Bordeaux Wine Region

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Questions and Answers

In which region is Cabernet Sauvignon most dominant?

Saint-Émilion

Pessac-Léognan

Haut-Médoc (correct)

Graves (correct)

What is the primary grape characteristic of Sémillon?

Its thick skin

Its high acidity

Its herbaceous flavors

Its affinity for noble rot (correct)

What is the purpose of Sauvignon Blanc in blended wines?

To add herbaceous flavors to the wine

To provide high acidity to the wine (correct)

To add body to the wine

To contribute vibrant fruit flavors to the wine

What is the main difference between Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur?

Bordeaux Supérieur has stricter appellation rules Signup and view all the answers

What type of soil is preferred by Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc?

Well-drained warm soils Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary flavor profile of unripe Cabernet Franc?

Herbaceous or stalky flavors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of blending Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc?

To add body to the wine Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the improvement in standard of generic appellations?

Increased focus on export markets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of Cabernet Sauvignon grape in the Haut-Médoc?

It can reliably ripen Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes?

Sémillon is more prone to noble rot Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of the Gulf Stream to the Bordeaux region?

Extending the growing season Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for blending grape varieties in Bordeaux?

To compensate for the variability in weather Signup and view all the answers

How do top producers in Bordeaux minimize the impact of vintage variation?

By rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of changes in canopy management techniques in Bordeaux?

Healthier grapes and a marked rise in sugar and flavor development Signup and view all the answers

What protects the Bordeaux vineyards from the worst of the Atlantic storms?

The Landes forest and the coastal sand dunes Signup and view all the answers

How many grape varieties are permitted under the Bordeaux appellation regulations?

13 Signup and view all the answers

What is a common problem in Bordeaux due to the high levels of rainfall and humidity?

Rot and diluted flavors Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of blending grape varieties in Bordeaux?

Mitigating the impact of weather variability Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of rain falling throughout the year in Bordeaux?

Disruption to flowering and fruit set, promoting rot and diluting flavors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a typical rosé and a Clairet?

The length of maceration Signup and view all the answers

Which appellation is only permitted to produce white wines?

Entre-Deux-Mers Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical style of white wines from Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers?

Unoaked and made from Sauvignon Blanc Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the best dry whites from Pessac-Léognan?

Blended and toasty Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why some premium dry whites from Médoc and Sauternes cannot be sold using their appellation names?

They are not produced in the specified region Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of oak on the white wines from Pessac-Léognan?

It gives a toasty flavour Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the cheapest red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur?

They are light-bodied and have astringent tannins Signup and view all the answers

What is the common feature of the best Bordeaux rosé and the best Clairet?

They are both fresh and fruity Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the cru classé status in Pessac-Léognan?

It is a guarantee of the wine's quality Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why some red wines from Entre-Deux-Mers are labelled with a generic appellation name?

The appellation only allows white wine production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bordeaux Region

Bordeaux is the largest appellation region in France in terms of volume and value.
It is home to many prestigious names in fine wine, but these wines only represent a tiny proportion of total production.

Climate and Grape Growing

Bordeaux has a moderate maritime climate, benefiting from the Gulf Stream, which extends the growing season and reduces the risk of spring frosts.
The Atlantic Ocean brings high levels of rainfall and humidity, which can disrupt flowering and fruit set, promote rot, and dilute flavors in the grapes.
Vintage variation is an important consideration in Bordeaux, but top producers can reduce differences in style and quality between vintages by rejecting unhealthy and unripe grapes.

Grape Varieties and Winemaking

Almost all red Bordeaux wines and most Bordeaux whites are produced from a blend of grape varieties.
Thirteen grape varieties are permitted under the appellation regulations, but three black grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot) and two white grapes (Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc) predominate.
Cabernet Sauvignon dominates in the Haut-Médoc, Bas-Médoc, and Graves, and can account for three-quarters of the blend in the finest wines.
Cabernet Franc is widely used in Saint-Émilion and produces wines with less body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sémillon is the most important variety for sweet wines in Bordeaux and is also used in premium dry white wines.
Sauvignon Blanc produces wines with citrus and green fruit aromas and is used increasingly for varietal, dry white wines.

Regions and Wines

Generic Appellations:
- Output is mainly red (Bordeaux or Bordeaux Supérieur) and white (Bordeaux) with some rosé (Bordeaux Rosé or Bordeaux Clairet).
- Standard of basic Bordeaux wines has improved and continues to do so.
- Red Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur are early drinking, medium-bodied wines with ripe red and black fruit, and sometimes cedar notes from oak.
Specific Appellations:
- Graves and Pessac-Léognan are permitted to produce white wines as well as reds.
- Entre-Deux-Mers can only produce white wines.
- Pessac-Léognan is home to many of the very best dry whites, which may be eligible for cru classé status.

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Description

Explore the Bordeaux wine region in France, known for its prestigious fine wines and unique climate. Learn about the gap between wealthy producers and ordinary growers.