CMS Advanced Level 2025-2026 > Bordeaux AOP’S > Flashcards

Bordeaux AOP’S Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the geographical feature of the Médoc?

A

A peninsula of lowland, marsh, and forest bounded by the Atlantic and the Gironde

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2
Q

How long is the Médoc peninsula?

A

100 km

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3
Q

What are the two sectors of the Médoc?

A
  • Bas-Médoc (northern ‘lower’)
  • Haut-Médoc (southern ‘upper’)
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4
Q

Where does winegrowing occur in the Médoc?

A

On the eastern edge, no more than a dozen kilometers inland from the Gironde

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5
Q

Where are the best vineyards and châteaux properties located in the Médoc?

A

In the Haut-Médoc

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6
Q

What natural feature helps shield the Médoc’s vineyards?

A

Coastal pines of the manmade Landes Forest

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7
Q

Describe the topography of the Médoc.

A

Flat with gentle inclines of gravel croupes

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8
Q

What is significant about the Médoc in relation to the 1855 classified estates?

A

Home to all but one of the 1855 classified estates

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9
Q

How many AOPs are there in the Médoc?

A

Eight AOPs

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10
Q

What is the Médoc AOP generally reserved for?

A

Wines from the most challenging vineyard sites in Bas-Médoc

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11
Q

What has improved the quality of Médoc AOP wines in recent decades?

A

An infusion of Merlot

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12
Q

What are the six smaller commune appellations within the Haut-Médoc?

A
  • Saint-Estèphe
  • Pauillac
  • Saint-Julien
  • Margaux
  • Listrac-Médoc
  • Moulis
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13
Q

Which four commune appellations are considered premier in the Médoc?

A
  • Saint-Estèphe
  • Pauillac
  • Saint-Julien
  • Margaux
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14
Q

Where are wines labeled Haut-Médoc AOP typically produced?

A

To the west of Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien, or south of Margaux

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15
Q

What is unique about Château Sociando-Mallet?

A

It is one of the leading unclassified estates of the Médoc

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16
Q

What is Saint-Estephe AOP known for?

A

It is the northernmost commune AOP in the Haut-Médoc with a style characterized as rustic, aggressive, and sturdy

The Jalle de Breuil marks its southern boundary, and it has only five classified estates.

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17
Q

Which châteaux are considered the leading ones in Saint-Estephe AOP?

A

Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Montrose

Both were awarded second growth status in 1855.

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18
Q

What percentage of Saint-Estephe’s vineyards are planted to Merlot?

A

40%

This is a notable increase in a commune traditionally known for its Cabernet Sauvignon.

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19
Q

What is the main grape variety in Pauillac AOP?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon

It represents 70-80% of the total encépagement.

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20
Q

What characterizes the wine style of Pauillac?

A

Power-dark, firm, brooding wines that require years in the cellar to unclench

The most prestigious wines can include 80-95% Cabernet Sauvignon.

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21
Q

How many hectares of vines are there in Pauillac AOP?

A

1,100 ha

This is the most important site for Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux.

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22
Q

What is notable about the Saint-Julien AOP in terms of classified growths?

A

It has eleven classified growths that control 85% of the commune’s production

This is the highest proportion of classed vineyards in any Médoc appellation.

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23
Q

Which two communes border Saint-Julien AOP?

A

Margaux and Pauillac

It includes Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and some parcels from neighboring areas.

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24
Q

What is the typical wine style of Saint-Julien AOP described as?

A

Elegant without being Margaux, firm without the power of Pauillac

Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety here as well.

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25
Fill in the blank: The Jalle de Breuil divides Château Cos d'Estournel from Château _______.
Lafite-Rothschild
26
True or False: Saint-Julien AOP can claim first growths.
False ## Footnote It cannot claim any first growths.
27
What is the total area covered by the Margaux appellation?
1,500 ha ## Footnote The Margaux appellation includes four communes: Margaux-Cantenac, Soussans, Arsac, and Labarde.
28
Which grape variety is predominantly planted in the Margaux appellation?
Cabernet Sauvignon ## Footnote About 65% of the appellation is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon.
29
What are the four communes within the Margaux appellation?
* Margaux-Cantenac * Soussans * Arsac * Labarde ## Footnote These communes contribute to the diversity of the Margaux appellation.
30
How does the elevation of Margaux compare to its northern neighbors?
Typically lower ## Footnote This lower elevation contributes to the unique terroir of the Margaux region.
31
What is the percentage of vineyard area accounted for by the 21 classified châteaux of Margaux?
About 70% ## Footnote The classification includes notable châteaux like Châteaux Margaux and Château Palmer.
32
What are the characteristics of wines produced in Margaux compared to those from further north?
More aromatic and silkier, but may be lighter in body ## Footnote This stylistic difference is attributed to the unique terroir of the Margaux region.
33
When was the Moulis appellation granted?
1938 ## Footnote Moulis is located between Saint-Julien and Margaux.
34
Which two châteaux are historically significant producers in Moulis?
* Château Chasse-Spleen * Château Poujeaux ## Footnote These châteaux have contributed to the reputation of Moulis despite the lack of classified producers.
35
What year did Listrac achieve AOC status?
1957 ## Footnote Listrac was the last commune in the Médoc to gain AOC status.
36
Why might Cabernet Sauvignon struggle to ripen in Moulis and Listrac?
Lack of proximity to the Gironde ## Footnote This geographic factor influences the ripening conditions for grapes.
37
What trend is observed regarding grape variety in Listrac?
Merlot is on the increase ## Footnote This shift may be due to the challenges faced by Cabernet Sauvignon in the region.
38
Fill in the blank: The Moulis and Listrac-Médoc AOPs are separated from the Gironde by a strip of land qualifying only for the _______.
Haut-Médoc AOP ## Footnote This separation impacts the wine production characteristics of Moulis and Listrac.
39
What are the two classifications of wines in the Médoc beyond the 1855 Classification?
Cru Bourgeois and Cru Artisan
40
When was the Cru Artisan designation formally recognized?
2002
41
What is the average land area worked by Cru Artisan producers?
Six hectares
42
How often will the rankings for Cru Artisan be updated?
Every 5 years
43
In what year was the Cru Bourgeois classification originally introduced?
1932
44
How many properties were initially classified as Cru Bourgeois?
444
45
What are the three quality tiers of Cru Bourgeois?
* Cru bourgeois exceptionnel * Cru bourgeois supérieur * Basic cru bourgeois
46
Did Cru Bourgeois enjoy the support of an official decree?
No
47
What happened to the Cru Bourgeois classification in 2007?
The term cru bourgeois was banned
48
What organization transformed Cru Bourgeois into a mark of quality after legal action?
Alliance des Crus Bourgeois
49
When was Cru Bourgeois reintroduced after being banned?
2008 vintage
50
What designations were eliminated from Cru Bourgeois in 2019?
* Cru bourgeois exceptionnel * Cru bourgeois supérieur
51
How many châteaux were classified as Cru Bourgeois in 2020?
249
52
When will the Cru Bourgeois classification be reviewed?
Every five years
53
What is the next year a new list of Cru Bourgeois will appear?
2025
54
What is the geographical extent of the Graves region?
Extends 50 km from Bordeaux to Langon along the Garonne River ## Footnote The Landes Forest separates Graves from the sea.
55
What types of wines does Graves produce?
Produces dry red, dry white, and sweet white wine ## Footnote Graves is the only major Bordeaux region to produce all three main styles.
56
What soil type is dominant in the Graves region?
Gravel soil ## Footnote Deposited by the shifting course of the Garonne over millennia.
57
What are the two regional AOPs in Graves?
* Graves AOP * Graves Supérieur ## Footnote Graves AOP allows dry red and white production; Graves Supérieur allows only sweet white.
58
What is the typical residual sugar content for Graves Supérieur wines?
40-50 g/l ## Footnote Most wines from this appellation finish around this level of residual sugar.
59
What was the year when the Graves Classification was finalized?
1959 ## Footnote This classification was based on pricing, reputation, and tasting.
60
How many châteaux were included in the initial Graves Classification?
15 châteaux ## Footnote Seven for red wines only, two for whites, and six for both colors.
61
What happened to Château Couhins in 1968?
Split into two estates ## Footnote Increased the number of cru classé properties to 16.
62
Is the Graves Classification subject to routine revisions?
No ## Footnote Unlike the Saint-Émilion classification, it is theoretically not set in stone.
63
What happened to Château La Tour Haut-Brion and Château Laville Haut-Brion in the 2000s?
Both properties produced their final vintages and disappeared from the classification ## Footnote They now supply fruit for wines under the Château La Mission Haut-Brion label.
64
Fill in the blank: The northern half of Graves is known for its _____ wines.
best dry ## Footnote This area has historical significance and quality wine production.
65
What do the croupes of gravel in Graves resemble?
Those of the Médoc ## Footnote This is particularly evident in the northern sector.
66
What significant decline occurred in the northern Graves region by the 1980s?
Phylloxera, war, and depression led to a decline in vineyards and land conversion to commercial woodlands.
67
What key properties are included in the remaining land of the northern Graves?
Château Haut-Brion and every other classified estate in Graves.
68
Who was André Lurton and what was his role in the northern Graves?
André Lurton took control of the majority of the classified Couhins property in 1968 and became president of the Syndicat de Hautes Graves.
69
What was the purpose of creating the Pessac-Léognan AOC in 1987?
To differentiate the Northern Graves from the south and save the region from decline.
70
What does the Pessac-Léognan AOC allow that is different from the Médoc commune appellations?
The production of both red and dry white wines.
71
What percentage of Pessac-Léognan's production is red wine today?
About 80%.
72
Which grape varieties are of almost equal importance in Pessac-Léognan's vineyards?
* Cabernet Sauvignon * Merlot
73
What are the typical grape blends for dry white wines in Pessac-Léognan?
* Sauvignon Blanc * Sémillon
74
True or False: Château Haut-Brion has more Cabernet than Merlot planted.
False.
75
Fill in the blank: The dry white wines of Pessac-Léognan are often oak-aged and based on _______.
Sauvignon.
76
What is the current area of vines in Pessac-Léognan?
1,700 ha.
77
Where are the sweet wine enclaves of Sauternes and Barsac located?
Along the left bank of the Garonne River in southern Graves
78
What grape varieties are used to produce Sauternes and Barsac wines?
Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle
79
What is Botrytis cinerea commonly known as?
Pourriture noble or noble rot
80
When did the tradition of producing sweet wines from botrytized fruit in Sauternes begin?
At least the early 18th century
81
What significant classification was made for Sauternes wines in 1855?
Classified alongside those of the Médoc and divided into first and second growths
82
Which château achieved the rank of premier cru supérieur?
Château d'Yquem
83
What impact did the mid-20th century have on the style of Sauternes?
Bastardized by cheap, mass-produced sweet Graves wines
84
Which communes make up the Sauternes appellation?
Sauternes, Bommes, Fargues, Preignac, and Barsac
85
What geographical feature contributes to the development of botrytis in Sauternes?
The confluence of the Ciron and Garonne rivers
86
What does botrytis do to the grapes?
Permeates the skin and dehydrates it, heightening sugar, acidity, and glycerol content
87
What complex flavors can botrytized wines achieve?
Bouquet of honey, saffron, dried fruit, ginger spice, and iodine
88
True or False: Botrytis attacks grapes evenly, allowing for standard harvesting.
False
89
What is the harvesting method used for botrytized grapes?
Picking grapes individually in separate forays (tries)
90
How many tries are typically conducted in an average year by modern Sauternes estates?
3-4 tries
91
What notable event occurred at Château d'Yquem in 1974 regarding harvesting?
Conducted 11 tries over ten weeks and rejected the final wine
92
What is the residual sugar range for Sauternes wines?
120-160 g/l
93
Historically, how did Barsac wines differ from Sauternes wines?
Barsac wines were a touch drier
94
What is the name of the coveted white wine from Sauternes made by Château d'Yquem?
Ygrec
95
What are the three communes entitled to make wines under the Cérons AOP?
Cérons, Podensac, Illats
96
In what year was the Cérons appellation established?
1936
97
What types of wines can be produced under the Cérons AOP?
Sweet white wines, dry white and red wines labeled Graves
98
Why do growers in Cérons generally lack the inclination to make great botrytized wine?
Lack of funds and high risks
99
What is the general encépagement composition throughout the right bank?
70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc
100
What environmental factors make the right bank more suitable for Merlot?
Cooler, clay-riddled soils
101
What are the predominant soil types found on the right bank?
Cool clay and calcareous clay soils
102
What disadvantage does Merlot have according to the INAO?
Thinner skins attract rot
103
What grape variety stands in for the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon in right bank blends?
Cabernet Franc
104
What grape varieties are almost non-existent on the right bank?
Petit Verdot
105
What is the general climate condition of the right bank?
Drier with greater temperature swings
106
What is the basic AOP designation for white wines in the core appellations of the right bank?
Basic Bordeaux AOP
107
What grape variety is rarely cultivated today due to its late-ripening characteristics?
Cabernet Sauvignon
108
When was Saint-Émilion designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
1999
109
What historical figure is associated with the viticultural heritage of Saint-Émilion?
The poet Ausonius, who was born in Burdigala and lived in Saint-Émilion in the 4th century.
110
Which region's wines first rose to prominence in the 1700s, overshadowing Saint-Émilion?
Fronsac
111
Which estates are considered traditional stars of Saint-Émilion's red wines?
* Château Cheval Blanc * Château Ausone
112
How many communes produce Saint-Émilion AOP wine?
Nine communes
113
What is the total area of vines producing Saint-Émilion AOP wine?
5,500 hectares
114
What type of soil primarily rewards the early-ripening Merlot in Saint-Émilion?
Cool clay soils atop the limestone plateau.
115
Which property in Saint-Émilion is known for having a substantial amount of Cabernet Sauvignon planted?
Château Figeac
116
Fill in the blank: The vineyards closest to the Dordogne river may only apply the _______ appellation.
Bordeaux AOP
117
What are the two red wine-only appellations of Saint-Emilion?
Saint-Emilion AOP and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOP
118
In what year was the Saint-Emilion AOP established?
1936
119
When was the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOP introduced?
1954
120
What is the current number of AOCs for Saint-Émilion?
Two
121
How many premier grand cru classé A estates were included in the 2022 classification?
Two premier grand cru classé A estates: Pavie and newcomer Figeac
122
Which estates withdrew from the 2022 classification?
* Cheval Blanc (Classe A) * Angelus (Classe A) * Ausone (Classe A) * Château La Gaffelière (Classe B)
123
What is the Pomerol AOP known for?
One of the world's most important sites for Merlot ## Footnote Pomerol AOP is adjacent to the commune of Saint-Émilion and has about 150 producers farming roughly 800 hectares of grapes.
124
What geographical features surround the Pomerol commune?
Isle and Barbanne rivers and the town of Libourne ## Footnote These features make the commune easy to miss.
125
How does the size of Pomerol compare to Burgundy's Gevrey-Chambertin?
Pomerol is roughly double the vineyard acreage of Gevrey-Chambertin ## Footnote Pomerol is the smallest 'village' appellation in Bordeaux.
126
What soil types are found in Pomerol?
Light sandy soils, glacial deposits of gravel, clay, and crasse de fer ## Footnote The soil profile varies across the plateau's terraces.
127
What is the significance of the buttonière in Pomerol?
It consists of purer, water-retaining clay with some gravel, spanning just 20 hectares ## Footnote Petrus is centered on this unique soil.
128
What is the primary grape variety used in Petrus?
100% Merlot ## Footnote Petrus is one of the only great Bordeaux properties to produce a mono-varietal wine.
129
What percentage of Pomerol's vineyard area is currently planted with Merlot?
About 70% ## Footnote Merlot became more favored after the winter of 1956.
130
Which grape variety was most planted in Pomerol prior to the winter of 1956?
Cabernet Franc ## Footnote Its proportion is rising today due to concerns about warmth and Merlot's efficiency.
131
What is the current vineyard composition in Pomerol?
70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, remainder Cabernet Sauvignon ## Footnote Very little Petit Verdot or Malbec is present.
132
Where are most of the great estates in Pomerol located?
Clustered at its eastern nucleus surrounding the church of Pomerol ## Footnote Estates include Petrus, Vieux Château Certan, Lafleur, and others.
133
What is a key factor in determining the quality of Pomerol wines?
Position on the plateau and soil quality ## Footnote Higher terraces tend to produce more expensive wines.
134
What types of wine styles can be found in Pomerol?
Late-picked, supple, ultra-rich styles and hard-edged, tannic, backward examples ## Footnote Styles vary from New World to Old World influences.
135
True or False: Pomerol has a classification of producers like other premier Bordeaux appellations.
False ## Footnote Pomerol does not have a formal classification system for producers.
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