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Bordeaux and Rhone Flashcards

Bordeaux

  • Bordeaux is the largest AOC in France, rivaling Lengue De La Comercio.
  • Synonymous with quality and prestige; known for age-worthy and collectible wines.
  • The name "Bordeaux" refers to the region, the wines, and the city on the left bank.
  • Situated in Western France.
  • Shape defined by the Gironde Estuary, flowing to the Atlantic.
  • Rivers: Garonne and Dordogne, forming left bank, right bank, and the center (Entre-Deux-Mers).
  • Maritime-influenced climate: Moisture moderates extremes but presents frost issues.
  • Merlot is the dominant varietal in all of Bordeaux.

Bordeaux Classifications

  • Classifications were created to solidify and market Bordeaux estates.
  • 1855 Classification: A marketing piece to promote the best wines.
  • Strategic location with access to ports and waterways allowed shipping wines worldwide.

1855 Classification Details

  • Created based on 100 years of sales history.
  • Commissioned by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce to promote business.
  • Ranked 61 estates based on the most expensive prices commanded.
  • Divided into five tiers or crus (classes).
  • 60 estates were from the Medoc, with one estate from Graves.
  • Five tiers: First Cru (Premiere Crus), Second Cru, Third Cru, Fourth Cru, Fifth Cru.

First Growth (Premiere Crus)

  • Chateau Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac)
  • Chateau Latour (Pauillac)
  • Chateau Mouton Rothschild (Pauillac)
  • Chateau Margaux (Margaux)
  • Chateau Haut-Brion (Pessac-Leognan, Graves)
  • Originally, only four estates were ranked as First Growth; Chateau Mouton Rothschild was later elevated, a static system and doesn't change.

Left Bank vs. Right Bank

  • Left Bank soil: Largely gravel, good for Cabernet Sauvignon due to drainage.
  • Right Bank soil: Largely clay and limestone.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on the Left Bank.
  • Merlot: Dominant varietal in Bordeaux overall, more prevalent on the Right Bank and in Entre-Deux-Mers.

Vinification on the Left Bank

  • New French Oak is prized.
  • High percentage of new oak used in top estates, contributing to expense.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 24% of red varietals; Merlot accounts for 64% overall in Bordeaux.
  • Bordeaux Blend (Left Bank): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, with smaller amounts of Malbec and Petit Verdot.
  • Higher percentage of Merlot in blends in Graves.

Sweet Wines of Bordeaux

  • Sauternes: Famous for sweet wines due to noble rot (Botrytis cinerea).
  • Located on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, near the Garonne River.
  • River and moisture encourage noble rot.
  • Blend: Largely Sémillon, with Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle.
  • Botrytis attacks skins, dehydrates grapes, intensifying grape juice.
  • Sauternes is always affected by botrytis and is sweet.
  • In years without botrytis, grapes may be harvested, making a dry white wine labeled as Bordeaux or Bordeaux Superieur, not Sauternes.
  • Barsac: A village allowed to use either Barsac or Sauternes name.

1855 Classification of Sweet Wines

  • Classified 27 estates.
  • Chateau d’Yquem: Ranked as Superior First Growth (Superior First). One of the most exclusive wines.
  • Bottle can cost around 300-400.

Right Bank

  • Higher concentration of clay and limestone.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon not thriving here: The soil is cooler and holds water.
  • Cabernet Franc and Merlot: Doing fine and conducive in this type of soil environment.
  • Wines: Tend to be juicier, and are more approachable when they're younger.
  • Important AOCs: Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.
  • Dominated by Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc.

Saint-Émilion Classification

  • Started in 1959, revised every 10 years (in theory, updated six times in that period of time).
  • Red wines only.
  • Dominated by Merlot, supported by Cabernet Franc.
  • Two estates classified as Grand Cru Classé A: Chateau Ausone and Chateau Pavie. Chateau Vichac and Chateau Pavy
  • Premiere Grand Cru Classé A: Top tier, terminology uses both "Premiere Cru" and "Grand Cru."

Pomerol

  • No classification system.
  • Buyer beware.
  • Reputation is based on how the expressing itself to the person drinking it and, obviously, what they do to promote their own winery.
  • Chateau Petrus: Premier estate in Pomerol, dominated by Merlot, commands high prices.
  • Example: 2011 vintage priced at 2,700 a bottle.

Entre-Deux-Mers

  • Located in the center, between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers.
  • Co-ops: Largest estates doing mass-produced wines.
  • Labels: Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur.
  • Wines: Varietally labeled Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc.

Rhone

  • North-south oriented region.

Northern Rhone

  • Steep and cooler, continental climate.
  • Syrah thrives.
  • Predominantly a red wine region.
  • Granite soil focused.

Southern Rhone

  • Flatter, hilly, warmer, Mediterranean climate.
  • Stony and rocky soil, including Galets.

Classification

  • Côtes du Rhône: Regional appellation classification.
  • Côtes du Rhône Villages: Specific names, not essential to know.
  • Crus: Specific AOC areas.

Northern Rhone Crus

  • Côte-Rôtie: One of the best in the North, reference to roasted slopes with vines facing South or Southeast for maximum sun exposure.
    • 80% minimum Syrah, Viognier is the only grape you are allowed to blend.
    • Must co-ferment if blending Viognier.
  • Condrieu: Northern appellation focused on Viognier (100%). Exclusively a white wine appellation, small production.
  • Château-Grillet: Tiny AOC, monopole.
  • Hermitage: Considered one of the most prestigious appellations. Small production, named after a famous hermit, lots of sunshine, and focused south-southeast vines.
    *Crozes-Hermitage: Dominated by Syrah; blends with of white wine grapes possible. (Marsanne, Roussanne - not required).