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66 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What type of climate does Bordeaux have? |
A moderate maritime climate. |
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What ocean current does Bordeaux benefit from? |
The Gulf Stream. |
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Describe the effect that the Gulf Stream has in Bordeaux. |
The Gulf Stream brings warm water from the Caribbean to northern Europe, extending the growing season, lessening the threat of spring frosts, and assists in grape ripening. |
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What ocean current brings warm water from the Caribbean to northern Europe, extending the growing season in Bordeaux, lessening the threat of spring frost and assists in grape ripening? |
The Gulf Stream. |
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What forest acts as a weather barrier in Bordeaux? |
The Landes. |
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What is the average yearly rainfall in Bordeaux? |
950 mL. |
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What negative effects can come from the high rainfall? |
It can disrupt flowering and fruit set, promote rot, and dilute the flavours in the grapes at harvest. |
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What can disrupt flowering and fruit set, promote rot and dilute the flavours in the grapes at harvest? |
High rainfall. |
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Name two geological features that protect Bordeaux from Atlantic storms. |
Trees (Landes Forest) and coastal sand dunes. |
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What are the two biggest vineyard concerns in Bordeaux? |
Fungal disease and variable levels of ripeness. |
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What is the main cause of fungal disease and variable levels of ripeness? |
High rainfall and cloud cover. |
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High rainfall and cloud cover are the main causes of? |
Fungal disease and variable levels of ripeness. |
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How many grape varieties are permitted under the AC regulations in Bordeaux? |
Thirteen (13). |
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Where does Cabernet Sauvignon dominate in Bordeaux? |
The Haut Médoc. |
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What black grape variety dominates in the Haut Médoc? |
Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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Describe the soil type of the Haut Médoc. |
High stone/gravel. |
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What grape is Cabernet Sauvignon most commonly blended with? |
Merlot. |
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Merlot is most commonly blended with what grape? |
Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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What benefit do the high stone/gravel contents of the soil in the Haut Médoc offer? |
It helps reflect heat back into the back into the vineyard, which ensures the proper ripening on Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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What helps reflect heat back into the vineyard, which ensures the proper ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Haut Médoc? |
The high stone/gravel content of the soils. |
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In the Haut Médoc, what percentage can Cabernet Sauvignon account for in blends? |
75% |
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Describe the typical of the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from the Haut Médoc. |
Tannic, well suited to oak, with a core of blackcurrant fruit. |
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Are Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Bordeaux suitable for ageing? |
Yes. |
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Describe the flavour profile of an unripe Cabernet Sauvignon. |
Overly tannic, with overt herbaceous flavours. |
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Where is the primary growing site for Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux? |
Saint - Emilion. |
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What are the main differences between Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in the style of wines they produce? |
Cabernet Franc produces wines with less body, tannin and finesse than those produced with Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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What type of soil does Cabernet Franc prefer? |
Warm and well drained soils. |
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What is the most widely planted grape variety in Bordeaux? |
Merlot. |
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What is the key note that Cabernet Franc can contribute to a blend when ripe? |
A marked fragrance. |
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Describe the style of Merlot that is produced in Bordeaux. |
Full bodied, moderately tannic. |
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What does Merlot contribute to a blend? |
It adds softness, richness and body when blended with Cabernet Sauvignon. |
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What does Merlot rely on from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in a blend? |
Aromatic fruit, colour and tannin. |
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What two appellations are particularly well known for their production of Merlot in Bordeaux? |
Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. |
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What is Petit Verdot primarily used for in a blend? |
To add tannin, colour and some exotic spicy notes. Its impact can be disproportionate to its volume. |
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Is Petit Verdot a fast or a slow ripening grape? |
Slow. It ripens fully only in very hot years.
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What black grape variety is a slow ripener, and typically only fully ripens in very hot years? |
Petit Verdot. |
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What is the most widely planted white grape variety in Bordeaux? |
Sémillon. |
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Is Sémillon a thick or a thin skinned grape? |
Thin skinned. |
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Due to its thin skin, Sémillon is is very perceptible to what form of grey fungus? |
Noble Rot. |
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Due to its perceptibility to Noble Rot, Sémillon is ideal for producing what style of wine? |
Sweet wine. |
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Describe the style of Sauvignon Blanc produced in Bordeaux. |
Herbaceous, grassy with elderflower aromas. |
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What is the common blending partner of Sémillon in Bordeaux? |
Sauvignon Blanc. |
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Describe the style of Muscadelle produced in Bordeaux. |
Pronounced grapey, floral flavour. |
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Does Muscadelle play a supporting or primary role in the production of sweet wine in Bordeaux? |
Supporting, but important. |
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Do the majority of producers in Bordeaux destem their black grape crop? |
Yes. |
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In what process of production are red wines blended in Bordeaux? |
In the spring following the vintage. |
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How is top quality red Bordeaux aged? |
In small oak barriques (225 litres). |
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Do all châteaux use all of their wine to produce their "Grand Vin"? |
No. To maintain the quality of their top wine, most of the leading châteaux produce and second and even third wine from wines not good enough for the top wine. Some wine may even be sold off in bulk under the communal or regional appellation. |
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Are generic Bordeaux AC wines aged in oak? |
Unlikely. |
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How much can a barrique cost? |
700 euros. |
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What is the typical ageing period for a Bordeaux red? |
15 - 18 months. |
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For the fine reds of Bordeaux, how long can the ageing period last? |
Up to 24 months. |
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How has the vinification of dry white wines improved in Bordeaux? |
Reduced use of sulfur and the introduction of stainless steel vats and temperature control. |
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Reduced use of sulfur, introduction of stainless steel vats and temperature control has improved the vinification of what style of wines in Bordeaux? |
Dry white wines. |
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Describe the style of premium dry whites produced in Pessac Léognan. |
Fermented and matured in new oak, rich, nuttiness overlaying fruit. |
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What wine making technique that is commonly used with Chardonnay is avoided for the dry white wines in Bordeaux? |
Malolactic fermentation. |
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What rivers combine to make the Gironde Estuary? |
The Dordogne and the Garonne. |
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The Dordogne and Garonne rivers join to form what estuary? |
The Gironde. |
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What sub regions make up the Left Bank? |
The Médoc, Graves and Sauternes. |
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Médoc, Graves and Sauternes make up which bank in Bordeaux? |
The Left Bank. |
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What is the sub region between the Dordogne and the Garonne? |
Entre-Deux-Mers AC (literally "between two seas). |
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Where does Entre-Deux-Mers sit? |
Directly between the Dordogne and the Garonne. |
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What sub regions make up the Right Bank? |
Saint-Emilion and Pomerol. |
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Saint-Emilion and Pomerol make up which "bank" in Bordeaux? |
The Right Bank. |
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Under which two appellations are two thirds of the wine produced in Bordeaux labelled as? |
Bordeaux AC and Bordeaux Supérieur AC. |
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What are the two rosé appellation terms? |
Bordeaux Rosé and Bordeaux Clairet. |
