Red And Rosé Wines Of Bordeaux, Loire And Southwest France

Question 1

Black varieties of Bordeaux?

Answer 1

• Cabernet Sauvignon; dominates in the haut médoc, also very important in Graves. 3/4 of the blend in finest wines
• Cabernet Franc; wifely used in Saint Emilion
• Merlot; most planted variety in Bordeaux, important in premium wine of pomerol and saint Emilion
• Petit Verdot; smaller planting than the 3 others. Mainly used to add tannin colour and spicy notes

Question 2

Wine making in Bordeaux?

Answer 2

• use of traditional oak vats, steel or concrete vats, to increase blending options.
• most wines are blended in the spring following the vintage.
• in order to maintain quality some winemakers prefer to keep their different parcels of wine separated until the end of maturation.