14. The Dordogne and South West France Flashcards
Where is the Dordogne region located?
To the east of the vineyards of Entre-Deux-Mers (Bordeaux)
What’s the climate of the Dordogne like?
Similar to that of Bordeaux, although with less moderating maritime influence.
What’s the major appellation of the Dordogne?
Bergerac, which lies on the right bank of the river of the Dordogne.
What wines do you find in Bergerac?
It may be used for both red and white wines made from the same varieties as in Bordeaux.
What’s another well known appellation in the Dordogne besides Bergerac?
Monbazillac, which lies on the left bank of the river of the Dordogne.
What wines do you find in Monbazillac?
It is a source of good value botrytised sweet wines made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.
Where do you find Cahors?
To the east of the Bordeaux region. The region is located either side of the river Lot.
What sort of wines are produced in Cahors?
Historically they were described as ‘black’ wines and they were very tannic and long-lived. Now a broad range of styles is produced depending on whether the vineyards are in fertile vally bottom or on the poorer soils of the slopes or on the plateau above.
What’s the most important grape variety of Cahors?
Malbec
What other varieties are there in Cahors besides Malbec?
Merlot and Tannat.
What are the characteristics of the best wines from Cahors?
The wines are aged in oak.
Deeply coloured.
High in tannin.
Intense, dark berry fruits.
They mature slowly to reveal notes of cedar and earth.
What do you find to the south-east of Bordeaux?
A considerable production of IGP-wines. The most important one is the Côtes de Gascogne.
What sort of wines do you find in the Côtes de Gascogne?
These are generally dry, light-bodied white wines made from Ugni Blanc with aromas and flavours of green apples.
What appellation do you find directly south of the Côtes de Gascogne?
Madiran.
What sort of red wines are made in the Madiran AOP?
Blends led by the deeply coloured, high tannin variety: Tannat.
