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Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council

TASTING AGENCIES TRAINING

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 2/40

• Introduction: About Wine Tasting

• 10 Key Points: About Bordeaux

– Where is Bordeaux?

– What does Bordeaux produce?

– What are the main grape varieties used in Bordeaux?

– What is the Bordeaux blend?

– Tell me more about Red Bordeaux!

– Tell me more about White Bordeaux!

– What are “Appellations”?

– What does “Terroir” mean?

– Are all Bordeaux wines expensive?

– Do Bordeaux wines pair well with food?

– Summary

• Appendix

Outline


INTRODUCTION: ABOUT WINE TASTING


1. Using the knife in the provided corkscrew, cleanly remove the capsule.

2. The cork should be removed slowly and smoothly, using the lever-pull, to avoid damaging the wine during the process.

3. When the cork is almost completely out of the neck, finish the job by hand (without the lever).

4. A correctly drawn cork should not be pierced through to the wine side, as particles of cork might fall into the bottle.

How to open a bottle?


• SEE: Appreciate the wine’s color and texture.

• SWIRL: The glass to release the wine’s aromas.

• SMELL: Place your nose above the glass and inhale deeply.

• SIP: Savor the wine in your mouth. Identify flavors.

Use 3 senses: SIGHT, SMELL and TASTE

How to taste a wine?


10 KEY POINTS: ABOUT BORDEAUX


Bordeaux is located in the SOUTHWEST of FRANCE, near the Atlantic Ocean.

PARIS

Bordeaux

1. Where is Bordeaux?


Best known for its great wines,

Bordeaux also boasts fantastic food,

beautiful landscapes,

superb architecture

and...pristine beaches.

Bordeaux, its wines, and much more!


Although Bordeaux has made its reputation for producing the world’s finest red wines, Bordeaux produces both Red and White wines. In numbers:

- Reds (85%)

- Dry whites (13%)

- Sweet whites (2%)

Bordeaux wines have something to offer for every taste!

2. What does Bordeaux produce?


Bordeaux is the world’s #1 producer of both CABERNET & MERLOT grapes.

Grape Varieties produced Bordeaux % of World Production

Rank

Cabernet Sauvignon (Red) 33% 1

Cabernet Franc (Red) 18% 1

Merlot (Red) 32% 1

Sauvignon Blanc (White) 13% 2

Bordeaux is also a leader in SAUVIGNON BLANC production.

3. What are the main grape varieties used in Bordeaux?


Unlike other French or foreign vineyards that produce wines from a single grape variety, Bordeaux wines are blends of different grapes.

Each grape in the Bordeaux blend complements the other, resulting in a balanced and harmonious wine:

The whole is better than the sum of the parts.

Blending is an art, which requires both experience and know-how - two qualities that abound in Bordeaux, where a long tradition and cutting-edge wine-making techniques continually enrich each other.

4. What is the Bordeaux blend?


CABERNET SAUVIGNON GRAPE

• Structure and complexity

• Low alcohol content

• Ageing potential

MERLOT GRAPE

• Fruity

• Rich in alcohol

• Pleasant to drink young

Result:

BORDEAUX RED

• Balanced alcohol content

• Well-structured wine that is pleasant to drink

• Can be enjoyed young or aged

A Simplified Example of the Blending Process


1.Merlot gives color and the richness of alcohol, making the wine round and supple. It has aromas of ripe plums and red fruits.

2.Cabernet Sauvignon provides the tannic(*) backbone or structure. It is very aromatic in young wines, with aromas of blackcurrant, and allows the wine to gain complexity with age.

3.Cabernet Franc adds gentleness and fresh summer aromas of red fruits.

(*) The tannins are extracted from the grape skins and stems. Tannins give a wine firmness when young, and allow a wine to age well. They gradually fade away and dissipate. Tannin is the natural preservative in red wine.

5. Tell me more about red Bordeaux!


As with the reds, each grape variety adds something special to the blend:

1.Sauvignon Blanc provides good acidity and sugar. It has huge aromatic potential ranging from grassy notes to citrus and exotic fruits.

2.Sémillon produces rich, soft wines with aromas of apricots and peaches.

3.Muscadelle has fairly low acidity but adds distinctive, slightly musky, floral aromas (only used in a few white Bordeaux).

6. Tell me more about white Bordeaux!


A Bordeaux wine is labeled according to its

“APPELLATION” =

the name of the state, district or village

in which the vines are grown and the wine made.

For a wine to be granted the right to use an

Appellation,

it needs to comply with a strict set of production and

quality standards.

7. What are “Appellations”?


57 Bordeaux “Appellations”


Name and address of the owner

Look for additional information (varietals, food pairings...) on the back label.

Name of the Winery (Château).

Bottler and address of his/her principal establishment.

Net volume in liters (l), centiliters (cl) or milliliters (ml).

The words « Appellation d’Origine Controlée » indicate that the wine complies with strict rules.

Vintage

Indicates whether the wine is bottled by a winegrowers’ association or at the property (Château).

Name of the Appellation (state, district, village...).

Alcohol level as « % vol. »

Reading a Bordeaux label


An appellation or a winery’s “TERROIR”* is a combination of its terrain, climate, soil type and sun exposure.

Bordeaux’s uniqueness derives from the region’s unique “terroirs”.

* Pronounce “ter whar”

8. What does “terroir” mean?


Terroir affects the characteristics of whatever grapes are grown in the vineyard.

What affects the grapes affects the wines.

Examples: in Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Garonne river, terroirs are

best suited to Cabernet grapes. On the right bank of the Garonne, terroirs

are best suited to Merlot grapes.

The diversity of terroirs in Bordeaux explains the diversity of its wines.

8. What does “terroir” mean?


If you like

MERLOT (red wine)…

Enjoy Bordeaux wines from the « Right Bank » (Merlot dominant in the

blend). Bordeaux is the birthplace of merlot and the world’s #1 producer of

that grape.

If you like

CABERNET SAUVIGNON (red

wine)…

Enjoy Bordeaux wines from the « Left Bank » (Cabernet Sauvignon dominant

in the blend). Bordeaux is the birthplace of Cabernet and the world’s #1

producer of that grape.

If you like

SAUVIGNON BLANC (white

wine)…

Enjoy Bordeaux dry whites (Sauvignon Blanc based). Crispy, lively and

refreshing, Sauvignon Blanc is the hot new varietal.

If you like

CHARDONNAY or PINOT

GRIGIO (white wines)…

Try the Sauvignon Blanc based Bordeaux dry whites Bordeaux. You will fall

for them!

If you like

PINOT NOIR (red wine)…

Then, try the fruity, medium-bodied Bordeaux wines from the « Right

Bank » (Merlot dominant in the blend).

If you like

SHIRAZ (red wine)…

Then, try the full-bodied Bordeaux wines from the « Left Bank » (Cabernet

Sauvignon dominant in the blend).

If you like

SWEET (white) WINES…

Enjoy Bordeaux sweet white wines (Semillon based). The world’s most

renowned sweet wines are made in Bordeaux…truly ‘liquid gold’.

Diversity: There is a Bordeaux for you!


THEY ARE NOT! Only a small percentage of Bordeaux wines (5%) are expensive.

Many excellent Bordeaux wines sell for $8 to $25 a bottle.

Everyone can find a nice and enjoyable Bordeaux wine

even for a limited budget.

9. Are Bordeaux wines expensive?


Bordeaux wines are incredibly FOOD-FRIENDLY!

They can adapt perfectly to everyday eating habits, all types

of cuisines and varied occassions.

Balanced wines like Bordeaux are food-friendly.

Bordeaux is diverse, thus allowing tremendous flexibility in

pairing.

Whether you are sharing and socializing, enjoying by yourself

or with intimate friends, Bordeaux means conviality, pleasure

and well-being.

10. Do Bordeaux wines pair well with food?


Pairing food and Bordeaux: some examples

Bordeaux REDS Red and white meats, roasts, poultry, game, pasta.

DRY Bordeaux WHITES

Fish, seafood, salads, white meats.

They also make a perfect apéritif (before dinner drink).

SWEET Bordeaux WHITES

Fruit-based desserts, foie gras, roasted white meats, blue cheese.

A glass of sweet Bordeaux is a dessert in itself!


Bordeaux Wines Food Pairing

Bordeaux Reds:

The firm tannins and full-bodied Cabernet wines pair with rich, flavorful meat dishes such as: rib-eye steak, porterhouse steak, sirloin steak and T-bone steak. It is also a classic match with lamb dishes such as baby lamb chops or roasted leg of lamb. The full fat of certain cheeses work in harmony with the tannins in a full-bodied red Bordeaux, try Gruyere or a good Parmigiano Reggiano.

The soft tannins and plummy fruit character of Merlot-driven Pomerol and Saint Emilion pair well with roast duck, cornish hens, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, pork chops and soft cheeses such as Morbier, Camembert and Gouda.

The wines of Fronsac offer exceptional complexity for a great price and will suit a variety of meals such as roast chicken, Beef Bourgogne, coq au vin, potato gratin chicken soups and stews and Tuscan-style bean soups.

The full body of Médoc and Haut-Médoc can be paired with hearty dishes such as grilled lamp chops, braised shanks and meat stews.

Bordeaux Whites:

The Sauvignon Blanc variety is a perfect match with seafood, goat cheese, raw oysters, grilled fish, sushi, pasta and pesto and mixed salads.

Pair a Bordeaux Sauternes with tropical flavored chocolates, apple pie, pumpkin pie, white chocolate and fruit tarts, or the infallible classic pairing with foie gras as a starter to a special meal.

Pessac Léognan and Graves are delicious with wild salmon, seared tuna, mussels cooked in white wine, raw oysters, corn chowder and sushi.

The wines of the Entre-Deux-Mers call for lighter dishes such as grilled fish, smoked salmon and cream cheese, vegetarian pasta dishes and salads.

Pairing food and Bordeaux: more examples


First Date Want to make a good first impression but don’t want to appear to be

showing off? Get a Lussac-Saint-Emilion (or another SATTELITE OF SAINT-

EMILION), an affordable wine for connoisseurs that will ensure that your first

date isn’t your last.

Meeting your

girlfriend’s parents

for the first time

Anxious? Nervous? Want to be well perceived by your girlfriend’s parents?

Bring a nice bouquet of flowers for Madame and a fine, delicate and earthy

POMEROL or Saint-Emilion Grand Cru for Monsieur: He’ll soon be calling you

Son-in-Law.

Poker night with the

guys

Big night with the guys? The stakes are high and you’l need some firm

tannins to keep up your concentration. Get a Cabernet Sauvignon from

MEDOC or Haut-Medoc and you’ll be sure to hit the jackpot.

Chick Flicks with

your girlfriends

Chat, gossip, laughs…. What could be more appropriate than a fruity

Sauvignon Blanc from ENTRE DEUX MERS or Graves or a light bodied,

Merlot based BORDEAUX?

Backyard Barbeque Nothing goes better with your burgers, sausages and potato salad than a

CÔTES DE BORDEAUX!

Going to your boss’s

house for dinner

You don’t want to appear like a wine snob but you’re still looking for an

impressive wine: bring a wine from SAINT-EMILION or a WHITE GRAVES!

You’ll get that promotion in no time.

A Perfect Bordeaux Wine for Every Occassion


Business Lunch with a new client

You have a lot riding on this wine. Choose a classic Bordeaux wine such as a Cabernet / Merlot blended wine from PAUILLAC or SAINT-ESTEPHE. You’ll be sure to seal the deal.

Cocktail Party with you as host

A convivial MERLOT-BASED BORDEAUX and BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR will allow you to make everybody happy – except maybe your neighbors…

Dinner party with 6 of your closest friends

The perfect compliment to an evening of good food and good friends is PAUILLAC. The dinner will be even more enjoyable.

Wedding Reception for 200 guests

Don’t want to be called by your banker on your wedding night because you blew your nest egg on wines for the reception? Choose MERLOT-BASED BORDEAUX or CÔTES DE CASTILLON and the reception will be the smash – and you’ll be able to afford your honeymoon!

Before-dinner drink on a hot summer evening

A refreshing and mouth-watering SAUVIGNON BLANC with will refresh your palate and prepare it for your summer dinner!

Sunday afternoon football game

Watching the Superbowl? Score a touchdown with some MERLOT-BASED BORDEAUX wines.

Christmas Gift for a Colleague

For a safe bet, just offer him or her a MEDOC wine that will be easy to drink and pair well with food!

Christmas Gift for your Wine-loving best friend

True friendship lasts a long time - like a classified growth from SAINT JULIEN or SAINT ESTEPHE.

A Perfect Bordeaux Wine for More Occassion


Clam Bake on Cape

Cod

Clams, shrimps, and lobster ar the perfect match to Sauvignon Blanc-

based GRAVES or ENTRE-DEUX-MERS.

Thanksgiving Dinner

with the Family

The traditional turkey is shared by the family… Some BORDEAUX

SUPERIEUR, CANON-FRONSAC or even a sweet Sauternes will give you even

more to be thankful for.

Romantic Dinner for

2

Soft music and candlelight require an equally seducing wine. A soft and

subtle MARGAUX will add love and romance to your evening, ensuring the

dinner does not end with dessert …

Valentine’s Day

with your

Sweetheart

Sweetheart …. Would you like a glass of this sweet white from SAUTERNES

to go with those chocolate-covered strawberries?

Fourth of July Picnic Celebrate the red,white and blue with simple RED BORDEAUX.

Celebrating a new

job, new home, new

baby

Your life is changing….. Take the time to appreciate the wisdom and the

wonderful taste of a matured red from PESSAC-LEOGNAN…

Housewarming

Party

The convivial Merlot based BORDEAUX and Bordeaux Superieur is sure to

warm your heart and your home.

A Marriage Proposal The moment is crucial. You want everything to be perfect, and of course the

wine has to be the very best… Get a classified growth from SAINT-

EMILION and you’ll soon be toasting your future together!

A Perfect Bordeaux Wine for Even More Occassion


1- Bordeaux is in the Southwest of France.

2- Bordeaux produces red wines, dry white wines and sweet white wines.

3- Bordeaux is the world’s #1 producer of Cabernet and Merlot and #2 producer of Sauvignon Blanc.

4- Bordeaux wines are blends of different grape varieties.

5- Bordeaux reds are blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

6- Bordeaux whites are blends of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle.

7- Bordeaux wines are labelled according to their Appellation (district of production) and comply with strict production and quality regulations.

8- Bordeaux’s uniqueness derives from the region unique terroirs.

9- Many excellent Bordeaux wines sell between $8 and $25.

10- Bordeaux wines are food-friendly.

10 Key Points: Summary


APPENDIX


Name Pronunciation

Cabernet Sauvignon cab er nay soh vee nyon

Merlot may er lo

Médoc may dock

Graves gravh

Saint-Emilion sant eh mee lyon

Bordeaux Supérieur bor doh soo per ee uhr

Entre-Deux-Mers ahn treh douh mare

Bordeaux Blanc bor doh blahn

Terroir ter wahr

Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC) Ah pel lah see ohn daw ree jheen con troh lay

Grand vin grahn van

Pronunciation Guide to Bordeaux Wine Terms


DRY WHITE WINES

• They should be served cool but not ice-cold because this can kill aromas and bring out the

acidity.

• The ideal temperature is 46-48º F (about four hours in the refrigerator on a moderate

thermostat).

SWEET WHITE WINES

• They should reach the table at a rather lower temperature around 45º F.

• Then the wine will warm up in the glass and express their aromas fully.

RED WINES

• Red wines should be opened prior to a meal in order to breathe a bit before serving. Red wines,

whether young or old, should not be served at more than 62º F otherwise the aromas which form

the bouquet may suddenly dissipate.

• However, you may also appreciate some every day Bordeaux wines (mainly made from Merlot)

slightly chilled especially during the summer.

Ideal Serving Temperatures for Bordeaux Wines


1. 1855 Classification of Médoc

Haut-Médoc Wines: First Growths Haut-Médoc Wines: Second Growths Haut-Médoc Wines: Third Growths Haut-Médoc Wines: Fourth Growths Haut-Médoc Wines: Fifth Growths

2. 1855 Classification of Sauternes and Barsac

Sauternes and Barsac: First Great Growth Sauternes and Barsac: First Growths Sauternes and Barsac: Second Growths

4. Graves (Pessac-Leognan): 1959 Official Classification

Classified Red wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan)

Classified White wines of Graves (Pessac-Leognan)

3. Saint Emilion 1954 Official Classification (Re-Classified 1996)

Premiers Grands Crus Classés (A) Premiers Grands Crus Classés (B) Grand Crus Classés

There is no single comprehensive classification system that ranks Bordeaux's 57 appellations (districts) and thousands of wines. Over the years, the estates of several of Bordeaux appellations have been classified based on criteria of consistent quality, type of terroir, wine-growing expertise, production levels and of course how the wine actually tastes.

4. Cru Bourgeois 2003 Official Classification

Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel Grand Cru Bourgeois Cru Bourgeois

The Bordeaux Classifications (1)


AOC Saint-Emilion

Grand Cru

Grand

Cru Classé

1 A*

1 B*

SAINT-EMILION 1996 Official Classification

Crus Bourgeois

AOC Médoc

1st Growths

2nd Growths

3rd Growths

4th Growths

5th Growths

The 1855 Classification of MÉDOC (reds)

* Premiers Grands Crus Classés (A) & Premiers Grands Crus Classés (B)

The Bordeaux Classifications (2)


• Sweet• Acidity• Bitterness• Salty (uncommon in

wine)

Sweet

Salty

Sour

Bitter

THE TASTE MAP

Bitterness –

Towards the back of the tongue

Sweetness –

At the tip of the tongue

Saltiness & Acidity–

Around the sides

Acidity

Bitterness

Sweetness

Salt

The tongue:

an essential organ for evaluating flavors

The 4 Primary Flavors

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