The Right Bank Bordeux

Question 1

What is the dominant soil type in POMEROL and SAINT-EMILLION and why is it particularly suited to Merlot? (2 marks)

Answer 1

These areas have clay soils and Merlot can ripen successfully in those cooler sites.

Question 2

Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Franc. What characteristics do these two varieties
typically give to a blend? (4 marks)

Answer 2

Merlot gives: Softness, rich body and plum fruit

Cabernet Franc gives: Vibrant floral and herbaceous flavours, acidity and tannin

Question 3

Give reasons why the wine pictured above would be sold at a premium price (7 marks)

1er Grand Cru Classe Chateau
Saint-Émillion
Chateau Cheval Blanc
1990

Answer 3

This wine will be sold at a premium price because it is from the premium REGION of Saint-Émillion and it is made by RENOWNED PRODUCER Chateau Cheval Blanc. The chateau is part of
the prestigious Cru Classé classification, within which 1er Grand Cru Classé is the HIGHEST RANK.

Within this top rank, it is one of only 4 Chateaus classed as A. 1990 was an excellent vintage and this is high quality and complex wine made in limited quantities.

Expenses in the vineyard such as hand-harvesting and in the winery, such as sorting rigorously and maturation in new French oak barriques, will add to the cost as will the cost of storage

Question 4

Vieux Chateau Certan
Grand Vin
Pomerol

a. State the primary grape variety and secondary grape variety likely to be found in this wine and state the geology (soils) that it is best found on (4 marks)

Answer 4

a.Primary Grape Variety: Merlot
Geology : Clay and limestone
Secondary Grape variety: Cabernet Franc
Geology: Prefers well-drained warm soils

Question 5

b. Often these premium wines are very concentrated, powerful and intense with a deep colour: How is this style achieved in the vineyard? (4 marks)
Vieux Chateau Certan
Grand Vin
Pomerol

Answer 5

b. This Merlot is often harvested as late as possible from lower yields to generate the maximum possible degree of intense purple colour, concentrated fruit and soft, velvet textured tannin

Question 6

c. Often these premium wines are very concentrated, powerful and intense with a deep colour: How is this style achieved in the winery? (5 marks)
Vieux Chateau Certan
Grand Vin
Pomerol

Answer 6

c. The grapes are crushed and go through a PRE-FERMENTATION extraction to extract greater color and flavor, and careful but consistent CAP MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUE will be used to further enhance color, tannin, and flavor. OAK will be used for fermentation and/or maturation (12-18 months is common), which is often new to add more complexity.

Question 7

Describe the classification system in Saint Emilion

Answer 7

The Classification system is integrated into the appellation system and is reclassified every ten years. Within the St Emilion, there is a separate St Emilion Grand Cru and within this classifictaion there is classifictaion of best Cheateux.They are from lowest to highest quality.St Emilion Grand Cru Classe,St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Class B and St Emilion Grand Cru Class A.