FWS Bordeaux AOCs

Question 1

What are the primary grapes used in the Médoc AOC?

Answer 1

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot

Médoc is known for producing only red wine.

Question 2

What type of soil is predominant in the Haut-Médoc AOC?

Answer 2

Gravel soils

Haut-Médoc has many mesoclimates.

Question 3

Which AOC in the Médoc is known for having the highest percentage of Merlot in its blend?

Answer 3

Saint-Estèphe AOC

It features clay soil and is windier and cooler.

Question 4

What flavor profile is associated with wines from Pauillac AOC?

Answer 4

Dusty cocoa flavor

Pauillac is known for powerful, structured wines with good ageability.

Question 5

Which AOC is considered the most southerly in the Médoc region?

Answer 5

Margaux AOC

It is known for delicate, perfumed, and elegant wines.

Question 6

Fill in the blank: In the Libournais, _______ and Cabernet Franc are the primary grape varieties used in blends.

Answer 6

Merlot

Question 7

What are the two main AOCs located near the Isle River?

Answer 7

• Fronsac AOC
• Canon Fronsac AOC

Both are on the right bank with clay and limestone soils.

Question 8

What distinguishes the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC from the Saint-Émilion AOC?

Answer 8

Lower yield and higher minimum alcohol

Grand Cru wines must undergo two tastings before and after aging.

Question 9

What type of wines does the Graves AOC predominantly produce?

Answer 9

• 85% red blends based on Cabernet Sauvignon
• Whites based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon

Question 10

What is the significance of the term ‘Graves’?

Answer 10

It refers to gravel soils

Graves is located south of Bordeaux.

Question 11

What grapes are permitted in the Sauternes AOC?

Answer 11

• Sémillon
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Muscadelle
• Sauvignon Gris

Question 12

True or False: The Pomerol AOC allows the use of Carmenère in its blends.

Answer 12

False

Carmenère is not allowed in Pomerol.

Question 13

Which AOC is known for producing semi-sweet white wines through noble rot?

Answer 13

Graves Supérieures AOC

Question 14

Fill in the blank: The Entre-deux-Mers AOC produces 25% of the _______ white wines of Bordeaux.

Answer 14

dry

Question 15

What is a defining characteristic of the Côtes de Bordeaux AOC?

Answer 15

Red only, can incorporate fruit from any of its 5 DGCs

Merlot and Cabernet Franc dominate.

Question 16

List the five DGCs of the Côtes de Bordeaux appellation.

Answer 16

• Cadillac
• Francs
• Castillon
• Sainte-Foy
• Blaye

Question 17

What type of wines does Bourg/Côtes de Bourg/Bourgeais AOC produce?

Answer 17

Dry white and red wines

Merlot dominates in red blends.