Monday, November 08, 2010

The WSET / ISG Challenge: Number 2


Ready to find out the skinny on big Bordeaux wines?
Which of the red Bordeaux grape varieties represents the largest percentage of grapes grown in the region?
  1. Merlot
  2. Cabernet Franc
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon
  4. Malbec
Answer: There are far more double the number of acres of Merlot (shown right) planted than Cabernet Sauvignon: 170,000 acres of Merlot compared to the 72,000 devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc makes up 12% of the red plantings, while Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carmenere comprise only 2% of the red plantings.


How many red AOCs are there in the Medoc region of Bordeaux?
  1. Seven
  2. Eight
  3. Nine
  4. Twelve
Answer: There are eight AOCs in the Medoc region. Six communes: St Estephe, Pauillac, St Julien, Margaux (now isn't that a beautiful chateaux?), Moulis en Medoc, and Listrac -Medoc. There are also Medoc and Haut Medoc which cover the broader region for a total of eight. All of the AOCs in the Medoc are red only.
FYI: These are actual practice questions from Frank’s WSET and ISG studies. Let us know how you’re enjoying them and using them.

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