14 - Dordogne and SW France Flashcards
How does the climate of the Dordogne differ form Bordeaux
Similar, but less moderating maritime influence from the Atlantic.
What is the major appellation in Dordogne. What wines are made there and form what grapes?
Bergerac Red and White from the same varieties as in Bordeaux.
What style of wine is Montbazillac known for? What grapes are used?
Producing good value botritysed sweet wines/ Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc.
Where is Bergerac located?
East of Entre-Deux-Mers
Where is Cahors located?
East of Bordeax on either side of the river Lot.
What were the wines of Cahor historically described as, and why?
“Black Wine” because they were very tannic and long lived.
What is the most important grape variety in Cahors? What other grapes are planted?
Malbec With smaller plantings of Merlot and Tannat
Describe the wine style in Cahors.
Broad range of style produced, depending on whether the grapes are grown in the fertile valley bottom, on the poorer soild of the slopes or on the plateau above.
What are Cahors wines like at their best?
Oak aged, deeply coloured, high in tannin. Intense dark berry fruits. Mature slowly to reveal notes of cedar and earth.
What are the wines of Cortes de Gascogne like?
Generally dry, light bodied whites made from Ugni Blanc with aromas and flavours of green apple.
What style of wine is produced in Madiran?
Red blends, led by high-tannin Tannat.
What is notable about Madiran wines style?
Traditionally, they needed a long period of bottle ageing to soften tannins. Today, riper grapes and modern techniques mean they have concentrated black fruit and high levels of soft tannin.
What style of wine is made in Jurancon?
Both and dry and sweet white wine.
What are the most important wines in Jurancon?
The complex sweet wines made from high acid Petit Manseng.
What’s notable about the sweet white wines of Jurancon? Describe their style.
They are free of botrytis and under passerlliage. Notes of apricot, grapefruit, sometimes with spicy notes from new oak.
