Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council T ASTING A GENCIES T RAINING

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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council I NTRODUCTION: A BOUT W INE T ASTING

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 4/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 5/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council 10 K EY P OINTS: A BOUT B ORDEAUX

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 7/40 Bordeaux is located in the SOUTHWEST of FRANCE, near the Atlantic Ocean. PARIS Bordeaux 1. Where is Bordeaux?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 8/40 Best known for its great wines, Bordeaux also boasts fantastic food, beautiful landscapes, superb architecture and...pristine beaches. Bordeaux, its wines, and much more!

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 9/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 10/40 Bordeaux is the world’s #1 producer of both CABERNET & MERLOT grapes. Grape Varieties producedBordeaux % 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 11/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 12/40 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 13/40 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!

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 14/40 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!

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 15/40 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”?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 16/40 57 Bordeaux “Appellations”

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 17/40 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 18/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 19/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 20/40 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!

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 21/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 22/40 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?

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 23/40 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!

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 24/40 Bordeaux WinesFood 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 25/40 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 26/40 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 27/40 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 PicnicCelebrate 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 ProposalThe 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 28/40 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 $ Bordeaux wines are food-friendly. 10 Key Points: Summary

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council A PPENDIX

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 30/40 NamePronunciation Cabernet Sauvignoncab er nay soh vee nyon Merlotmay er lo Médocmay dock Gravesgravh Saint-Emilionsant eh mee lyon Bordeaux Supérieurbor doh soo per ee uhr Entre-Deux-Mersahn treh douh mare Bordeaux Blancbor doh blahn Terroirter wahr Appellation d’Origine Controlee (AOC)Ah pel lah see ohn daw ree jheen con troh lay Grand vingrahn van Pronunciation Guide to Bordeaux Wine Terms

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 31/40 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

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 32/ 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 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)

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 33/40 AOC Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Grand Cru Classé 1 A* 1 B* SAINT-EMILION 1996 Official Classification Crus Bourgeois AOC Médoc 1 st Growths 2 nd Growths 3 rd Growths 4 th Growths 5 th Growths The 1855 Classification of MÉDOC (reds) * Premiers Grands Crus Classés (A) & Premiers Grands Crus Classés (B) The Bordeaux Classifications (2)

Copyright © 2008 Bordeaux Wine Council, Slide 34/40 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