9 - South West of France Flashcards
To what extent does the South West of France have the same climate as Bordeaux?
Climate broadly similar
Atlantic influence extends inland due to mostly flat terrain around Madiran and Jurancon
Some areas have more continentality - less rain and warmer summers e.g. Cahors (200mm less annual rainfall)
Describe Bergerac’s situation, climate and the kind of wines it makes.
Situation: east along the Dordogne from BDX
Climate: a bit warmer and drier than BDX with clay/limestone soils and some gravel
Wines: 50% red, 40% white, 10% rose. Reds from blends of Cab S, Cab F, Malbec, Merlot + local varietals as a minor partner.
Good-VG/Inexpensive-mid-price
Why is much of Bergerac’s wine early drinking in style?
- High yields - 60 hL/ha for reds
- Large SST or large old oak ageing –> less complexity, frutier style
- Lack of recognition for region –> lower average prices
What sub-appellation gives higher-quality wines in Bergerac? What are the rules of this appellation?
Côtes de Bergerac AOC
- Main BDX varieties only
- Lower max yield 50 hL/ha
- Oak ageing is more common
Describe the situation, climate, wines/winemaking, and sales of Monbazillac
Situation: within Bergerac, close to Dordogne and tributaries
Climate: warm late summer and autumn + humidity = botrytis
Winemaking: bot or late-harvest, picked by hand, >80% SB, Savignon Gris, Semillon, Muscadelle, low yields (30 max)
Wines: Similar to BDX, good-VG, inexpensive-mid-priced
Sales: mainly in France, 50% in supermarkets
Why is Monbazillac cheaper than Sauternes?
- Cheaper land
- New oak is less common
- Lower demand due to less prestige
Describe the situation, climate and soils of Cahors
Situation: 250km inland along river Lot
Climate: some Atlantic influence but warmer and drier (<800mm) –> 17% organic, less spraying needed
Soils: alluvial (near river), poorer (mid-slopes), limestone (plateau at 350m)
Which grapes are grown in Cahors?
Malbec is principal - ripens more consistently, min 70%
Tannat also allowed
Merlot also allowed
Within Cahors, where might you expect to find different training systems?
Single guyot + cordon trained –> flat, alluvial vineyards to allow mechanisation, cordon training may help control yield
Bush vines –> slopes and plateau –> lower yield suitable to lower nutrients and higher quality; slopes will need to hand-harvest regardless
How is HQ Cahors made?
Vineyard site: mid-slope or plateau –> soil
Grapes: higher % of Merlot
Training: restrict the number of buds to limit yield e.g. bush vines
Harvest: by hand to allow selection
Winemaking: extractive with oak maturation
Describe Malbec (ripening, vigour, vulnerabilities, aromas, structure)
Mid-ripening
Vigorous
Vulnerable to: Coulure
Aromas: Violet, plum, affinity with oak
Structure: Med acid, high tannins
Describe the typical wine produced in Cahors
Deep ruby
Med-pronounced violet, plums, vanilla and sweet spice (HQ)
Med-med(+) acid, med(+)-high tannin
VG-outstanding/mid-priced-outstanding
Describe the winemaking options available to producers in Cahors (4)
Blend: min 70% Malbec, but Tannat and Merlot also available (Merlot popular for early drinking styles)
Destemmed fruit compulsory - why?
Maceration - varies from 7-10 days to 15-25 for early drinking vs. bottle-aged wines
Oak: for HQ wines, large foudre becoming more popular
Describe the growing environment of Madiran (situation, climate, wind, topography, soil)
Situation: 80km from Atlantic and close to the Pyrenees
Climate: Atlantic influence, 1000mm of rain (mainly in winter and spring), warm and sunny summers with cool nights
Winds: hot, dry Fohn from the south
Topography: four ridges running N-S with vineyards planted on steep west-facing slopes; some flatter areas
Soils: clay-limestone on slopes, clay/loam
What difference do the different soil types in Madiran make?
Steep slopes on clay-limestone –> well-drained –> warmer –> more tannic wines for long ageing
Flat sites with clay/clay-loam –> fertile, less-well drained –> less tannic, earlier drinking
