9. France Flashcards
What is the most widely planted white grape in France?
Ugni Blanc (aka Trebbiano Toscano in Italy) - almost double that of chardonnay.
It is used almost exclusively for brandy.
Which French regions are known for Chardonnay?
Burgundy
Languedoc - Roussillon
Champagne
Which French regions are known for Sauvignon Blanc?
Bordeaux (where it is often blended with Semillon)
Loire (particularly eastern Loire)
Which French regions are known for Semillon production?
Bordeaux
Languedoc-Roussane
Provence
Which French regions are known for Chenin Blanc production?
Loire
Specifically Anjou Saumur and Tourraine
Which French regions are known for Merlot production?
Found in most areas, but known specifically for Bordeaux
Merlot is the most widely planted grape in France.
Which French regions are known for Cabernet Sauvignon production?
Bordeaux (though it is widely planted elsewhere too)
Which French regions are known for Cabernet Franc production?
Loire
Some in Bordeaux
What French regions are known for Grenache?
South of France and Southern Rhone (it needs a warm climate to fully ripen)
In the South of France, its common across LR, Corsica, and Provence
Which French regions are known for Syrah production?
Most famous in the Rhone Valley
But also widely planted in the South of France / Corsica, Provence, Southwest France, and LR.
Which French regions are known for Pinot Noir production?
Burgundy
Champagne
Alsace (main red variety here)
Eastern Loire (main red variety here)
Which French regions are known for Gamay?
Primarily Beaujolais, but it can also be found in other cool regions including the Loire.
Which French regions are known for the production of Mourvèdre?
Rhone. (Key to GSM blends)
LR
Corsica
Provence
It requires a warm climate to ripen.
What is the name used for the entry level of French wine?
Vin
Vin de table
Vin de France (provided all grapes come from France)
What does “Vin De Pays” mean? How is it used?
Translation: Country Wine
These are the PGI level wines, accounting for more than 1/3 of all French wine production.
PGI = IGP (Indication Geographique Protégée)
Often labeled as: IGP-Vin De Pays
Few restrictions, but 85% of the grapes must come from inside one of of the noted Vin de Pays regions.
There were 77 IGP/VdP regions in France as of 2021.
IGPs are noted at three levels: Regional, Department, Zone. There are 8 Regionals IGPS.
How does IGP fit into the French wine classification system?
Second tier in the classification (Vin at the bottom, PDO at the top).
Synonymous with PGI.
There are 77 IGPs as of 2021. Broken down into Regional, Departmental, and Zone (increasing in geographic specificity).
There are 8 regional IGPs.
Pays d’Oc IGP - Covers western Mediterranean coast, including LR
Val de Loire IGP - All of the Loire valley and Chablis (!)
Comtes Rhodaniens IGP - Northern Rhone Valley and Savoie
Mediterranee IGP - Southeastern France - Southern Rhone, Provence, Corsica
What is the difference between AOC and AOP in the French wine classification scheme?
There isn’t one.
They are both reflecting the PDO level.
There are roughly 300 AOCs across France, representing roughly 50% of French wine produced.
How is the PDO classification most commonly referred to in France?
AOC or AOP (same thing)
Bordeaux accounts for approximately _____ % of all French AOC level production.
25%
If Bordeaux were its own country, it would rank roughly 12th in wine production.
What is the name of the main town on the right bank of the Dordogne River in the Bordeaux region?
Libourne
Describe the climate of Bordeaux, along with its moderating influences.
Maritime
Gulf Stream Influence (warming)
Landed Forest protection (warming/wind protection)
What is the top grape produced on the Left Bank, Right Bank, and the Entre Deux Mers regions respectively ?
Left Bank - Cabernet Sauvignon
Right Bank - Merlot
EDM - Merlot
85% of the plantings in Bordeaux are red grapes
Other grapes planted include Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Carmenere
What are the two key top white grapes of Bordeaux?
Sauvignon Blanc
Semillon
Muscadelle is a distant third
In April 2021, six new grape varieties were approved for use in Bordeaux AOC and Bordeaux Superior AOC. What are they and why were they added?
Arinarnoa
Castets
Marselan
Touriga Nactional
Albariño
Lilorila
These new grapes cannot exceed 10% of the total blend (combined)
Why: In recognition of climate change
Where are Bordeaux’s sweet white wines most famous?
Sauternes
Barsac
(Left Bank, near Garrone, for favorable botrytis conditions)
Typically Semillon based
Name the three broad AOCs across Bordeaux.
Bordeaux AOC - all still wines
Bordeaux Superior AOC - dry reds, whites with a minimum 1.7RS (lower yields, higher minimum ripeness, 1/2% higher minimum alcohol)
Cremant de Bordeaux - sparkling white or rose
Roughly 55% of the wine in Bordeaux is produced under these three AOCs.
What AOC can a white wine of the Medoc be labeled under?
Bordeaux AOC
What can be produced under the Graves AOC?
Dry white and dry red wines - all still
Sweet wines may be produced under Graves Superieures AOC
What is the Cote de Bordeaux? Where is it located?
An AOC created in 2009 to bring a more commercially recognizable name to five geographically dispersed areas, including:
Frances
Castillon
Blaye
Saint Foy
Cadillac
Under the Cote De Bordeaux AOC label, Dry Reds, Dry Whites, and Sweet Whites are permitted.
What is the Bordeaux Classification of 1855?
Ranking of the top 61 Chateaux of the time, divided into five tiers (crus / growths)
The four chateaux in the top tier / premier cru are:
Haut-Brion, Latour, Lafite-Rothschild, Margaux
In 1973, a fifth premier cru was added: Mouton-Rothschild
Sweet wines were also classified with Chateaux Y’quem as the sole chateaux noted as a superieur premier cru.
Name two other Bordeaux classifications beyond the 1855 classification.
Graves: One level only, 16 properties noted. Chateaux Haut Brion is the only crossover with the classification of 1855.
St. Emilion: Established in 1954. Requires reclassification every 10 years. Two tiers, grand cru and premier grand cru (highest). The premier grand cru carry an “A” and “B” designation, with A being the highest.
The Premier Grand Cru / A Chateaux are:
Angelus
Ausone
Cheval Blanc
Pavie
The future of this classification is unknown given a lot of drama around it.
Where is Melon grown in the Loire?
Pays Nantais region
Centered in the Muscadet AOCs
Name two well known Chenin Blancs of the Loire valley.
Savennieres and Vouvray
Which grapes are Loire sparkling wines most commonly made from?
Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay (as a minority component)
Red grapes - such as Pinot Noir, CF, CS, Grolleau and Gamay may also be used for sparkling wines here.
What is the PGI designation for the Loire?
IGP Val De Loire
There is not broad/regional AOC here due to the diversity of the area.
Melon (Melon de Bourgogne) represents roughly ___ of the plantings of the Pays Nantais.
75%
Melon must comprise at least 90% of the wines of the Muscadet AOCs. (The other 10% is typically Chardonnay if used)
The Muscadet subappelations typically require 100% melon usage.
Given Melon’s profile, how are wine makers creating more interesting, fuller body wines?
By resting on the lees for an extended period of time.
(Sur Lie)
Compare/contrast Rose D’Anjou and Cabernet D’Anjou.
Both are typically off dry.
Rose D’Anjou is typically made from Grolleau.
Cabernet D’Anjou is sweeter than Rose D’Anjou and is made from CF and CS.
Dry Roses are more likely to use the Rose de Loire Appellation which covers Anjou, Saumur, and Touraine.
What is the primary sweet wine area of the Anjou?
Cotes d’Layon
More commonly known by its subappellations:
Quartz de Chaume
Bonnezeaux
Quartz de Chaume became the Loire’s first grand cru in 2011
100% Chenin Blanc
What AOC do most wines of the Saumur label under?
Saumur AOC
Still: White, Red, Rose
Sparkling: White, Rose
Describe the profile of a typical Saumur Champigny wine.
Spicy red, typically CF. May include up to 15% PN or Pineau d’Aunis (Chenin Noir).
Saumur is most known for its _______________ wines.
Sparkling wines.
Sparkling whites must be at least 60% Chenin Blanc.
Sparkling roses must be at least 60% Cabernet Franc.
Cremant de Loire is an AOC for sparkling wines from anywhere in the Loire.
True of False?
False:
Cremant de Loire may only be produced in the Central Loire.
Which region/area is Vouvray in?
Tourraine
Vouvray is best known for which type of wine?
Still whites, made from Chenin Blanc.
Where is Mountlouis Sur Loire? What is it commonly known for?
Across the Loire River from Vouvray. It is also known for still white wines, made from Chenin Blanc.
What are the three well known appellations of Tourraine known for red wine?
Bourgeuil
St. Nicolas de Bourgeuil
Chinon
Chinon is known to be the most elegant
Cabernet Franc is the primary wine of these three appellations, but CS is commonly added for structure.
The Touraine AOC allows for:_______
Still reds, whites, rose
Sparkling whites, rose
(Same as Saumur AOC)
Where is the Cheverny AOC? What is it known for?
East of Tourraine
Known for white wines based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris
Where are Sancerre and Pouilly Fume in relation to the Loire river?
Sancerre is on the West Bank and Pouilly Fume is on the Right Bank.
Sancerre is known for its chalky limestone soil (crisp acidity)
Pouilly Fume is known for its flinty soil (smokiness)
True or False.
Sancerre produces red wine based on Pinot Noir.
True
Name three other appellations of the Upper Loire besides Sancerre and Pouilly Fume.
Menetou-Salon
Quincy
Reuilly
All three make Sauvignon Blancs. Quincy and Reuilly make Pinot Noir (rose and red) too.
Champagne produces approximately ___ of the world’s total sparkling wine production.
18%
Name the five key zones of Champagne:
Montage de Reims
Valle de la Marne
Cote des Blancs
Cost de Sezanne
Cote des Bar
Describe the soils of Champagne:
Chalk and limestone rich marl
These soils retain moisture, while draining excess water, and help regulate temperature throughout the year.
What are the three main grapes of Champagne?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
There are four other grapes allowed, but their use is limited. Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier, and Arbane.
What is the cuvee?
Juice from the free run and first light press. Used for premium champagne production.
What is the name of the non-cuvee juice? What is it used for?
Taille
This is the juice from the pressings after the free run and first light press.
Its typically lower in acid and sugar and is used primarily for demi sec or extra dry sparkling wine production (the sweetness will mask some of its coarser nature.)
Non vintage champagne must spend a minimum of ____ months maturing, with _____ months aging on the lees.
Vintage champagne must spend a minimum of ____ months maturing, with _____ months aging on the lees.
Non Vintage: 15 months minimum aging, 12 of which must be on the lees.
Vintage: 3 years, 12 months of which must be on the lees
What is the difference between the Liqueur d’expedition and the Liquer de tirage?
Liquer de Tirage: Mixture of yeast and sugar which begins the second fermentation for a traditional sparkling wine.
Liquer d’expedition: AKA Dosage. Addition of sugar/wine mixture to top off a bottle of sparkling wine post disgorgement. Level of sugar depends upon the desired sweetness of the sparkling wine.
What is the name of the classification system used in Champage?
Eschelles Des Crus
This is a village rating, based on the concept of 100 points/percentage scale.
Those with 100 point score are Grand Cru Villages (17)
Those between 90-99 are Premier Cru Villages (42)
The rating system was abolished in 2000, but the villages retain the right to use the designations.
What do the initials RM indicate on a bottle of wine from Champagne?
Recoltant-manipulant
Indicates that the grapes were grown by the house/producer. AKA “grower champagnes”
What are the three AOCs in Champage?
Champagne AOC (all sparkling wines)
Rose des Riceys AOC (still rose wines made from Pinot Noir)
Coteaux Champenois AOC (all still wines - red, white, or rose)
Alsace is sandwiched between which two geographical elements?
The Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River
The Vosges create a rain shadow which makes Alsace one of the driest areas of France.
What is the northern region in Alsace called?
Bas-Rhin
The southern region, with the higher altitude, is the Haut-Rhin
What are the primary red and white grapes of Alsace?
Red: Only Pinot Noir
White: Reisling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Muscat
What are the three AOCs of Alsace?
Alsace AOC
Alsace Grand Cru AOC
Cremant d’Alsace AOC
For Alsace AOC designation, if a variety is named on the label, what percentage of the grapes must come from the named variety?
100%
Can Chardonnay be used in an Alsace AOC?
Only in the Cremant d’Alsace AOC, for sparkling wine.
Approximately how many vineyards in Alsace are designated as Grand Cru?
51
The majority are in the Haut-Rhin
Grand Cru ACOS are approved primarily for single variety white wines using one of the noble varieties (Reisling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris).
Grand Cru wines are not allowed to be chapitalized.
Are any red wines permitted in Alsace Grand Cru vineyards?
Just two, and its a new change (2022). Alsace Grand Cru Hengst and Alsace Grand Cru Kirchberg de Barr may now make a still red from Pinot Noir.
Cremant d’Alsace accounts for approximately ____% of the wines produced in Alsace.
23% or 1/4
Is there an IGP for Alsace?
No. The classification is AOC only. Anything not in an AOC designation are noted as Wine.
What are white wine blends labeled as in Alsace?
Edelzwicker
These blends must have a minimum of 50% of the noble varieties (reisling, pinot gris, muscat, gewurztraminer) and may also add “gentil” on the label.
What are the two types of sweet wine Alsace is known for?
Vendage Tardive: late harvested grapes (may or may not be affected by botrytis)
Selection de Grains Nobles: botrytis affected grapes
Burgundy has approximately _____ the total acreage and production of volume of wine as Bordeaux.
1/4
The soil of Chablis is largely known for its ______________________.
Kimmeridigian marl
This type of soil is high in nutrients and largely a clay / limestone blend.
What is the name of the river that runs through Burgundy?
The Saone river
Describe the climate of Burgundy.
Chablis: Cool Continental
Cote D’Or: Continental, protected by the Massif Central mountains
Cote Chalonnaise & Maconnais: Continental, but a bit warmer due to the closer proximity to the Mediterranean. These areas are also far less hilly/mountainous than the Cote D’or
Where is Aligote produced?
Throughout Burgundy but noted for the Cote Chalonnais.
What are the four key grapes of Burgundy?
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Aligote
What are Burgundian wines known for in terms of alcohol, tannin, and acidity?
Medium across the board
Along with complexity and a general earthiness.
How is the classification system in Burgundy different from the classification system of Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, the wine is classified by Chateaux.
In Burgundy, the wine is classified by vineyard land.
Describe the classification system of Burgundy.
Four tiers.
Grand Cru, Premier Cru, Village/Commune AOCs, Regional AOCs
There are 33 Grand Crus. Each are granted an AOC of their own.
There are 600 Premier Crus. They fall under the appletion of their commune.
What are are three key regional AOCs for Burdundy?
AOC Bourgogne - Red, white, rose from anywhere in the area
AOC Cremant de Bourgogne
AOC Bourgogne Aligote
True or False.
Champagne is the most heavily planted white grape in Chablis, but other white wines are permitted as well.
False. Only Chardonnay is allowed in Chablis.
It is an area exclusive to white wine only.
How many Grand Crus are there in Chablis?
One
1 of the 33 Grand Crus of Burgundy is in Chablis. Chablis Grand Cru.
Chablis Grand Cru is divided into seven parcels of land. What are the names of these plots?
Blanchot
Bougrous
Grenouilles
Le Clos
Les Preuses
Valmur
Vaudesir
How many Premier Cru vineyards are there in Chablis?
40
These are grouped into 17 principal premier crus
The best known of these are:
Fourchaume
Mount de Milieu
Montee de Tonnerre
Vaillons
Vosgros
Describe the Petit Chablis vineyards.
Located between the more prestigious vineyards, typically with areas with less idea soil and sun exposure.
How many Grand Crus are there in the Cote D’Or?
32
24 in the Cote de Nuit - most are red only with the exception of Musigny which produces a small amount of white wine
8 in the Cote de Beaune - most are white only with the exception of Corton which produces both
List the commune appellations of the Cote de Nuits.
Marsannay
Fixin
Gervey-Chambertin
Morey-St-Denis
Chambolle-Musigny
Vougeot
Vosne-Romanee
Nuits-St-George
Note that the Grand Crus live within these commune appellations, though some share the same name. Four of the best known Grand Crus of this region are:
Chambertin
Musigny
Clos de Vougeot
Romanee-Conti
Name four of the best known grand crus of the Cote de Nuits:
Chambertin
Musigny
Clos de Vougeot
Romanee-Conti
Where are these grand cru vineyards located?
Chambertin
Musigny
Clos de Vougeot
Romanee-Conti
Burgundy, Cote de Nuits
True or False: Over half the production of the Cote de Beaune is red wine.
True. Though the Cote de Beaune is known for being a white wine region.
List the commune appellations of the Cote de Beaune:
Aloxe-Corton
Pernand-Vergelesses
Beaune
Pommard
Volnay
Mersault
Puligny-Montrachet
Chassagne-Montrachet
Ladoix-Serrigny
What town sits at the north of the main region of Burdundy?
Dijon
Where is Dijon located?
At the northern tip of the Cote de Nuits.
What does Bouzeron AOC produce?
A 100% Aligote
Bouzeron AOC is in Cote Chalonnaise.
What is the best known Grand Cru of the Cote Chalonnaise?
Cote Chalonnaise does not have any Grand Crus.
It does have a number of Premier Crus.
The Cote Chalonnaise has five communal AOCs. Which is the largest?
Mercurey
What are the three key grapes of the Maconnais?
Chardonnay (90%)
Gamay
Pinot Noir
What is the name of the district wide AOC of the Maconnais?
Macon AOC – Red, white, and rose
There are 27 villages within the Macon AOC which may append its name to the Macon designation. Examples: Macon-Lugny, Macon-Verze
Most of the wine produced in the Maconnais falls into the higher level Macon-Villages designation which is reserved for 100% Chardonnay.
Which is higher in classification, a Macon-Verze (where the village name is appended to the Macon AOC name) or a Macon-Villages?
Macon-Villages
Macon-Villages is 100% Chardonnay wines only.
List the five specific white wine only AOCs of the Maconnais (more specific than Macon-Villages)
Pouilly-Fuisse
St.-Veran
Pouilly-Loche
Pouilly-Vinzelles
Vire-Clesse
100% Chardonnay only
What is the Yonne Departement?
An area south/southwest of Chablis with several small and unique appellations.
The most notable are:
Vezelay AOC - Dry whites, 100% Chardonnay
Irancy AOC - Dry reds, primarily Pinot Noir but allows for up to 10% of Cesar or Pinot Gris
Saint-Bris AOC - Dry whits from Sauvignon Blanc or Sauvignon Gris
Describe the proliferation of vineyard land in Burgundy using Clos de Vougeot as an example.
Land has been splintered in Burgundy due to the French Revolution (Church land distribution to peasants) and the Napoleonic laws of inheritance.
The Clos de Vougeot, in the Cote de Nuits, has 80+ owners. 100+different Clos de Vougeot wines can be produced in a given vintage.
Approximately what percentage of Burgundy’s annual wine production is managed through/by negociants?
75%
A small number of domaines, largely in the Cote de Or are now growing and producing their own wines.
Growers cooperatives are gaining ground in the Maconnais.
Describe the climate of Beaujolais.
Still continental, but warmer than the rest of Burgundy due to its more southerly position and proximity to the Mediterranean.
How are the soils in Beaujolais different from the rest of Burgundy?
Burgundy is known for its limestone (and clay) soils.
Beaujolais is known for its granitic soils. (making it ideal for Gamay)
Which grape dominates in Beaujolais?
Gamay, with 95% of the plantings.
Other grapes grown here are Chardonnay, Aligote, Melon de Bourgogne, and Pinot Gris.
When can Beaujolais Noveau be released?
The third thursday in November of the given harvest year.
How might a Gamay produced in the northern part of Beaujolais differ from a Gamay made a little further south in Beaujolais?
Many Gamays in Beaujolais will be produced using Carbonic Maceration, intended to create light, fruity wines with red fruit aromas and tropical notes. Low tannins are a hallmark.
The northern parts of Beaujolais, where the granitic soils are more pronounced, can produce Beaujolais with far more complexity, using more traditional wine methods, capable of aging, which can be similar to Pinot Noir.
What are the two towns marking the northern and southern boundaries of the Rhone Valley?
Lyon (North)
Avignon (South)
List the four most significant geographical / natural features of the Rhone Valley.
Massif Central
Rhone River
French Alps
Mistral Wind
What are the large stones commonly found in the Southern Rhone called?
Galets
What are Galets?
The large round stones notably present in the Southern Rhone, especially Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
What are the key grape varieties of the Northern Rhone?
Syrah
Viognier
Marsanne
Roussane
What are the key varieties of the Southern Rhone?
Grenache
Syrah
Carignan
Mouvedre
Cinsault
Grenache Blanc
Clairette
Viogner
Marsanne
Rousanne
And many others
Which variety is a common variety used for rose in the Rhone? Why is that?
Grenache
Due to its low tannin levels
Which appellations of the Northern Rhone are approved for white wine only?
Condrieau
Chateaux-Grillet
Saint-Peray
What is unique about the Cornas appellation of the Northern Rhone?
It must be 100% Syrah.
Other Northern Rhone appellations allow small amounts of white to be blended in with the red.
Viognier for Cote-Rotie
Marsanne and Roussanne for the others
What is the name of the northern rhone appellation that produces sparkling wine from Marsanne and Roussane?
Sainte-Peray
Which two Northern Rhone appellations are approved only for 100% Viognier?
Condrieu
Chateau-Grillet
The Cotes du Rhone appellation covers approximately __ of the total Rhone Valley production.
50%
It allows for red, white, and rose production.
Describe the Cote du Rhone Village appelation.
Slightly stricter production standards than the Cote Du Rhone. 90 Villages qualify for this appellation.
22 villages may append their name to the Cote du Rhone Village label, noted as specific subzones .
Name five AOCs of the Southern Rhone known for their bold red wines.
Gigondas
Lirac
Rasteau
Cairanne
Vacqueyras
Note: Rasteau is also known for its sweet wine production (vin doux naturel) based largely on Grenache.
Which two Rhone appellations are known for its sweet wine?
Muscat de Beaumes De Venise
Rasteau
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise
- Made from Muscat, typically white though can be red and rose as well
Rasteau
- Typically red, based on Grenache - though white, tawny, and rose are produced as well
Which Rhone variety produces only Rose?
Tavel
Where is Tavel? What is it known for?
Southern Rhone
Exclusively Roses
(hearty roses)
What is the name of the region southeast of Cornas?
Dios
On the Drome River - a tributary of the Rhone River
Several kinds of wine are produced there but they are cited most for their sparkling and sweet wines.
The Southern Rhone has six appellations outside the boundaries of the Cote du Rhone AOC. What are they?
Ventoux
Costieres de Nimes
Luberon
Duche d’Ues
Cotes d Vivarais
Clairette de Bellengarde
The top five produce white, red, rose from typical Rhone Varieties.
Clairette de Bellengarde produces only white wine from 100% Clairette.
Where are these AOCs located?
Ventoux
Costieres de Nimes
Luberon
Duche d’Ues
Cotes d Vivarais
In Southern Rhone, in the hills to the east and west of the Rhone River (Outside the boundaries of the Cote du Rhone).
What is the French name for the Southwest France region?
Sud-Ouest
Where is the Sud-Ouest region generally located?
South / Southeast of Bordeaux
What is the name of the IGP that covers much of the vineyard land of Southwest France?
Comte Tolosan IGP
What is Cahors known for?
Malbec based wine (“black wine”)
What is the Madiran AOC known for?
Tannat based wines
Name four key AOCs of Southwest France:
Madiran
Cahors
Jurancon
Gaillac
What are the four key wine making regions of Southern France?
Corsica
Languedoc
Roussillon
Provence
What is the primary IGP that covers much of the Languedoc and Roussillon regions?
Pays d’Oc IGP
Much of the wine produced under this IGP is international varieties
What geographical area is covered by the Languedoc AOC? How is it different from the Pays d’Oc?
Most of the Languedoc Roussillon area - it includes wines more traditional to the area (eg, not international varieties)
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan are the key reds
Piquepoul Blanc is the key base for white, with contributiosn from Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Rolle.
What is Rolle?
Vermentino
What is Vermentino referred to as in Southern France?
Rolle
Name three key more specific AOCs of the Languedoc AOC
Fitou - only Reds, mostly grenache and carignan
Corbieres and Minervois
Whites, reds, roses
Reds are mostly GSM
What are Banyuls AOC and Maury AOC known for?
sweet wines
(vin doux naturals)
Grenche based, typically red but will also produce white and amber versions based on Grenache Blanc.
What is Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC known for?
Production of a white vin doux natural using the Muscat grape.
There is a christmas version produced called Muscat dee Rivesaltes de Noel which must be bottled by Dec 1 of the current harvest year.
Where are sparkling wines most noted in the Languedoc Roussillon region?
Limoux
What is Limoux known for?
Sparkling wines
Cremant de Limoux AOX, traditional method sparkling based on Chardonnay
What grape is used for Cremant de Limoux?
Chardonnay
What is the production breakdown for Provence?
90% Rose
6% Red
4% White
What is the regional IGP for Provence?
Mediterranee IGP
However, most Provence wine is produced at the AOC level, with Cotes de Provence being its most significant
What area does the Mediterranee cover?
Generally Provence
Which grapes dominate Provence’s rose production?
Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Tibouren
What are the three key AOCs for Provence for rose production?
Cotes de Provence 75%
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence 15%
Coteaux Varois en Provence 10%
What AOC is an outlier in Provence, noted for primarily red wines?
Bandol AOC
Noted for reds, also produces rose and whites
White wine is only from the Clairette variety
What is Bandol AOC known for?
Rich reds
Dry roses
Whites based on Clairette
(but mostly reds)
What is the name of the island off the coast of Provence?
Corsica
Geographically, it is closer to Italy than France
What are the key white grapes of Corsica?
Muscat a Petit Grains Blanc, Rolle (Vermentino)
What is Nielluccio?
A grape similar to Sangiovese, widely planted in Corsica.
Where is the L’Ile de Beaute IGP?
Corsica
Approximately 50% of total production is bottled under the L’Il de Beaute IGP.
What is the main IGP of Corsica?
L’Ile de Beaute
What is the main AOC of Corsica?
Vin de Corse AOC
Where is the Vin de Corse AOC?
Corsica
White Vin de Corse AOC wine must be: _____% of what grape?
A minimum of 75% Rolle (Vermentino)
What are the key red grapes used for Vin de Corse AOC wines?
Grenache, Sangiovese, Sciaccarello (Mammolo)
What area of Corsica is noted for some of the island’s highest quality wines?
Cap Corse
Coteaux Corse AOC is nested within Vin de Corse AOC.
What is the sweet wine noted in the text for Corsica?
Its a Vin Doux Naturel, produced with sun dried grapes, from 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
List the eight appellations of the Northern Rhone.
Cote-Rotie
Condrieu
Chateau-Grillet
St Joseph
Croze-Hermitage
Hermitage
Cornas
St-Peray
