General Flashcards
What are the 10 major wine regions of France?
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Dordogne and SW France
Beaujolais
Alsace
Loire Valley
Northern and Southern Rhône
Southern France
Alsace
What is the climate of Bordeaux?
Moderate Maritime
What is the main benefit Bordeaux receives from the Gulf Stream?
The warming ocean current extends the growing season.
Spring frosts are rarely a problem and ripening may extend into October.
What are the main disadvantages the Atlantic Ocean brings to Bordeaux?
High levels of rainfall and humidity, which may:
- Disrupt flowering and fruit set
- Promote rot
- Dilute flavors
What protects Bordeaux from the worst Atlantic storms?
- Landes Forest
- Sand Dunes
True or false:
Almost all Bordeaux red and white wines are single varietals?
FALSE
The variability in weather (rainfall) makes it too risky to rely on one variety.
What are the top 4 black grape varieties of Bordeaux?
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Franc
Merlot
Petit Verdot
What are the top 3 white varieties of Bordeaux?
Sémillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Muscadelle
What are the 2 main areas of Bordeaux?
Left Bank
Right Bank
Left/Right of the Gironde River
What is the area in Bordeaux between the Left and Right Banks?
Entre-Deux-Mers (Between two seas)
This area can only produce white wines red wines from this area must be labeled with a generic appellation name.
What are the 3 main areas of Bordeaux’s left bank?
Médoc
Graves
Sauternes
What are the two main areas of Bordeaux’s Right Bank?
Saint-Émillion
Pomerol
What are the two generic appellations of Bordeaux?
Bordeaux
Bordeaux Supérior (stricter appellation rules and requires higher levels of alcohol in final wine).
(Mainly red wines)
What black grape dominates the Right Bank of Bordeaux?
Merlot
And to a lesser extent Cabernet Franc
Why is the Pessac-Légnan (the most highly rated area in the Graves - southern Bordeaux) well suited for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Gravel soils which promoted heat and drainage.