Bordeaux-Your Guide to Sommelier Intro Level 1 Certification

Key Topics to Study for Bordeaux - Intro Level

1. Factors Affecting Climate

• Maritime Climate: Influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary.

• Gulf Stream: Provides a moderating effect, preventing extreme cold.

• Rainfall: High rainfall can affect grape ripening and vintage quality.

• Frost and Hail: Occasional threats to vineyards.

2. Soil Types

• Gravel: Found in the Médoc and Graves, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.

• Clay: Found in the Right Bank (e.g., Pomerol), suitable for Merlot.

• Limestone: Found in St-Émilion, contributing to elegance and minerality.

• Sand: Found in some areas, producing lighter wines.

3. Grape Varietals

• Red Grapes:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Dominant in the Left Bank.

• Merlot: Dominant in the Right Bank.

• Cabernet Franc: Adds structure and aromatics.

• Petit Verdot: Used in small amounts for color and tannin.

• Malbec: Rarely used but permitted.

• White Grapes:

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and aromatic.

• Sémillon: Adds body and is key for sweet wines.

• Muscadelle: Adds floral notes.

4. Districts and Sub-Districts

• Left Bank:

• Médoc: Includes famous communes like Margaux, Pauillac, St-Julien, and St-Estèphe.

• Graves: Known for both red and white wines, including Pessac-Léognan.

• Sauternes and Barsac: Famous for sweet wines made from botrytized grapes.

• Right Bank:

• St-Émilion: Known for Merlot-dominant blends.

• Pomerol: Famous for Château Pétrus and other Merlot-based wines.

• Entre-Deux-Mers: Produces dry white wines.

5. Classification Systems

• 1855 Classification: Applies to Médoc and Sauternes/Barsac. Includes five growths (Premiers Crus to Cinquièmes Crus).

• Top Médoc Châteaux: Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild.

• Graves Classification: Includes both red and white wines.

• St-Émilion Classification: Updated every 10 years, includes Premier Grand Cru Classé A and B, and Grand Cru Classé.

• Premier Grand Cru Classé A: Château Ausone, Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus, Château Pavie.

• Pomerol: No official classification, but Château Pétrus is highly regarded.

6. Wine Styles

• Red Wines: Structured, age-worthy blends.

• Dry White Wines: Crisp and aromatic, often from Graves.

• Sweet Wines: Botrytized wines from Sauternes and Barsac (e.g., Château d'Yquem).

7. Production and Ageing Techniques

• Blending: Importance of blending varietals for balance and complexity.

• Barrique Ageing: Small oak barrels (225 liters) used for ageing, imparting flavors of vanilla, spice, and toast.

• Botrytis (Noble Rot): Key for sweet wine production in Sauternes and Barsac.

8. Trade Structure

• En Primeur: Futures system where wines are sold before bottling.

• Négociants: Merchants who buy, age, and sell wine.

• Château: Estate where wine is produced.

9. Labelling Terms

• AOP (Appellation d'Origine Protégée): Highest quality level.

• IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée): Regional wines with fewer restrictions.

• Cru: Indicates a classified growth or vineyard.

Study Tips

1. Maps: Familiarize yourself with the Left Bank, Right Bank, and Entre-Deux-Mers.

2. Flashcards: Use flashcards to memorize grape varietals, classifications, and key châteaux.

3. Practice Quizzes: Test yourself on Bordeaux's sub-regions, classifications, and wine styles.

4. Tasting: If possible, taste wines from different Bordeaux regions to understand their characteristics.

Sample Quiz Questions

1. Multiple Choice:
   Which of the following is NOT a commune in the Médoc?
   a) Margaux
   b) Pauillac
   c) St-Émilion
   d) St-Julien

2. True/False:
   Château Pétrus is classified under the 1855 Classification.

3. Fill-in-the-Blank:
   The dominant grape varietal in Pomerol is .

4. Matching:
   Match the following châteaux to their classification:

• Château Margaux

• Château d'Yquem

• Château Cheval Blanc

• Château Pétrus

  a) Premier Grand Cru Classé A
  b) Premier Cru Supérieur
  c) First Growth (1855)
  d) Unclassified