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Wines of France > WSET3 Bordeaux (Chapter 13) > Flashcards

WSET3 Bordeaux (Chapter 13) Flashcards

Learn Wines of France's Bordeaux region to the "WSET-3 award" level, an advanced level qualification for professionals working in the wine industry. Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is generally regarded as the world's leading provider of wine education.

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1
Q

In terms of volume and value, what is the largest appellation in France?

A

Bordeaux

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2
Q

What kind of climate does Bordeaux have?

A

Moderate maritime

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3
Q

What effect does the Gulf Stream have on the growing season in Bordeaux?

A

It extends it

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4
Q

How late can grape-ripening continue in Bordeaux?

A

Into October

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5
Q

What potential weather hazard is rarely a problem in Bordeaux? Why?

A

Spring frosts

The warming effect of the Gulf Stream

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6
Q

What effect does proximity to the Atlantic have on Bordeaux?

A

High levels of rainfall and humidity

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7
Q

What protects vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?

A

The Landes forest and coastal sand dunes

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8
Q

What effects on wine can the common rainfall promote in Bordeaux?

A

Disruption of flowering and fruit set Promote rot Dilute flavours at harvest

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9
Q

Which climatic phenomenon makes vintage variation relevant in Bordeaux?

A

The potential negative effects of rain

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10
Q

How do top producers reduce vintage variation in Bordeaux?

A

By rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes

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11
Q

Besides grape selection, what else has contributed to healthier, riper grapes on average in Bordeaux?

A

Changes in canopy management techniques A decline in the use of sprays

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12
Q

Almost all red Bordeaux wines and most white Bordeaux are …

A

Blended

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13
Q

Why in general are Bordeaux wines blended?

A

Variability in weather makes it too risky to rely on one grape variety

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14
Q

Why is it a good solution to be reliant on several grape varieties in Bordeaux?

A

The different varieties permitted in Bordeaux flower and ripen at different times, meaning that one bad episode of weather is unlikely to ruin an entire crop

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15
Q

How many grapes are technically permitted in Bordeaux?

A

Thirteen

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16
Q

How many grapes predominate in Bordeaux?

A

Three black Two white (Five)

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17
Q

Which are the five main grapes of Bordeaux?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Cabernet Franc

Sémillon

Sauvignon Blanc

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18
Q

Where in Bordeaux does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate?

A

The Haut-Médoc

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19
Q

In which two areas of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon also very important?

A

The Bas-Médoc The Graves

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20
Q

Why are Cabernet’s main regions of Bordeaux the only areas in which it can reliably ripen?

A

Their high stone/gravel content raises vineyard temperature

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21
Q

What percentage of the blend can Cabernet account for in its main areas of Bordeaux?

A

75%

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22
Q

Where in Bordeaux is Cabernet Franc most widely grown?

A

Saint-Émilion

To a lesser extent, in the Médoc and the Graves

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23
Q

What kind of wines does Cab Franc produce in Bordeaux?

A

Wines with less body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon

Herbaceous and stalky flavours when unripe

Vibrant fruit and floral notes when ripe

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24
Q

What kind of soils does Cabernet Franc prefer?

A

Well drained, warm soils

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25
Q

What is the most widely planted grape in Bordeaux?

A

Merlot

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26
Q

In which Bordeaux wines is Merlot most important?

A

The premium wines of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol

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27
Q

Why are Saint-Émilion and Pomerol good for growing Merlot as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon?

A

Merlot can successfully grow on the cooler, clay based soils here where Cabernet would struggle

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28
Q

Which Bordeaux grape is predominant in the cheaper high volume wines? Why?

A

Merlot It is the softest in flavour

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29
Q

Which Bordeaux grape ripens fully in only the very hot years?

A

Petit Verdot

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30
Q

What kind of wines does Petit Verdot give in Bordeaux?

A

Very deep-coloured, tannic wine that ages slowly

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31
Q

What is Petit-Verdot used for in Bordeaux?

A

To add tannin, colour and some spicy notes

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32
Q

Which winemaking vessels are used in Bordeaux?

A

All (there is little agreement in Bordeaux as to which fermentation vessels produce the best wines)

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33
Q

When are most wines blended in Bordeaux? What is the other possible practice in Bordeaux?

A

The Spring following the vintage Some winemakers prefer to keep their parcels of wine separate until the end of maturation

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34
Q

Which blending practices are most common among leading Chateaux in Bordeaux?

A

Making second and sometimes third wines with blends that may not be suitable for the grand vin Some wine may be sold to a negociant

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35
Q

How is the top quality red in Bordeaux aged? Some of the finest chateaux may even use…casks

A

In 225 litre barriques

New

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36
Q

Generic Bordeaux wines are unlikely to see…at all

A

Oak

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37
Q

What is the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux?

A

Semillon

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38
Q

What is blended with Sémillon in the premium dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves? What Semillon’s role in these blends?

A

Sauvignon Blanc It adds body

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39
Q

What aromas do Sauvignon Blanc based wines produce in Bordeaux?

A

Citrus and green fruit

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40
Q

What is the one exception to the rule of all Bordeaux being blends?

A

Sauvignon Blanc varietal dry wines

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41
Q

What is the role of Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux blends?

A

It adds high acidity

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42
Q

What is the importance of Sauvignon Blanc in sweet wines of Bordeaux?

A

It adds a necessary acidity

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43
Q

What flavours does Muscadelle have?

A

Pronounced grapey, floral flavour

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44
Q

What role does Muscadelle play in Bordeaux?

A

It plays an important role in sweet and dry white wines of Bordeaux (it makes up a small percentage of the blend)

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45
Q

What is the general style of lower-end dry whites in Bordeaux?

A

Fresh and fruity

Some show hints of oak

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46
Q

How are less expensive dry Bordeaux whites generally vinified?

A

Fermented in temperature controlled, inert vessels with minimal further ageing

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47
Q

How are premium dry whites generally vinified in Bordeaux?

A

Frequently fermented and matured in new oak barrels

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48
Q

What is distinctive about the premium dry whites of Bordeaux?

A

They have a richness and concentrated nutty flavour overlaying the fruit

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49
Q

How are many of the great sweet wines of Bordeaux made?

A

From fruit that has been infected with noble rot

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50
Q

How are the best examples of Bordeaux sweet wines made (after harvest)?

A

They are fermented and matured in new oak barrels for anything up to 3 years

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51
Q

The…and…rivers combine in Bordeaux to form the…estuary

A

Dordogne Garonne Gironde

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52
Q

Which three broad areas lie to the south and west of the Gironde/Garonne?

A

The Médoc Graves Sauternes

53
Q

Which appellation covers most of the area between the Dordogne and the Garonne?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

54
Q

What are the principal districts comprising the right bank?

A

St Emilion Pomerol

55
Q

How many appellations are there in Bordeaux?

A

More than fifty

56
Q

Bordeaux’s classification does not rank…but…

A

Vineyards Estates/Chateaux

57
Q

What prompted the creation of the 1855 classification?

A

On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition, the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was approached to produce an official list of their best red wines from Médoc and white wines from Sauternes

58
Q

What term is used for Chateaux in the 1855 classification?

A

Cru classés

59
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 Médoc classification?

A

Five

60
Q

How many ranks are in the 1855 classification for Sauternes?

A

Three

61
Q

Which wines are in the top classification for the Médoc?

A

Chateau Lafite Rothschild Chateau Latour Chateau Margaux Chateau Mouton Rothschild Chateau Haut Brion (Graves)

62
Q

Which chateau occupies the top rank of Sauternes wine in the 1855 classification?

A

Chateau d’Yquem

63
Q

What is Cru Bourgeois?

A

A classification invented for chateaux not included in the 1855 classification

It is only for specific wines in specific vintages, so wines must be submitted every year

64
Q

How are the wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan) classified?

A

They are classified within a separate list (for red and white) entitling them to be called ‘Cru Classés’

65
Q

How are Cru classé wines ranked in Graves/Pessac-Léognan?

A

They’re not

66
Q

How are the best wines classified in Saint-Émilion?

A

Within a separate appellation, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. There is a separate classification within this appellation of the best Châteaux

67
Q

What is the lower classification within Saint-Émilion Grand Cru?

A

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

68
Q

What is the higher classification within Saint-Émilion?

A

Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Subdivided into A and B

69
Q

How often are Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé reconsidered?

A

At least once every ten years

70
Q

What are the generic appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Supérieur

71
Q

What differentiates Bordeaux Supérieur?

A

Slightly stricter appellation rules

A higher required minimum level of alcohol

72
Q

How are generic white Bordeaux labelled? Rosé?

A

Bordeaux

Bordeaux Rosé/Clairet

73
Q

Why are basic Bordeaux improving?

A

Export focused producers are having to compete with similarly priced wines from other parts of the world

74
Q

Describe the best Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines

A

Early drinking

Medium bodied

Ripe red and black fruit

Occasional cedar notes from oak

75
Q

Describe the cheaper Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines

A

Lighter bodied with more astringent tannins

76
Q

How does the best Bordeaux Rosé taste?

A

Fresh and fruity

77
Q

Why is there less Bordeaux Clairet here than elsewhere?

A

It is mainly popular on the French market

78
Q

Describe a unique characteristic of Bordeaux Clairet compared with many other French Rosés. Why is it like this?

A

It is deeper in colour and fuller in body due to longer maceration

79
Q

White Bordeaux is increasingly dominated by… What is its flavour character?

A

Sauvignon Blanc

Vibrant and grassy

80
Q

Describe the location of the city of Bordeaux

A

South of the Médoc

North of Graves

81
Q

What’s the northernmost part of the Médoc called?

A

The Bas-Médoc

82
Q

How are wines of the Bas-Médoc labelled?

A

Médoc

83
Q

What is the soil/ground like in the Bas-Médoc?

A

Predominantly clay with outcrops of gravel

84
Q

What is usually the higher proportion of the Bas-Médoc blends? What style are the wines?

A

Merlot

Easy drinking

85
Q

What is the northernmost limit of the Haut-Médoc?

A

Saint-Estèphe

86
Q

What are the smaller appellations within the Haut-Médoc called?

A

Communes

87
Q

What are the highest reputation communes in Haut-Médoc called (from north to south)?

A

Saint-Estèphe

Pauillac

Saint-Julien

Margaux

88
Q

Describe the varietal ratios in the best commune appellations of Haut-Médoc

A

They have a high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon

89
Q

Describe the flavour profile of commune appellation wines from Haut-Médoc

A

A core of Blackcurrant fruit complemented by cedar notes from oak

Grippy tannins when young

Often long ageing potential

90
Q

Where is Pessac-Léognan

A

Immediately south of Bordeaux

91
Q

What are soils like in Pessac-Léognan?

A

Gravelly

92
Q

What is the most suitable grape for Pessac soils?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

93
Q

How do Pessac reds compare with those of the Haut-Médoc?

A

Usually lighter in body and more fragrant

94
Q

How do wines of Graves compare with those of Pessac?

A

Similar, but less concentrated and complex

Higher proportion of Merlot usually

95
Q

Which variety dominates blends of the right bank?

A

Merlot

96
Q

Which is the second dominant variety of the right bank?

A

Cabernet Franc

97
Q

Which is the larger of the two appellations in Bordeaux’s right bank?

A

Saint-Émilion

98
Q

How many groups of distinct vineyards are there in Saint-Émilion?

A

Three

99
Q

Where is the first group of Saint-Émilion vineyards? Describe it…

A

To the north and west of the town of Saint-Émilion

On a plateau, with warm, well drained gravel and limestone soils

Mostly Cab Franc but some Cab Sauvignon

100
Q

Where is the second group of Saint-Émilion vineyards? Describe it…

A

On the escarpment to the south and east of the region Clay limestone soils

101
Q

Where do the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion come from?

A

The first two regions

102
Q

Describe the most prestigious wines of Saint-Émilion

A

Medium to high tannins

Soft and rich mouthfeel

Complex red berry fruit and plum aromas, developing tobacco and cedar notes with evolution

103
Q

Where is the third group of Saint-Émilion vineyards? Describe it…

A

At the foot of the escarpment

Lighter bodied and less prestigious

104
Q

Describe wines of Pomerol

A

Richer than those of Saint-Émilion with spicy, blackberry fruit character

105
Q

What winemaking movement has recently appeared in the right bank?

A

The appearance of full-bodied, very ripe wines in small quantities, from small plots of land

106
Q

What were the original terms for the breakout wines/winemakers of the right bank?

A

Vins de garage

Garagistes

107
Q

Describe the ‘other’ wines of the right bank…

A

Saint-Émilion and Pomerol are surrounded by a group of appellations producing Merlot dominated wines, similar in style to their better-known neighbours

108
Q

What is the collective name for the lesser known appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Côtes de Bordeaux

109
Q

Which appellations can append their names to the beginning of Côtes de Bordeaux?

A

Cadillac Blaye Castillon Francs

110
Q

What style of wines are Côtes de Bordeaux?

A

Early drinking, Merlot based wines

Excellent value for money

111
Q

Name a group of producers who have chosen not to join Côtes de Bordeaux

A

Côtes de Bourg

112
Q

Which Bordeaux appellation can only produce white wines?

A

Entre-Deux-Mers

113
Q

How must red wines be named if they are from Entre-Deux-Mers?

A

With a generic appellation name

114
Q

What wines may Graves and Pessac-Léognan produce?

A

Red and white

115
Q

Describe the white wines of Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers

A

Both made from unoaked Sauvignon Blanc

116
Q

Where are many of the very best dry whites of Bordeaux made?

A

Pessac-Léognan

117
Q

Where may some white wines be eligible for Cru Classé status in Bordeaux?

A

Pessac-Léognan

118
Q

Describe the best white wines of Pessac and how they are vinified

A

They tend to be blends of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc Usually fermented and/or matured at least partly in new oak Medium to full body Toasty oak flavours

119
Q

Can whites be made in Médoc and Sauternes?

A

Yes, but with a generic Bordeaux appellation

120
Q

Where are the top sweet wine appellations of Bordeaux?

A

Grouped on the banks of the Garonne and its tributary (Ciron)

121
Q

Why is the proximity of water important for vinification of sweet wine in Bordeaux?

A

The rivers create the ideal misty Autumn conditions for noble rot to develop

122
Q

What is needed to help concentrate sugars in sweet Bordeaux when there is little noble rot

A

Passerillage

123
Q

Where do the best sweet wines of Bordeaux come from?

A

Sauternes

124
Q

Where is Sauternes?

A

The West Bank of the Garonne

125
Q

Where is the village of Barsac?

A

Within Sauternes

126
Q

Which appellation must Barsac producers use?

A

Either Barsac or Sauternes

127
Q

Which grape variety dominates in Sauternes? Why?

A

Sémillon

Because of its thin skin and consequential susceptibility to Botrytis

128
Q

Describe the best sweet wines of Sauternes

A

High in alcohol

Sweet, but balanced with high acidity

Apricot and citrus peel aromas of noble rot

Toast and vanilla from oak fermentation and/or maturation

129
Q

Where else can sweet wine be made in Bordeaux?

A

Near to Sauternes (made in a similar style)

Wines of France (18 decks)

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