1
Q
What latitude does Bordeaux lie at?
A
45• latitude
2
Q
What is the climate moderated by in Bordeaux?
A
The Maritime influence.
Frost is not generally a problem, although can occasionally cause severe damage (April 1991).
humidity is high not only because of proximity to the sea but also the major rivers that flow through the region. This encourages both noble rot and grey rot, a particular problem for red wine
Landes dunes and forests offer protection from prevailing western Atlantic winds
3
Q
What impact do the pine forests and mountainous coastal sand dunes have on winemaking in Bordeaux?
A
They offer protection against the strong Atlantic winds
4
Q
Why are Vintages particularly important in Bordeaux?
A
Because it is a moderate climate.
Being in a temperature Zone the vintages of Bordeaux wine can vary considerably from year to year.
5
Q
What kind of soil is there borders of the rivers in Bordeaux?
A
Rich, alluvial soil, only the lowest appellation wines are produced from here
6
Q
What is the soil in the finest vineyards found on in Bordeaux?
A
Well draining gravel. Where quartz and flint pebbles lie over a subsoil of sand.
Such as is found in the commune villages of Haut-Médoc
7
Q
Bordeaux: single varietals or blends?
A
Almost all red Bordeaux wines and most Bordeaux whites are produced from a blend of grape varieties.
8
Q
Why is Bordeaux denominated by blends rather than single varietal wines?
A
Because of the big variations in weather conditions from year to year. Different grape varieties respond differently to the weather.
Allows producers to hedge their bets and enable production even if the conditions of a vintage were unfavourable.
9
Q
Resist rot better, ripen later, flier earlier.
Are these characteristics of a thick skinned grape or thin skinned grape?
A
Thick skinned
10
Q
How many grape varieties are permitted under AC regulations in Bordeaux?
A
- 14 grape varieties are permitted
- In practice no more than five black grapes and three white grapes are used
- Reds: Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot Malbec, Petit Verdot
- Whites: Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle
11
Q
What is the classic grape of the Médoc?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon - it accounts for ~ 3/4 of the blend in the Médoc
12
Q
What does Cabernet Sauvignon add to a Bordeaux blend?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon produces quality, tannic wine with a black currant aroma when fully ripe
It is difficult to ripen and can produce some very tough vegetal wines which are usable only if softened with Merlot
It gives moderate yields of concentrated fruit with sufficient structure that it can last and develop with age.
13
Q
Why is Cabernet Franc added to a Bordeaux blend? And what are the watch outs?
A
- It gives bigger yields than Cabernet Sauvignon
- The wine natures more rapidly (useful for early drinking wines)
- The wine has less body and finesse
- The flavours can be herbaceous or stalky
14
Q
Why is Merlot added to a Bordeaux blend?
A
- Merlot produces medium yield of full bodied moderately tannic wines which mature earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon.
- It adds softness, richness and body to the austere Cabernet Sauvignon
- Particularly important in Saint Emilion and Pomerol on the right bank of Bordeaux
- On its own can lack character unless yields are very low.
- Cabernet Sauvignon added to provide aromatic fruit, colour and tannin
15
Q
What is Malbec’s role in Bordeaux?
A
- Mainly used for early drinking red wines
- such as those from Bourg and Blaye
- Suffers particularly from Coulure (poor fruit set)
- It’s importance is small and declining
16
Q
What is Petit Verdot’s role in Bordeaux?
A
- A minor role
- Ripens fully only in very hot years, giving a very deep coloured, tannic wine which ages slowly
- Never plays more than a minor role in a blend
- Where used it mainly is to add tannin, colour and some exotic spicy notes to great wines
17
Q
What is Sémillon‘s role in Bordeaux?
A
- It is the most widely planted white grape variety in Bordeaux
- Given its thin skin and its attraction for noble rot, it is used widely in sweet wines
- It gives wines with a golden colour and plenty of body
18
Q
What is Sauvignon Blanc’s role in Bordeaux?
A
- It is the one exception to the generalisation that all Bordeaux wines are blends as increasingly it is used for single varietal, dry white wines
- When blended, it’s high acidity acts as a counterbalance to the potential flabbiness of Sémillon
- It produces wines with distinctly vegetal, grass and elderflower aromas
19
Q
What is Muscadelle’s role in Bordeaux?
A
- Had a distinctive grapey Muscat flavour and is therefore used as a minor constituent in sweet wines
20
Q
How are vines training in Bordeaux?
A
- Densely planted wines are training along low wires to benefit from reflected heat from the ground
21
Q
Why are vineyards in Bordeaux often trained low to the ground?
A
To benefit from reflected heat from the ground.
22
Q
Is machine harvesting permitted in Bordeaux?
A
- Yes and it is widely practice in all but a few of the top growths of the Médoc
- It gives lower costs and greater flexibility at vintage especially if bad weather threatens
- Hand picking is necessary for finest sweet wines as pickers need to select individual bunches as they pass through the vineyard on a number of occasions
23
Q
If you are making a Bordeaux wine for early maturation, sale and consumption what would be the more dominant grape?
A
Merlot, as it adds softness and richness and matures earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon.
24
Q
If you are making a long-lasting, later maturing wine in Bordeaux, what would generally be the dominant grape and why?
A
Cabernet Sauvignon
It’s moderate yield give concentrated, quality, tannic wines that can develop with age
25
What is Vendange Verte and why is it often practiced at top estates in Bordeaux?
1. Vendange Verte is a green harvest
2. It is a word for crop thinning, when some bunches are removed from the vine at generally at veraison
3. This serves to reduce the overall yield, concentrate sugars and help remaining fruit ripen earlier
26
What is top quality red Bordeaux traditionally aged in?
Small oak barriques of 225L
27
What is the hierarchy of appellations in Bordeaux?
1. Generic appellations
(AC wines produced anywhere in the Gironde, e.g. Bordeaux AC and Bordeaux Superior AC)
>
2. District appellations
The highest appellation attainable in a particular locality for example Entre-Deux Mers AC or embrace a number of superior communes as in Haut-Médoc AC
>
3. Commune appellations
Are the highest appellations in Bordeaux e.g Pauillac AC, Margaux AC, Saint Julien AC
except in the particular case of Saint Emilion Grand Cru AC
28
Which bank in Bordeaux is Médoc AC?
Left Bank
29
Which bank in Bordeaux is Haut-Médoc AC?
Left bank
30
Which bank in Bordeaux is Saint-Estèphe AC?
The Left Bank
31
Which bank in Bordeaux is Paulliac AC?
The Left Bank
32
Which bank in Bordeaux is Saint-Julien AC?
The Left Bank
33
Which bank in Bordeaux is Margaux AC?
The Left Bank
34
With one exception all wines in the 1855 Classification came from which Bordeaux district?
Haut-Médoc AC
35
What is Saint-Croix-du-Mont AC?
1. An Commune between the Garonne and the Dordogne
2. A sweet wine made in a Sauternes style
3. The experience similar Misty autumns but lower levels of botrytis and so the wines tend to have less concentration and complexity
4. Prices are much lower than Sauternes and doesn’t always cover the cost of ensuring each grape is picked at the optimal stage of botrytis influence
36
What is Premíeres Cotes du Bordeaux?
1. A key district AC in Bordeaux
| 2. A dry red wine made in a similar style to Bordeaux AC, although medium sweet wines are made
37
What are the three roles of a Négociant in Bordeaux?
1. Buys, blends and sells generic wines in bulk or bottle
2. Buys individual château wine to sell either in bulk or bottle
3. Buys individual château wines to trade and sell at different maturity levels
38
What is the role of a broker or ‘Courtier’ in Bordeaux?
Submits samples to négociant, obtains the best price and arranges the deal
39
What is a ‘Courtier’
A term used in Bordeaux for a Broker who submits samples to a négociant, obtains the best price and arranges the deal
40
What are the six different ways of buying fine Bordeaux?
1. Sur Sourche (before harvest - a gamble)
2. En Primeur First or second offer, first year after vintage from late March
3. By hectolitre (e.g. road tanker)
4. By Tonneau (900 L = 100 cases
5. By barrel (baroque) 225 litres = 25 cases
6. By case
41
Why does a Château sell En Primeur?
To free up case tied up in stock
42
When is En Primeur in Bordeaux?
March after harvest
43
When do En Primeur Sales do best?
In times of financial boom as investors have excess money
44
How are En Primeur sales released?
1. Small quantities of shock released the March after harvest by top Châteaux
2. Released in tranches
3. Price increases with each tranche
45
What does the En Primeur price include?
All costs up to and including bottling and takes into account prestige and ratings by prominent wine critics
46
When do buyers receive wines bought En Primeur?
Wines are kept at Châteaux and released to the buyer approximately 2 years after harvest
47
What influences the price of a top Châteaux?
Vintage conditions
Marks by influential wine critics and magazines
Economic health
Recent vintages
48
Five key facts for Médoc AC?
1. A District AC on the Left Bank of Bordeaux
2. Red grapes only for AC wines
3. Located north of Saint-Estèphe
4. Soil predominantly clay with some gravel
5. No properties in the 1855 classification
49
Seven top facts for Haut-Médoc?
1. Key district AC on Bordeaux’s Left Bank
2. Red grapes only for AC wine
3. South of Saint-Estèphe
4. Maximum permitted yields lower than Médoc
5. Includes high reputation commune appellations Saint-Estèphe AC, Pauillac AC, Saint-Julien AC and Margaux AC
6. All 1855 classified first growths are within Haut-Médoc, except one
7. Listrac AC and Moulis AC also situated here, no classed growth production.
8. Cabernet dominated blends
50
5 key facts re Graves AC
1. Key distinct AC on Bordeaux’s Left Bank which permits red and white grapes are
2. Red grown on gravel, white on sandy soils
3. Lighter in body and matures quicker than Haut-Médoc
4. Classed growth Châteaux are situated in the commune of Péssac-Léognan
5. White wines permitted in this appellation but must be dry
51
What are the only wines allowed in Sauternes AC?
Sweet wines only are permitted for Sauternes AC
52
What is the classic flavour profile from Sauternes AC wines?
1. High alcohol and sweetness
2. Balanced with acidity
3. Flavour characteristics of apricot, botrytis, honey and vanilla
53
What is the only style of wine allowed in Entre-Deux-Mers?
1. Only white wine only for AC
| 2. Blend or varietal Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc
54
What are the main grape varieties in Entre-Deux-Mer?
Sémillon
| Sauvignon Blanc
55
How many communes are there in Saint-Emilion AC?
9 communes with distinctive vineyards and soils
56
What grape varieties are found in Saint-Emilion AC?
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
57
What soil is Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru AC grown on?
Well drained gravel
limestone soils found to south and east
58
What would produce lighter styles of wine in Saint-Emilion AC?
Sandy soils below the limestone escarpment
59
What is the classic profile of Saint-Emilion AC wine?
Low yields aged in new oak shows rich tannins, red berry fruit developing to tobacco and cedar with age.
60
How many Grand Cru Classés are there in the Médoc?
There are 61 Cru Classés in the Médoc
61
How many first growths (Premier Crus) are there in the Bordeaux?
5
1. Château Haut-Brion
2. Château Latour
3. Château Lafite
4. Château Mouton-Rothschild
5. Château Margaux
Château Haut-Brion was the one wine from outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification
Château Mouton-Rothschild was a second growth until 1973z this was the only time that a château has been reclassified
62
What are the five Premier Crus or first growths from the 1855 Classification?
1. Château Haut-Brion
2. Château Latour
3. Château Lafite
4. Château Mouton-Rothschild
5. Château Margaux
Château Haut-Brion was the one wine from outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification
Château Haut-Bruton is in Pessac
Château Mouton-Rothschild was a second growth until 1973z this was the only time that a château has been reclassified
63
Which is the only Château ever to be reclassified in the 1855 Classification?
Château Mouton-Rothschild was a second growth until 1973 this was the only time that a château has been reclassified
64
What is the only wine from outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification?
Château Haut-Brion was the one wine from outside the Médoc to be included in the 1855 Classification
I
Château Haut-Bruton is in Pessac
65
How many second growths (deuxièmes crus) are there in the 1855 Classification?
There are 14 Second growths or crus (deuxièmes crus)
66
How many third growths are there in the 1855 Classification?
There are 14 Châteaux classified as Third Growths or Troisièmes Crus)
67
How many fourth growths (quatrièmes crus) are there in Bordeaux?
There are 10 fourth growths (quatriémes crus)
68
How many fifth growths are there in the 1855 Classification?
There are 18 Fifth Growths (Cinquièmes Crus)
69
What is Cru Bourgeios?
1. In 1932 Cru Bourgeois was created for other Châteaux in the Médoc outside of the 1855 classification
2. It was reviewed again in 1978 and 2003
3. In 2003 it was updated again with different quality levels and many Châteaux were removed. Many complained.
4. A 2007 ruling states that the classification was corrupt and was subsequently annulled
5. The term Label ‘Cru Bourgeois’ is still used as a mark of quality rather than a classification
6. There is now no internal ranking exceptionnel or supérieur as there was in 2003
7. The new designation from 2007 vintage onwards will be awarded on the following basis
a - Cru Bourgeois is a designation of quality
b - The right to use the term is determined by a visit to the property’s and results determined by tasting the wine
c - It is an annual qualification, awarded by an independent body
d - the qualification may be obtained by any property in the Médoc
70
In the 1855 Sweet Wine Classification how many Premier Cru Supérieurs are there?
Just one Château d’Yquem
71
In the 1855 Sweet Wine Classification how many First Growths are there?
There are 11 First Growths
72
In the 1855 Sweet Wine Classification how many Second Growths are there?
There are 14 Second Growths (same as in the 1855 Médoc wine Classification)
73
Which four villages can add their name before Saint-Emilion on the label?
1. Lussac
2. Montagne
3. Puisseguin
4. Saint-Georges
74
What are the two estates in Pomeral AC with the highest reputation and pricing?
Petrus
| Le Pin
75
How do the wines from Pomerol AC generally compare to Saint-Emilion AC?
They are richer with a spicy, blackberry flavour
76
What do Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac have in common?
1. They are both hillside vineyards
2. Merlot dominated
3. Full-bodied and tannic wines
77
What wines is Côtes de Bourg AC known for?
Soft, early drinking red and white wines.
Situated on the opposite bank of the Gironde to Haut-Médoc
78
Where is Côtes de Bourg AC?
On the right bank in Bordeaux
On the opposite bank of the Gironde to Haut-Médoc
79
Three key facts about Côtes de Bordeaux AC?
1. Hillside vineyards on the right bank
2. Merlot dominated
3. Previously three separate appellations (Blaye, Premières Côtes de Bordeaux, Côtes de Franc and Côtes de Castillon) with similar geography and climate. Banded together from the 2007 vintage onwards
80
What are Garage Wines from Bordeaux?
1. Unclassified wines
2. Mostly found on the right bank
3. Tiny quantities of wines made with no expense spared in vineyards or winery
4. Full bodied, concentrated wines with moderate acidity, soft tannins and rich berry fruit and spice
5. Low yielding vines produce super ripe grapes
6. Aged in oak, giving toasty flavours and complexity
7. Prices are high as quantities are tiny
8. Popularity included by US wine critic Robert Parker in mid 1990/ and now declining in importance
81
What side of Bordeaux is Listrac AC?
Left bank
82
What side of Bordeaux is Moulis AC?
Left bank
83
What side of Bordeaux is Graves AC?
Left bank
84
What side of Bordeaux is Sauternes?
Left bank
85
What side of Bordeaux is Barsac?
Left bank
86
What side of Bordeaux is Saint-Emilion AC?
Right bank
87
What side of Bordeaux is Lussac AC?
Right bank
88
What side of Bordeaux is Montagne AC?
Right bank
89
What side of Bordeaux is Puisseguin AC?
Right bank
90
What side of Bordeaux is Saint-Georges AC?
Right bank
91
What side of Bordeaux is Pomerol AC?
Right bank
92
What side of Bordeaux is Fronsac AC?
Right bank
93
What side of Bordeaux is Canon-Fronsac AC?
Right bank
94
What side of Bordeaux is Côtes de Bourg AC?
Right bank
95
What side of Bordeaux is Côtes de Bordeaux AC?
Right bank
96
What four villages can add their name before Saint-Emilion in the label?
1. Lussac
2. Montagne
4. Puisseguin
5. Saint-Georges
97
How many villages can add their name before Saint-Emilion on the label?
4
1. Lussac
2. Montagne
3. Puisseguin
4. Saint-Georges
98
What style of wines are Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac known for?
Merlot dominated full bodied tannic wines
99
What grape dominates in Côtes de Bordeaux?
Merlot as it is on the right bank
100
What is the estuary in Bordeaux?
The Gironde Estuary
101
What are the two rivers in Bordeaux?
Dordogne River between Right bank and Entre-Deux-Mers
Garonne River between Left Bank and Entre-Deux-Mers
102
Which two rivers is Entre-Deux-Mers in between?
The Dordogne River below the right bank and the Garonne River above Graves on the Left Bank
103
Which Latin poet was the first recorded winemaker in Bordeaux?
Ausonius
Château Ausone is named after him
104
Why is 1152 a significant date in Bordeaux history?
It was when Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry Plantagenet who in 1154 would become King of England. For the next 300 years Bordeaux was under English rule and exported significant amounts to England.
King John later granted Bordeaux special privileges to export to the UK and 1/4 of Bordeaux exports when to England
105
What do the Bordelaise have to thank the Dutch Traders for?
Draining the marshland around the Médoc in the 17th Century and creating what is now some of the most valuable wine land in the world
106
Why is 1855 a significant date in Bordeaux history?
It is when the 1855 Classification of 61 Chateaux into 5 Crus happened
107
Why did the 1855 Classification in Bordeaux take place?
On the request of Napoleon III, for the Paris Expo 61 top Chateaux were categorised into 5 Crus.
All but one Chateaux was in the Haut-Médoc aside from Haut-Brion which was in Graves
108
What was the basis of the 1855 Classification?
It was based on price and reputation at the time
109
What are the key historically events that led to Bordeaux’s dominance of fine wine?
1152 - Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future king of England Henry II and Bordeaux was under English rule - helping create a fashion for Claret
17th Century - Dutch traders drained the Médoc which soon overtook Graves as the preeminent wine region in Bordeaux
1855 - Napoleón III requested the classification of wines from the Médoc for 1855 Paris Expo. 61 Chateaux were ranked into 5 Crus based on price and reputation. All but one was based in the Haut-Médoc - Chateaux Haut-Bruton is based in Graves
1800s - brought a trio of pests and disease 1852 Powdery Mildew, 1870s Phylloxera 1880/ Downey Mildew and Black Rot
1973 - Oil Crisis caused havoc and led to desperate adultering of wine by esteemed broker Cruse - and led to insurance companies and multi-nationals take ownership of properties I.e. AXA
1981 - inheritance tax doubled and families find it increasing hard to keep hold of Chateaux cue more outside investment
1982 - Robert Parker Jr - declares the 1982 vintage the most sumptuous for decades. More fruit influence in wines to get valuable Parker Points, sparked trend for second wines and En Primeur
1990s - mid 1990s saw prices spiral as Asia and US invested heavily in great 1995 and 1996 vintages buoyed by global economic boom
110
Who was Cruse?
A once esteemed Broker in Bordeaux that was caught illegally mixing wines from outside the AC with Bordeaux AC wines.
A low point in Bordeaux history
Caused by economic crisis caused by Oil Crisis in 1973
Negociante were stuck with wine they could not sell at a profit as vintage of 72 and 73 overpriced when the market crashed
Many firms only saved from bankruptcy due to outside investment from insurance companies and multi-nationals I.e. AXA
111
What is Bordeaux looking to increase range of wines permitted in Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur?
Due to adaptations required for climate change
10 new accessory grapes will be added to the AOC regulations
Grapes under consideration include Marselan, a cross between Cab Sav and Grenache, Touriga Nacional, Petit Manseng and Albariño
Grapes considered are generally late ripening varietals unlike Merlot which is relatively early ripening and susceptible to over ripening, higher sugar and alcohol levels
New grapes limited to 5% of vineyard plantings from 2021 and 10% of blend but won’t be listed on the label
WSET 4 Unit 3
flashcards
Decks in class (42)
# Cards
-
Germany115
-
World Wine Atlas11
-
Wine Business3
-
Exam Questions8
-
Italy53
-
Rhône60
-
Mexico5
-
Blind tasting90
-
Canada13
-
USA205
-
Spain114
-
England & Wales56
-
Oregon1
-
Portugal68
-
Asia2
-
Israel12
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Lebanon6
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Turkey5
-
India17
-
Japan33
-
China43
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Alsace148
-
South West France27
-
New Zealand95
-
Bordeaux111
-
Viticulture80
-
General Industry News And Stats41
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Greece5
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Hungary3
-
Grapes218
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Bourgogne40
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Rhône Valley3
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Beaujolais19
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Languedoc-Roussillon2
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Loire Valley141
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France10
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Australia203
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Austria7
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Argentina15
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Chile80
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South Africa25
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North Africa14
