Red Grapes

Question 1

Cabernet Franc

Answer 1

Widely planted in Saint Emillion
Flowers and ripens earlier than CS
Prefers warm, well-drained stoney/gravel soils
Adds vibrant fruits and floral notes to blends
Herbaceous and stalky if underripe

Question 2

Cabernet Sauvignon

Answer 2

Thick skins, late ripening
3/4 blend in Haut Medoc & Graves
Adds tannins
Adds deep color
Adds cassis / black currant
Adds agreeability
Post fermentation to soften tannins

Question 3

Merlot

Answer 3

1 grape in Saint Emillion, Pomerol

Can ripen in cool clay soils
Early budding and medium ripening, although earlier than CS
Adds softness and richer body to blend
Predominant grape in inexpensive, high volume because of softness
Vigorous
International style is riper whereas those earlier harvested are best of Bordeaux

Question 4

Petit Verdot

Answer 4

Hard to ripen (only in warmest years)
Adds deep color, tannins and exotic spice to blends