to Clos Haute-Peyraguay. Rabaud-Promis de Rayne Vigneau would Lafourie Peyraguay (all in Bommes)
Memory 2: Guiraud Suduiraut Rieussac-Fargues because Climens stole Coutet
1855 classification of white wines Premier Cru:
original chateaux and Current name(s) if neccisary?
- La Tour Blanch, Bommes (Chateau Latour Blanche)
- Raboud, Bommes (Now two: Chateau Raboud-Promis, and Chateau Siglas-Ribaud
- Peyraguay, Bommes (Now two: Chateau Clos Haut-Peyrayguey, Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
- Vigneau, Bommes (Now Chateau Rayne Vigneau
- Suduiraut, Preignac
- Climens, Barsac
- Coutet, Barsac
- Blaye, Sauternes (now Chateau Guiraud)
- Rieussec, Sauternes (now Chateau Rieussec-Fargues)
1855 Classification White WIne Deuxieme cru (Second Growth):
How many originally?
How many now?
11 originally
16 now
1855 Classification white wine Deuxieme cru
Memory 1?
Memory2?
Memory 1: Mirat, Suau, Broustete-Nerac, and Caillou. Doisy now 3 Daëne, Dubroca and Vendrines (All Barsac)
Memory 2: Peixoto told a Romer-du-Hayot took a Malle to Filhot D’arche while Lamothe and Gaignard watched
1855 Classification white wines Deuxieme Cru:
Original 11 with the appellation, and current name(s) if necessary.
- Mirat, Barsac (now Chateau Myrat)
- Suau, Barsac
- Bourstet Nerac, Barsac (Now two: Chateau Bourstet, Chateau Nerac
- Caillou, Barsac
- Doisy, Barsac (Now Three: Chateau Doisy-Daëne, Chateau Doisy-Dubroca, Chateau Doisy-Vendrines
- Pexoto, Bommes (now part of Chateau Raboud-Promis)
- Romer, Preignac (now two: Chateau Romer and Chateau Romer-du-Hayot-Fargues)
- Malle, Preignac, (now Chateau Malle)
- Filhot , Sauternes
- D’arch, Suaternes (now Chateau D’Arche)
- Lamothe, Sauternes (now two: Chateau Lamothe and Chateau Lamothe-Gaignard
1855 Classification of red wines :
What are the five classification levels in French and English?
- Premier Cru, First Growth
- Deuxieme Cru, Second Growth
- Troisieme Cru, Third Growth
- Quatrimese Cru, Fourth Growth
- Cinquimese Cru, Fifth Growth
1855 Classification of red wines:
Premier Cru?
Communal appellation?
Any current Changes?
- Chateau Lafit-Rothschild, Pauillac
- Chateau Latour, Pauillac
- Chateau Margaux, Margaux
- Chateau Haut-Brion, Pessac
Changes:
5. Chateau Mounton-Rothschild, Pauillac (was upgraded in 1973)
1855 Classification of red wines: Deauxieme Cru Memory St. Estephe? Memory Pauillac? Memory St. Julien? Memory Margaux?
St. Estephe: St Estephe went to the Rose Mountain to preach, D’Estournel (Didn’t do well)
Pauillac: Pichon(piss on) Longville the Baron and Comtess-de-Leland, and Mounton Rothschild if he was still here
St. Julien: Leoville Leoville Leoville, Barton and Poyfere, Ducru Beaucaillou, Gruaud-Larose to stay
Margaux: DL Bran Fucks Rouzan Twice, Segla and Gassies
1855 Deuxieme cru red wines:
How many Originally?, Now?
Name all the Chateaux and Communal Appellation, and if they have any changes since the original classification.
12 Originally, 14 Current
- Cos Destournel, St. Estephe (now Chateau cos d’Estournel)
- Montrose, St Estephe
- Mouton, Pauillac (now Chateau Mouton Rothschild First Growth)
- Pichon Longueville, Pauillac (now two: Pichon-Longueville-Baron and Pichon-Longueville-Comtess-de-Lelande
- Chateau Leoville, St. Julien (now three: Leoville-Las-Cases, Leoville-Poyforé, Leoville-Barton
- Ducru Beau Caillou, St. Julien (now Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou)
- Gruau-Larose, St. Julien (now Chateau Gruard-Larose)
- Rauzan-Segla, Margaux
- Rauzan-Gassis, Margaux
- Viven Dufort, Margaux (now Chateau Dufort-Vivens
- Lascombe
- Bran, Cantenac (Margaux)
1855 Classification Troisieme Cru (Third Growth) red wines:
How many originally?
Now?
Memory?
14 originally, 14, Now
Memory: (Troisieme,4,5,1,2) Third growth, Cantenac has 4, Kiwan, d’Issan Boyd, and Palmer. Margaux has 5, St. Exupery Drinks Becks with the Ferrier, and Desmirail, but Dubignon is gone. With Calon in St. Estephe 3 have 1, Giscours in Labarde, an Lalagune in Ludon. Don’t forget 2 is a party in St-Julien at the Lagrange or Langoa-Barton
1855 Classification Troisieme Cru (Third Growth) rd wines:
List all Chateau, Communal Appellations, and changes.
- Kirwan, Cantenac
- Chateau d’Issan, Cantenac
- Boyde, Cantenac (now two: Chateau Boyde-Cantenac and Chateau Cantenac -Brown)
- Palmer, Cantenac
- St-Exupery, Margaux (now Chateau Malescot-St-Exupery
- Becks, Margaux ( now Chateau Marquis d’Alesne-Becks)
- Ferrier, Margaux
- Desmirail, Margaux
- Dubignon, Margaux (no longer in existence, some vineyard have been purchased by Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer, Chateau Malescot-St-Exupry)
- Calon, St-Estephe (now Chateau Calon-Sergur)
- Giscours, Laborde
- Lalagune, Ludon (now Chateau La Lagune)
- Lagrange, St-Julien
- Langoa, St-Julien (Now Chateau Langoa-Barton)
1855 Classification Quatrieme Cru (Fourth Growth):
How many Originally? Current?
Memory?
Originally 11, Current 10
Memory: Marquis de Thermes went on a Latour-Carnet with Lafone-Rochet to Shop at Talbots. While dining with St-Pierre and Du-luc at Beychevele, Le Prieure Pouget Duhart exploded
1855 Classification Quatrieme Cru:
List names of Chateaux, Communal Appellation, and any changes
- Marquis de Terme, Margaux (now Chateau Marquis-de-Terme)
- Cornet, St-Laurent (now Chateau Latour-Carnet)
- Rochet, St-Estephe (now Chateau Lafon-Rochet
- Talbots, St-Julien
- St. Pierre, St-Julien (now Chateau St-Pierre-Sevaistre)
- Du-luc, St-Julien (now Chateau Brenaire-Ducru)
- Beychevele, St-Julien (now Chateau Beychevelle)
- Le prieure, Cantenac (now Chateau Priuré-Lichine)
- Pouget-Lasalle, Cantenac (now Chateau Pouget
- Pouget, Cantnac (now Chateau Pouget)
- Duhart, Pauillac (now Chatau Duhart-Milon (Rothschild))
1855 Classification Cinquiemes Cru (Fith Growth):
How many originally?
How many currently?
17 originally
18 now
When was the cru Bourgeois Enacted?
1932
Hierarchy Levels of Cru Bourgeois?
How Many originally
- Crus Bourgeois Exceptional (6)
- Crus Bourgeois Superior (99)
- Crus Bouegeois
When was thre Cru Bourgeois Rectified?
When is it reassed?
What Happend after?
2000 Cru Bourgeois was rectified
It is reassessed every 12 years
In 2003 247 of the 490 the applied where accepted, after uproar and a law suit to further clarify the rules, in 2008 243 of 290 that applied where accepted, showing that the original rectification in 2003 was very acurate.
Grape veriety of Bordeaux:
Red?
White?
Red: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot
White: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Muscadelle
Vinification and aging mediums used in Bordeaux
Oak, concrete, stainless
Who was the first to use stainless?
Chateau Haute-Brion
What are the St. Emilion Satellites?
- Montagne-St-Emilion
- Lussac-St-Emilion
- Puisseguin-St-Emilion
- St-Georges-St-Emilion
% of Bordeaux that is organic
8%
What is the UGC?
And how are the payments set up?
Union des Grands Crus: Trad tasting at the end of harvest for the negociants to set price and for the media
Paymenst in thirds: reservation, six monthes, delivery
Barriques are _____ Gallons
59
What are the Appellations of Bordeaux-Generic AOC
Bordeaux AOC: First Tier
Bordeaux Superieur AOC: Second Tier
Cotes de Bordeaux AOC : Small rural farms often co-ops
Cremant de Bordeaux AOC
What are the 8 appellations of the Medoc?
How many cru classes in each?
- Medoc: 0 cru classes
- St-Estephe: 5 cru classes
- Pauillac: 18 cru classes
- St-Julien: 11 cru classes
- Moulis-en-Medoc: 0 cru classes
- Listrac-Medoc: 0 cru classes
- Margaux: 21 cru classes
- Haute-Medoc: 5 cru classes (surrounding the other 7 appellations)
Medoc location?
Left bank of the Gironde, Starts northwest of Bordeaux to Soulac in the north
Medoc climate, 3 aspects?
- Two large masses of water, Atlantic and Gironde act as heat regulators creating a micro-climate
- Gulf Stream regulates, mild winters, warm summers, sunny autums
- Protected from winds by pine forest that runs along the coast parallel to the Medoc AOC’s
Medoc Aspect?
- Hillside with knolls and gentle slopes. All areas gradually slope to the Gironde. scattered marshy areas
- Best vineyards have view fo Gironde
What is Bordeaux Largest district or appellation?
Entre-deaux-mers
Medoc Soil?
- Topsoil: gravel mixed with sand
- Subsoil: mainly gravel with humus, limestone and clay.
- More sand and clay in the north, with higher percentages of gravel in the south in Margaux
Medoc Viticulture?
Mostly reds, some prestigious whites.
Medoc Grape Varieties?
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carmenere, Malbec
St. Estephe wine structure?
Emphasis on firmness, well structured with natural longevity, richer and fruitier, less perfumed
How many Cru Bourgeois Exceptional’s in St-Estephe?
9 Cru Bourgeois Exceptional’s, St-Estephe is known for Cru Bourgeois.
What is the “Crown Jewel” of St-Estephe and why?
Chateau Clos d’Estournel: Bruno Prats in 1971, when its reputation soared.
St-Estephe Location?
Most northernly of the 4 classic appellations
St-Estephe aspect?
Rolling hills with drainage to the estuary’s
St-Estephe Soil?
- Topsoil: quartz and gravel
- Subsoil: clay beds, stoney-clay, limestone with heavier slower drainage
- More fertile that communal appellation to the south because gravel washes down the Gironde
- Vines can withstand particularly hot and dry summers because of the cooler soil.
St-Estephe Viticulture?
Merlot Is becoming more prominent
St-Estephe vinification?
- Reduced use of ________.
- All grapes must be ________.
- Skin contact averages __________.
- Maturation in cask currently vary’s _______ to ______ months
- Vin de press
- destalked
- 3 weeks
- 15 to 24 months
Pauillac wine structure?
- Wines that bombard the senses with power and flavor, but still have the finesse.
- Fresh fruit, oak, rigour, subtly combined with cigar box with a touch of sweetness
- Black currant aromas are most notable in Puillace
- Young Pauillac has notes of black current, raspberry, violet, roses, and irises
Pauillac Location?
Between St-Estphe to the north and St-Julien to the south
Pauillac aspect?
- Two large low-lying plateaus, one on the northwest and the other on the southwest.
- Excellent drainage in all directions
Pauillac soil composition?
- The two plateaus are massive gravel beds reaching greater depths than anywhere in the Medoc. Called “Croupes”
- St-Sauveur (to the west consists of shallow sand over stony subsoils
- Gravel over gravel and ironpan in the central and south
Pauillac vinification?
- Some vin de press
- Skin contact 3-4 weeks
- Maturation 18-24 months in cask
What is the difference between the hillside and ownership of Pauillac compared to Margaux?
Most Chateaus own the whole hillside, whereas in Margaux many Hillsides are owned by multiple chateaus.
When you pick 1 grape at a time over a period of ten weeks, only botrytis grapes are picked as they are ready, this is called?
sorti or tres
Describe the 3 characteristics of Pauillac wine structure?
Three characteristic structures of Pauillac are best described by the 3 different First Growths.
1. Lafit-Rothschils: in the north, has the smoothness and finesse of St-Julien
2. Latour: in the south has emphatic firmness of St. Esephe, Depths of flavor that can take a decade to unravel.
Mounton-Rothschild: is the third kind of Pauillac, strong, dark, full of the savor of ripe black currents, and some say exotic spices.
How many cru classes are in Pauillac?
18
St-Julien wine structure?
- Known for smoothness and finesse after aged, consistent
- If Pauillac is strong and Margaux finessed, St-Julien is right down the middle
How many cru classes in Saint Julien?
11 (no premier or Cinquiemes cru)
St-Julien location?
Located in the center of the Haut-Medoc, just south of Pauillac
St-Julien aspect?
The “gravel crest” of St-Julien slopes and drains to the Girande, or slopes south to the Jalle du nord and Chames de Milieu
Soil of St-Julien?
- Fine gravel on south facing mounds within sight of the Gironde.
- Further inland soils begin to mix with sand loess.
- Subsoil consists of iron pan, marl and gravel.
St-Julien Vinification?
- All grapes must be destalked
- Some vin de press may be used according to the needs of the vintage
- Skin contact 2-3 weeks
- 18-22 months maturation in casks
Margaux best vintages?
Anything current but ‘11 and ‘13
Margaux wine structure?
- Feminine, subtle, elegent with great aging potential
- On the best years it is delicate, sweet haunting perfume that can make it the most exquisite of claret.
- Poor year can be thin without proper water supply, The ground in Margaux does not hold water well
How many cru classes in Margaux?
21
What are the communes in Margaux?
- Labarde
- Arsac
- Cantenac
- Margaux
- Soussans
Where can the best Margaux’s be found?
On the central plateau, four miles long and one mile wide
Location of Margaux?
Furthest south of the traditional appellations, `17 miles north of Bordeaux
Margaux aspect?
One large plateau centering on margaux plus several outcrops sloping west to the forest
Margaux soil?
- Central Plateau: Gravel deposited from Margaux over a limestone terrace and clay-marl subsoil.
- Shallow pebble gravel over gravel subsoil intersperses with limestone, thinest and most gravelly.
Margaux vinification?
- All Grapes must be destalked
- 5%-10% vin de press may be used on the wine according to vintage needs
- Skin contact 15-25 days
- 12-24 months in cask aging
What vineyards use more malbec in Margaux?
Chateau Palmer
Chateau Lascombes
What Chateau does Chanel own?
Chateau Rauzan-Segla
Top 7 communes in Graves?
Pessac, Leognan, Talence, Martillac, Portets, Illats and Podensac.
Where can graves best vineyards be found?
In the north around the suburbs of Bordeaux and Pessac and Leognan.
How and when did the Pessac-Leognan appellatino com about?
There was a major difference in quality coming out of the communes of Graves. The north was making superior reds, this created a divide between north and south Graves. in 1987 Pessac-Leognan received it’s own appellation classification separate from graves.
Which famous chateau grows American rootstock in Bordeaux and where?
Chateau Haut-Lafit grows American rootstock clones on an island in the Gironde
Vinification for Ceron?
Can make both red, white, and Graves Superior (May be dry, but is usually white)
Pessac-Leognan soils?
Varied, limestone and sandy soils at Chateau Haut Brion
What is Sauternes and Barsac known for?
Sweet wines rule in complexity here.
Barsac Soil?
Shallow limstone
Sauternes soil?
Mostly gravelly, with clay and limestone.
Potential Alcohol of a win effected with noble rot?
Potential alcohol: 17.5-26%
The Latin name for noble rot?
Botrytis cinerea
what is noble rot?
is a fungus in the soil that is activated by suitable conditions.
How does noble rot spread?
It is found in the soil and releases its spores under the right condition. Early morning mist, followed by hot mid-morning sunshine.
How does noble rot affect the grape?
The spores latch onto the flesh of the grape replacing the structure and feeding on the moisture. they also devour 5/6 of a grapes acidity and 1/3 it’s sugar concentrating into a sticky pulp.
Best Modern Vintages of Barsac and Sauternes?
Odd years 2001-2016
Sorti or tres definition?
When you pick 1 grape at a time over a period of ten weeks, only botrytis grapes are picked as they are ready.
What is the effect of making botrytis style on quantity?
Low yield equals low quantity.
How much wine per vine does d’Yquem make?
1 Glass on average
What are the general alcohol and sugars levels in Sauternes or Barsac sweet wine?
14-15% alcohol leaving 50-100 grams per liter of sugar
When is the time to pick Botrytis grapes?
Not early or at the end, both produce muted wine, Botrytis grapes must be peak at the peak of rampancy.
What are the options for classifying in Barsac and Sauternes?
Each chateau can use its own AOC, or Graves Superior AOC
How many Appellations in Libournais and Fransadais? and what are they?
Appellations: 10 1. Cot de Bordeaux AOC: Two small sub-appellations: Francs AOC (and Francs Liquoreaux AOC) and Castillion AOC 2. Pomeral AOC 3. Leland-de-Pomeral AOC 4. Fransac AOC 5. Canon-Fransac AOC 6. St-Emilion AOC St-Emilion Satellites AOC 7. Montagne-St-Emilion AOc 8. Lussac-St-Emillion AOC 9. Puisseguin-St-Emillion AOC 10. St-Georges St-Emilion AOC
Soil of Montagne St-Emilion?
Clay and limestone, with sand and clay soils to the west of the Isa river tributary
Soils of Lussac-St-Emilion?
Clay and limestone to the south, silt deposit in the north left by the Isa river tributary
Soil of Puisseguin-St-Emilion?
Clay and limestone, is most homogeneous with hardened limestone called astride.
The soil of St-Georges-St-Emilion?
Clay and Limestone entirely
What is astride?
What are its properties?
effect on wine?
- Hardened limestone with fossilized starfish formed in the stone, found in Puisseguin and other parts of Bordeaux
- Properties: It can retain moisture resulting in cooler subsoils
- Lends to a fresh elegance in the wines.
What are the regulation for Cote de Bordeaux Francs Liquoreaux AOC?
- By law, it must b naturally sweet with at least 238 grams of sugar per liter, and made from overripe juice
- Finished wine must have min 14.5 alcohol and 51 grams of residual sugar per liter.
St-Emilion structure of wine?
Silky texture
Location of St-Emilion?
Location of the town?
- Right bank of the Dordogne
- The town os St-Emilion is located on top the plateau on the east.
Climate of St. Emilion?
- More continental than that of the Medoc
- Maritime în the spring, less in the summer and winter
Soil of St-Emilion
There are 4 different soil types in St. Emilion that correspond to the natural geography.
Plateaux:
- West: Clay rich calcareous soil on hard limestone bedrock (as well as far-east plateau
- East: Decalcified loamy clay on hard limestone bedrock to the eastern side of the plateau and north east of Pavie
Higher slopes:
-clay rich calcareous soil on soft limestone bedrock
Lower slope:
- Well drained sandy soils on the western slopes, west and south of the town
- Clay and loam on molasse to the north-east and east
Valley:
- Gravel to the far north-west on the Figeac-Pomerol alluvial terrace. (Cheval blanc and Figeac)
- Sandy alluvium
- More gravelly alluvium as you move closer to Dordogne
St. Emilion Viticulture?
- First vin de press is needed for most chateau
- Skin contact usually 15-21 days, up to 4 weeks
- 15-18 Month in cask, though some may only do 12 weeks
When was the original classification of St-Emilion?
Ratified?
1955
1959
How many years in between St-Emilion reclassification?
When was the most recent?
and Projected?
10 (ish)]
2012
2022
What are the qualifiers to the St-Emilionx classification?
- Must produce wines in St-Emilion Grand cru Classification rather than the St-Emilion AOC
- This brings with it lower yields, longer aging with the higher classification
What fraction of the Vineyard in St. Emilion are under Grand cru?
2/3
Until _______ there where only 2 Premier Grand Crus
2012
What where the 4 Premier Grand Cru Classe A Wine (Before 2022)
- Chateau Ausone
- Chateau Chevel Blanc
- Chateau Angelus
- Chateau Pavie
What Premier Grand Cru Classe A Chateaus Left the classification?
Any Premier Grand Cru Classe B?
- Chateau Ausone
- Chateau Cheval Blanc
- Chateau Angelus
Classes B:
1. La Gaffelieres
St, Emillion Premier Grand Cru Classe (B) memory?
Pavie Maquin and the twins Beau-Sejour took the Troplong Mandot Fourtet of Trottervielle horses to bring the two Canon and Ducasse of Figeac to Belair Volandraud
Pomeral wine structure?
Velvety texture, At 5 years can start to take on gamey notes.
What is the classification for Pomeral?
No Classification
Best Chateau of the 19th century?
Vieux Chateau Certan
Best chateau of the 19th century?
Vieux Chateau Certan
Top 7 wineries of Pomeral?
- Petrus
- Le Pin
- Le Fleur
- L’Evangile
- Le Fleur-Petrus
- La Conseillante
- Trotany
Who Started La Pin?
Jacques Theinpoint
Who started Petrus?
Who is the current owner of Petrus?
Moueu Family started Petrus
Current Owner Berrout Family is the current owner
Pomeral Location?
The western side of St-Emilion and north of Libourne
Climate of Pomerol?
More continental like St-Emilion.
St-Emilion Aspect?
Modest mount with Petrus and Chateau Vieux Certan at the center.
Pomeral Soil?
- Sandy to the west of the highway
- To the east is the best property, soil consists of the Pomerol-Figeac graves over Molaise, and impermeable sandstone.
- Clay in the north with “crasse de fer” or “machefer” (hardpan)
Pomerol viticulture?
Too cold to ripen cabernet sauvignon, merlot is dominate with cabernet franc.
Pomeral Vinification?
- Some Vin de press
- 15-21 days of skin contact
- 18-20 Months in Cask
Bourg is ________ times _______ than Blay?
5 time larger
Where are the majority of Blay’s vineyard located?
On the border of Bourg
What is Blay known for other than wine?
Sturgen ports directly accross Margaux
Bourg and Blay Location
Vineyard fan out behing Bourg and along the Dordogne.
Bourg and Blay Climate?
Less protedcted than the Medoc with westerly and northwesterly winds and higher rainfall
Bourg and Blay aspect?
- Very hilly with vines cultivated on steep limeston hills and knolls.
- Southern section of blay has rich soil and hilly with steep slopes overlooking the Gironde
- In the north, gentle lower hills, marshes bordering the viticulture areas
Bourg and Blay soil?
- Bourg: Topsoil is clay-limestone, or clay-gravel over limestone subsoil. In the east the subsoil turns to gravel or clay.
- Blay: is clay or clay-limestone over hard limestone on the hills overlooking the Gironde. Progressivly sandier as you move east
Appellations of Bourg and Blay
- Blay Aoc
- Bourg AOC (or Bourgeias AOC)
- Cote de Blay AOC
- Cote de bourg AOC
- Premier Cote de Blay AOC
Literal translation of Entre-Deaux-Mers?
Between two seas, Garonne and Dordogne
Entre-Deaux-Mers location?
Between the Garonne and Dordogne
Entre-Deaux-Mers climate?
More blustery and wetter than the medoc, locations near the river can flood.
Entre-Deaux-Mers Aspect?
Quite, attractive countryside of vine covered hills, orchards and medows.
Entre-Deaux-Mers soil?
- Varied soils, alluvium near rivers, gravel on hillsides
- “Boulbenes” soil dominates the west
What is Boulbenes?
Sand and clay compressed
Entre-Deaux-Mers Viticulture?
High and wide methode like in Austria
Entre-Deaux-Mers vinification?
Mostly Sauvignon blanc in stainless
Entre-Deaux-Mers grape veriety?
- Mostly sauvignon blanc in stainless
- Semillion, Colombard, Mauzac, Merlot Blanc, Ugni blanc
11 Entre-Deaux-Mers 11 AOC appellations?
- Bordeaux Haut-Benage AOC
- Cadillac AOC
- Cotes-de-Bordeaux Cadillac AOC
- Cotes-de-Bordeaux St-Fay AOC
- Cotes-de-Bordeaux St-Macaire
- Entre-deaux-mers AOC
- Entre-deaux-mers Haut-Benauge AOC
- Graves de Vayers AOC
- Loupiac AOC
- Premier Cotes-de-Bourdeaux AOX (Exclusivly sweet)
- St-Craix-du-mont AOC
What are the major grape varieties in Bordeaux:
White and red?
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Carmenere, Malbec. White: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Muscadelle
Chateau Mouton Rothschild Motto before the reclassification to Premier Cru:
French?
English?
- “Premier ne puis. Second ne daigne. Mouton Suis.”
- First, I cannot be, second I do not deign to be. Mouton I am.
Chateau Mouton Rothschild Motto after the reclassification?
French?
English?
- “Premier je suis. Second je fus. Mouton ne change.
- First I am, second I used to be, Mouton does not change.
When does wine making in Bordeaux date back to?
4th Century?
Dutch merchants played what role in Bordeaux?
They created a complex series of channels to drain the marshes. This made more suitable land for viticulture.
What is the typical Medoc blend? and what is it aged in?
- 70% cabernet sauvignon
- 30% merlot
- Some Cabernet franc and Verdot
- Usually aged in new oak
Typical right bank blend?
Aging medium?
- 70% merlot
- 30% cabernet franc
- French oak
What is the French law regarding labels and chateaus?
A Chateau pictured on the label must exist
Typical sweet wine blends of France and where do they come from?
Blend percentage?
Aging medium?
- Sauternes
- 80% semillion
- 20% sauvignon blanc
- Small percentage muscadelle
- Many are aged in new french oak
A typical blend of dry white wines of Bordeaux and where do they come from?
Aging medium?
- 80% Sauvignon Blanc
- 20% Semillion
- Graves, Pessac-Leognan, and Entre-doux-mers
- Most “cheap” Bordeaux wine is not aged in oak
- Prestigious wines will be aged in oak
Who bought Chateau Margaux in the 70’s?
What was the exact year?
What happened?
THe Mentzelopoulos family bought the chateau in 1977 and the quality improved even more.
Major white grapes of Sauternes and Graves?
- Semillion
2. Sauternes
How many grapes traditionally allow in Bordeaux red?
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
- Malbec
- Carménere
In what year did the INAO add more grape varietals>
Why?
What are the reds?
2021 As a result of climate change. 1. Arinarnoa 2. Castets 3. Marselan 4. Touriga
How many white grapes are traditionally allowed in Bordeaux?
What are they?
8 Grapes traditionally
- Semilion
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Muscadelle
- Sauvignon Gris
- Colombard
- Ugni Blanc
- Merlot Blanc
- Mauzac
Any new grapes added to the allowed white varietals in Bordeaux?
3 new grapes allowed
- Alvarinho
- Luliorila
- Petit Mensang
What is Cru Artisan and what is its history?
- Cru Artisan Has been around for a half-century but was finally recognized in 2002. in 2005 there were 44 producers of this appellation, in 2018 numbers decreased to 36
- Denotes exceptional stewards of the land and winemaking
- Ranking will now be updated every 5 years
in 2020 how many Chateaux were awarded Cru Bourgeois status?
How many Cru Bourgeois Exceptional?
Superieur?
249
14 Exceptional
56 Superieurs
When was Graves classified originally? first updated and how many were added?
1953
6 more added in 59
What Happened to Haut-Brion sister Chateaux?
- 2005 Vintage was last for Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion (classified red only)
- 2008 Vintage was last for Chateau Laville Haut-Brion (classified only white)
- Both are suppplying grapes for second red and new white white wine for La Mission Haut-Brion
Bouchet?
a synonym for Cabernet Franc on the right bank
Alcohol level for Sauternes?
12-14%
Liters of traditional barrique in Bordeaux
225 Liters
What are the two rivers bordering Sauternes?
Garrone and Ceron
In what century did malbec first spear in Bordeaux?
18th century
The popularity of Bordeaux was first sparked in the _____ Century, and by Who?
What’s the story?
What was the name of this time in Bordeau?
- Popularity of Bordeaux was first sparked in the 12th century thanks to Elenor of Aquitaine. After a brief marriage to Luis the 7th of France, She married King Henry 2nd of England Bringing Aquitaine under English control.
- the time following this is called: The first Golden Age.
What century did exports first peak in Bordeaux?
14th
When did the Dutch drain the Medoc?
1600’s
In what century did negotiants Start to expand?
Mid 18th century
When did Phylloxera hit France?
Mid 19th century (1858)
When was the deep freeze in France?
1956
What happened when the Medoc was drained?
Nobility started to arrive and sparked the Second Golden Age
When was the Third Golden Age?
Started early 80’s
St-Emilion Grand Cru is a ______________,
While St-Emilion Grande Cru Classes is a ____________.
Appellation
Classification
St. Emilion lost fame and demand after the _____________
Draining of the Medoc
Medoc rests at the _______ latitudinal Line.
45th
Medoc Law: Minimum ___% ALcohol
11%
When was Haut-Medoc Superieur introduced?
Requirement differences?
- 1943
- Requires Slightly reduced yield and a higher min ripeness at harvest.
1855 classification First Growth pricing criteria
Prices over $3000 Francs per barrel
1855 classification Second Growth pricing criteria
$2500-2700 Francs per barrel
1855 classification Third Growth pricing criteria
$2100-2400 Francs a barrel
1855 classification Fourth Growth pricing criteria
$1800-$2100 Francs per barrel
1855 classification Fifth Growth pricing criteria
$1400-1600 Francs per barrel
2019 Medoc Grape Statistics
- 49.7% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 44.3% Merlot
- 3.7% Cabernet France
- 2.1% Petit Verdot
- .2% Malbec and Carmenere
Bordeaux Viticulture:
- Canopy style?
- Canopy height?
- Planting Density?
- _________ sprays used to combat mildew
- ___________ For ventilation
- 1st Biodynamic producer (certified 2005)
- Double Guyot
- Smallest in Bordeaux
- 7000 vines per ha, high density
- Sulfer
- Leaf Stripping
- Pontet-Canet
Bordeau Vinification:
- Green Harvesting allowed?
- Type of sorting most prominently used?
- Destemming required Y/N
- Concentrating allowed? Chapetalization allowed?
- Fermentation vessels
- Remontage used? Pigeage used?
- Malolactic conversion used?
- Months in Oak?
- yes
- Optical
- Y
- Y, Y
- SS, Concrete, oak vat, new oak barrels etc
- Yes, Yes
- Y
- 18-24 months in oak
Medoc AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 53% Merlot
- 43% Cabernet Sauvignon
Haut-Medoc AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 49% Merlot
- 44% Cabernet Sauvignon
St-Estephe AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 42% Merlot
Pauillac AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 62% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 32% Merlot
St-Julien AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 49% Merlot
- 44% Cabernet Sauvignon
Listrac AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 62% Merlot
- 32% Cabernet Sauvignon
Moulis AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 53% Merlot
- 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaux AOP top grape varieties and %?
- 53% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 40% Merlot
Listrac AOP Soils?
Generally more clay and limestone
Moulis AOP soils?
Generally more clay and limestone
“The Drops of God” and why is it important?
a Japaneses manga series translated into Chinese led to a surge of asian interest in Chateau le Puy from Bordeaux
40% of French wine goes to ________?
60 % of French wine goes to _________?
EU
rest of world
St. Emillion Classification years and number of chateau?
- 1955 - 2 Premier Grand Gru Classe
- 63 Grand Cru Classe - 1969 - 12 Premier Grand Cru Classe
- 72 Grand Cru Classe - 1986 - 11 Premier Grand Cru
- 65 Grand Cru Classes - 1996 - 13 Premier Grand Cru Classe
- 55 Grand Cru Classe - 2006 - 15 Premier Grande Cru Classe
- 46 Grand Cru Classe - 2012 - 18 Premier Grand Cru Classe
- 64 Grand Cru Classe