9. South West France Flashcards
What are the two largest producing appellations of the Dordogne?
1) Bergerac
2) Monbazillac
Describe the terroir of Bergerac AOC
Slightly warmer and drier than Bordeaux with clay and limestone soils and some gravel
50% of Bergerac AOC red must be a blend of at least two of which four varieties?
1) Cabernet Sauvignon
2) Cabernet Franc
3) Malbec
4) Merlot
What are the maximum yields for Bergerac AOC?
1) Red - 60 hL/ha
2) White - 67 hL/ha
What is the higher quality sub-appellation of Bergerac?
Cotes de Bergerac AOC
Are international varieties permitted in Bergerac AOC and/or Cotes de Bergerac? (2)
Yes in Bergerac AOC
No in Cotes de Bergerac AOC
What is the maximum yield in Cotes de Bergerac AOC
50 hL/ha
Where is most Bergerac sold?
Domestically in supers and direct sales
What is the only wine style permitted in Monbazillac AOC?
Sweet white either botrytis or late harvest
Monbazillac AOC must be 80% of which four varieties?
1) Sauvignon Blanc
2) Semillon
3) Mucadelle
4) Sauvignon Gris
What is the maximum yield in Monbazillac AOC?
30 hL/ha
What winemaking choice means Monbazillac often less expensive than Sauternes?
Fermentation in new oak is much less common
What is the only French appellation where Malbec is the principal grape variety?
Cahors
What two other varieties are permitted in Cahors?
Tannat & Merlot
What are the two common types of vine training used in Cahors?
1) Single guyot
2) Bush
What are the three vineyard types in Cahors?
1) Flat, rich alluvial plains
2) Mid-slope of poorer soils
3) 350m plateau of limestone
Why does Malbec ripen more regularly in Cahors compared with Bordeaux?
It is warmer and drier in Cahors
Why is Cahors well above the average for France in organic grape growing?
Is experiences lower rainfall so spraying against fungal disease isn’t as often required
What is the minimum per cent of Malbec permitted in Cahors?
70%
Cahors may be hand- or machine-harvested, but must be what?
Destemmed
Name two significant Cahors producers
1) Chateau de Cedre
2) Chateau de Chambert
What is the principal variety of Madiran AOC?
Tannat
What is the appellation for late harvest sweet white wine that occupies the same area as Madiran AOC?
Pacherenc du Vic-Bilh AOC
Describe the climate and seasonal weather influences of Madiran (6)
1) Some Atlantic influence
2) High rainfall in winter and spring
3) Warm and sunny summers
4) Dry autumns
5) Warm days and cool nights
6) Hot, dry southern Fohn wind
What are the predominant soil types in Madiran for age-worthy wines?
Clay and limestone with good drainage
What are three characteristics of Tannat in the vineyard?
1) Vigorous
2) Mid-ripening
3) Vulnerable to botrytis
What is the name of the local black grape variety in Madiran?
Fer aka Fer Servadou
Madiran AOC must be a minimum what per cent Tannat?
50%