Bordeaux is 2nd in volume of production only to what other region?
Languedoc
Bordeaux
Vineyard area size in acres
306,000 acres
Evidence of wine production near the Garonne dates back to what century?
4th century AD
The Dutch
Mid 1600s, Dutch provided framework for Medoc’s eventual dominance by creating a complex series of drainage channels throughout the area, making it suitable for viticulture
Country that ruled Bordeaux from 1152 to 1453
England
Century when a merchant class emerged with resources to store and sell wine on a major scale
18th century
courtiers
brokers of wine
Time period negociants in Bordeaux start to fade in influence
Group responsible for en primeur sales
courtiers
en primeur sales
Yearly offering of Bordeaux wines as futures
Bordeaux
Climate
maritime
What protects the Medoc vineyards from harsh west and northwesterly winds?
coastal pine forests
St-Emilion and Pomerol
Climate
continental
Bordeaux mixture
a mix of lime, copper sulfate and water
Purpose of the Bordeaux mixture
It helps avoid fungal problems.
clairet
Darker, more aromatic style of rosé that evokes the original claret wines shipped to England in the Middle Ages
Besides Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle, 3 other varietals permitted in the basic Bordeaux AOP white blend with %
Up to 30%
Best vintage for Bordeaux, 1929, 1930 or 1931
1929
Médoc AOP
Miles in length north to south
50 miles

Year of the 20th century that a terrible frost destroyed nearly 3/4 of the Malbec vines in Bordeaux, leading to its decline in the region
1956
jalles
drainage channels
Reason Merlot is grown more in Bas Médoc than Haut-Médoc
Merlot performs better in the waterlogged, clay-heavy soils of the Bas-Médoc

Haut-Médoc
Soils
well-drained gravelly soils

Médoc AOP
Style permitted
Must be RED