France - Bordeaux

Question 1

What is the division of plantings?

Answer 1

Black grapes 90%, White grapes 10%

Merlot 59%
Cab Sauv 20%
Cab Franc 8%
Other reds 3%

Semillion 4.5%
Sauv B 4.5%
Muscadelle 1%

Question 2

What is the division of AOC production?

Answer 2

Red 85%
Dry white 10%
Sweet white 1%
Rose 4%

Question 3

Which two rivers traverse the region, and what estuary do they form?

Answer 3

The River Dordogne (more northerly) and Garonne, form the Gironde estuary.

Question 4

What is the geographical lay out that makes up the vineyard areas?

Answer 4

West of the Garonne and Gironde = Left Bank
East of the Dordogne and Gironde = Right Bank
Between Garonne and Dordogne = Entre-Deux-Mers ‘between two seas’

Question 5

What’s the total area under vine?

Answer 5

111,000ha

Question 6

What is the division of plantings in relation to quality?

Answer 6

Vast majority of wine produced is only entitled to AOC Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superior and are inexpensive - mid priced. E.g. a prestigious appelation such as Pomerol is only 800ha.

Question 7

What’s the division of value between bottles sold?

Answer 7

70% inexpensive - mid
30% premium - super-premium