Ch 14 - The Dordogne and South West France

Question 1

What is the climate of the Dordogne region and how does it differ from Bordeaux?

Answer 1

Moderate climate however it is further away from the rivers and coast which provide moderating maritime influences in Bordeaux so it is similar but without those influences.

Question 2

What is the major appellation in the Dordogne and what wines does it permit? What varieties are used?

Answer 2

Bergerac for both red and white wines in same varieties as Bordeaux.

Question 3

What is the appellation of Monbazillac known for?

Answer 3

Good value botrytised sweet wines made from Sémillon and Sav Blanc.

Question 4

Describe the appellation of Cahors. What is it known for (style of wines and grape varieties)?

Answer 4

Used to make ‘black’ wines - very tannic and long-lived. Now a broad range of styles is produced depending on whether the vineyards are in the fertile valley bottom or on the poorer soils of the slopes or plateau above. Most important grape is Malbec. Others are Merlot and Tannat.

Question 5

What is the character of Cahors wines?

Answer 5

Best wines are aged in oak, deeply coloured high in tannin with intense dark berry fruits. As they mature they reveal notes of cedar and earth.

Question 6

Where would you find IGP wines to the south east of Bordeaux?

Answer 6

Côtes de Gascogne - generally dry, light-bodied white wines made from Ugni Blanc with aromas and flavours of green apples.

Question 7

What wines are produced in Madiran (including grape variety)?

Answer 7

red wines from blends led by deeply coloured, high tannin variety Tannat. Traditionally needed long bottle ageing to soften tannins but today riper grapes and modern techniques mean the best have concentrated black fruit and high levels of softer, riper tannins.

Question 8

What wines are produced in Jurançon? What are the most important of these and how are they produced (vineyard management/techniques and variety)?

Answer 8

Both dry and sweet wines. Most important are complex sweet wines made from the high acid Petit Manseng grape. They remain free of botrytis and undergo passerillage. Have pronounced apricot and grapefruit aromas, sometimes spicy notes from new oak.