Field Trip 1: Geology and Bordeaux Wines (AOC Saint-Emilion)
Date: 2nd September, 2021
Field Trip Leaders: Jean-Pierre Tastet (Univ. of Bordeaux) and Pierre Becheler
Description:
From a geological point of view, the Saint-Emilion wine label’s area is constituted by a “substrate” of tertiary deposits: Eocene and Oligocene limestones sands and clays, and, in some parts, a cover of quaternary fluvial terraces. This field trip aims to highlight these geological influences on wine characteristics.
Programme:
- *NEW INFO*: Depart from the hotel Le Provensal at the "Centre Hotelier du Lac", Rue Petit Barrail, at 7:30 AM.
- A short presentation of the connection between the geology of the Gironde Department and the different Bordeaux Wine appellations (AOC= Appellation of Controlled Origin).
- From the geological point of view the area of the Saint-Emilion wine appellation is constituted by a 'substrate' of tertiary deposits: Eocene and Oligocene limestones sands and clays, and, in some parts, by a cover of quaternary fluvial terraces. These features will be demonstrated by field visits.
- Visit of the vineyard and wine-tastings in two 'Grands Crus Classés' (Château Figeac et Château Clos Fourtet) will show the impact of the geology on the character of the wine.
- Visit of the underground cellars of Château Clos Fourtet, which are old quarries used to extract the calcareous stones traditionally used for the construction of houses in the Bordeaux region.
- Picnic with Saint Emilion Grand Cru in the gardens of the family vineyard of Château Gueyrosse.
- Return to Bordeaux city at 7 PM.