Ch8 S FR Lang-Rou Prov Flashcards
How many ha under vine in Languedoc-Roussillon?
What comparisons can be made?
Has 240,000 ha under vine
More ha under vine than Chile, AUS or S. Africa
Generally, are max yields for AOC wines in Languedoc, Roussillon, and Provence high or low? Why?
What about IGP?
These regions have low yields for AOC wines, due to low rainfall and a warm, windy climate, causing high rates of evapotranspiration
In a survey of yields for all AOC wine in the decade 2005-2015, Languedoc-Roussillon had the lowest yields of all FR regions, roughly half of that of Champagne or Alsace
IGP are more flexible than AOC at 90 hL/ha white & red, and 100 (!) hL/ha for rosé
Describe the Langudoc, generally
Vineyard location(s)
Climate
Grape(s)
Wine volume
Mainly low-lying alluvial plain, though recently more ambitious growers are reclaiming hillside slope vineyards for higher quality wines
Climate is mediterranean
Large range of grape varieties, including local varieties (e.g. Piquepoul - spelled different than AOC), those of the S of FR in general including Rhône Valley (Syrah, Grenache Noir, Carignan)
Large volumes of wine are produced at IGP level, esp those produced and labeled as single varieties
Describe the history of grape growing in the Languedoc
Long history, having been both a Greek and a Roman colony, as well as the site of many monasteries in the middle ages
It’s fortunes were transformed by the bldg of the Canal du Midi (connecting it to Bordeaux in late 17th century), enabling wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris
As a result, grape growing and winemaking became important drivers of the region’s Econ
What role do co-ops play in the Languedoc?
Became very important, esp in 1950s when they accounted for 90% of total production
Today they account for 70%
What is Languedoc known for?
Post 1973, once FR no longer sourced wine from Algeria, Languedoc (together w/ Roussillon) became the largest source of everyday wine in FR
Over-production led to eventual removal of many vineyards —> total vineyards today are 1/2 that of 1968
Today, the production of inexpensive wine is accompanied by increasing attention to small production, high quality wines
Describe the climate of the Languedoc
Rainfall?
Factors?
Implications?
Mediterranean
Typically high sunshine, rainfall below 600mm/yr —> generally favorable to grape growing
Low moisture levels and the cool, dry Tramontane NW wind that blows ~200 days/yr = low fungal diseases pressure —> reduces need to spray —> reduces cost
Has also enabled the growth of certified organic wine production (Languedoc & Roussillon = 1/3 of FR’s organic)
In dry years, low rainfall can reduce production levels considerably where irrigation is not installed
Approx what level of rainfall in Languedoc?
- Rainfall below 600mm/yr
What wind(s) affect(s) the Languedoc?
Is it warm or cool?
How frequent is it?
What does it do?
Cool, dry Tramontane NW wind that blows ~200 days/ yr
Results in low fungal diseases pressure —> reduces need to spray —> reduces cost
Has also enabled the growth of certified organic wine production (Languedoc & Roussillon = 1/3 of FR’s organic)
(Not in book) Marin wind from SE
Usually more in the winter, but brings moisture from S
What % of France’s organic wine production comes out of Languedoc & Roussillon?
- About 1/3
What are the most prevalent grape varieties in the Languedoc?
The top 6 are all red
Carignan and Syrah are top, followed closely by Grenache Noir
Then Merlot, Cab Sauv. And Cinsaut
Describe the Carignan grape in the Languedoc
Budding & ripening —> implications
Yields and how they vary
Susceptibility
Harvesting
Also spelled Carignane (in American Engl)
Buds late -> avoid spring frost
Ripens late —> needs to be grown in a warm climate w/ a long ripening season
Can produce high yields (200 hL/ha and more) which made it popular in the past when volume was the goal (although often resulted in low flavor intensity)
To produce wines of high concentration, yields must be sharply reduced, which happens naturally to old vines (ex: 50 yr or more)
Particularly prone to powdery mildew and grape moths
Not suited to mechanical harvesting as the bunches are firmly attached to the vine
What is the trend for Carignan vines in the Languedoc?
The amount planted reduced significantly during the EU vine pull scheme
It is being replaced in Languedoc (which had by far the largest plantings) w/ other varieties
What winemaking techniques are common for Carignan in the Languedoc? Why?
Grapes are high in acidity and tannins
Winemakers will often seek to soften these. For ex, may use carbonic maceration, or may blend w/ other varieties
Other than wines from old vines, they are typically unoaked
Describe the profile of a Carignan wine from the Langudoc
Unless from old vines, typically un-oaked
May have had carbonic maceration or may be blended to soften high acidity and tannins
Med ruby
Simple blackberry fruit
Most are Acceptable to Good; inexpensive
VG or O examples have intense black fruit w/ spice and earthy tones and can attract premium and super-premium $$$
What vineyard practices are common in Langeudoc?
Historically, vines were grown as bush vines and some of these remain (note: Cinsault usually not mech harvest anyway since clusters firmly attached to vine and hard to extract w/o damage to vine, but others are not an issue)
This is well-suited to the climate (providing some shade to bunches)
However, work has to mostly be done by hand, which is $$$
Many new vineyards have been planted w/ trellises, enabling a high degree of mechanization and reducing costs
IGP wines tend to be machine harvested; AOP may also be where topography allows
Describe the winemaking practices common in the Languedoc for Inexpensive wines
Large concrete or SS tanks
Cultured yeast to ensure rapid ferment and consistency of style
Crush grapes and ferment on skins for 5-7 days to limit extraction of tannins
Mid-range ferment temps to preserve primary fruit
Stored a few mo in SS or concrete
Carbonic maceration is also common for fruity wines w/ M to deep color and low tannins, particularly for Carigan / tannic
Describe the winemaking practices common in the Languedoc for higher quality wines
As with inexpensive wines, some will use carbonic maceration, particularly those from Carignan and Syrah (ex: Château La Voulte Gasparets)
More use of sorting tables
Ferment at warm temps (vs mid-range for inexpensive)
More use of ambient yeast
More use of barriques for maturation of the wines
Add’l equipment req’d and use of tonneaux for maturing the wines adds to cost of production
Intended to be capable of maturing in bottle
There is also experimentation w/ concrete eggs and large format oak vats
How much of Languedoc’s wine is IGP?
- Nearly 70% of Languedoc production is IGP
What regulations apply to Languedoc IGP wines?
Implications?
More flexible than AOC
Max yields of 90 hL/ha for white & red, 100 hL/ha for rosé
Means costs are lower
Very wide range of varieties — a total of 58 — may be used
Many Int’l varieties, often varietally labeled
What different types of IGP are there in France?
Provide examples of each from Languedoc-Roussillon
There are 3 forms, which can overlap
Regional, e.g. IGP Pays d’Oc for the whole of the Languedoc-Roussillon region
Departmental, e.g. IGP Gard, with the Gard being a FR administrative département
A smaller unit named after a historical or geographical feature, e.g., IGP Côtes de Thongue
Describe IGP Pays d’Oc’s production relative to France
This IGP is by far the biggest producer of IGP wine in FR
Produces between 10-15% of all French wine depending on the vintage
What type of wine is typical from IGP Pays d’Oc
~% by color
Quality & price
Just over 1/2 is red, 1/4 white, and just under 1/4 rosé
Wines are typically fresh, fruity expressions of the variety being used w/ little or no use of oak for maturation
Good to VG; inexpensive to mid-priced
What are the top grape varieties used in IGP Pays d’Oc?
Merlot, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Syrah
These are mainly used for single variety wines
Grenache Noir, Sauv Blanc, Cinsaut are also important
Beyond these top 7, large volumes of PN, Viognier, Marselan, Cab Franc, Grenache Blanc, Muscat Blanc à Petit Grains, Carignan, Colombard, Vermentino and Malbec are grown
Where is IGP Pays d’Oc mainly sold?
About 1/2 of production is sold in FR, mostly in supermarkets but also hospitality
Top 3 export markets are GER, Netherlands, Belgium
What general rules apply in Languedoc appellations? (Focus on reds since they are 90%)
Detailed rules about the varietal composition for red, rosé and white wines
Rules make distinctions btw principal varieties and other varieties
Each appellation lists its principal grapes + others allowed
In all cases, the Langeudoc AOCs for red wine require a min of 2 varieties, including 1 or more of the principal varieties
Most also give an upper limit (eg 80%) for any 1 variety, meaning that all AOC wines are genuinely blends
AOCs may also set min and max amounts for a single variety or combo of varieties
With exceptions for Cabardès AOC and Malepère AOC, all req use of Grenache Noir, and most require Syrah and Mourvèdre
In many, these 3 are the principal grape varieties
In Corbières AOC and Fitou AOC, Carignan is a principal grape variety and in nearly all other AOCs it is an option
The rules for a sub-zone may be different
The % may be different for vineyard vs final wine
How do you know that all AOC wines from Languedoc MUST be blends?
Most AOCs here give upper limit for any one variety (e.g. max 80%)
There is often a stipulation of a min of at least 2 varieties be used
What grape(s) are most commonly req’d in AOC wines in Languedoc?
What exceptions?
With exception of (Atlantic influenced) Cabardès AOC and Malepère AOC (where BDX more common), all Languedoc appellations req Grenache Noir and most req Syrah and Mourvèdre
In many appellations, these 3 varieties are the principal varieties
Corbières AOC and Fitou AOC include Carignan ans a principal variety
What are the allowable yields for AOC wines in the Languedoc?
Why (and by how much) might this vary from typical yields?
Each AOC sets max yields, which are typically between 45-50 hL/ha
Some sub-zones limit the yield, eg, 40 hL/ha
The regional appellation, Languedoc AOC, allows for 50 hL/ha for red wines and 60 hL/ ha for whites, which may lead to slightly less concentration
In many individual appellations, avg yield is well below max in practice (around 35 hL/ha) due to low rainfall and low-fertility soils
What are the requirements for Languedoc AOC wines?
Principal varieties are Grenache Noir, Syrah, Mourvèdre
Min 2 varieties, including 1 principal
No variety >80%
The total combo of principal varieties must make up a min of 40%
Other varieties (here: Cinsaut, Carignan, other local varieties) may not make up >30% (vs most of the specific AOCs here which are more likely to have max 10%)
Generally speaking, what are the regional appellation wines of the Languedoc (Languedoc AOC) like?
Typically Med intensity aroma & flavor w/ simple blackberry and red plum fruit
Med Tannins, acidity, alcohol, body
Acceptable to Good quality; inexpensive to mid-priced
Generally speaking, what are the wines from named appellations of the Languedoc like (eg, Corbières AOC)
Typically M to M+ intensity in aroma & flavor w/ blackberry and red plum fruit, w/ herb notes (lavender, rosemary)
M Tannins
M to M+ acidity
M to high alcohol
M+ to full body
Minority will have oak aromas
Good go VG quality w/ some outstanding; inexpensive to premium price
Generally speaking, what are the wines from sub- appellations of the Languedoc like (eg, Corbières-Boutenac AOC)
Typically M+ to pronounced aromas and flavors (likely blackberry and red plum fruit, w/ herb notes (lavender, rosemary))
M+ tannins
VG with some Outstanding quality; mostly mid-priced w/ some premium examples
Describe Corbières AOC
Location
Terrain
Implications
Hilly appellation SW of Narbonne in Languedoc
Over 10,000 ha, it is 4th largest in FR
Two key mountain ranges (Tauch and D’Alaric) proved sites for vineyards on slopes up to 450m
Cooling influence of altitude and cold N winds helps retain acidity
Describe the wines of Corbières AOC
Style
Grape makeup rules
Yields
Nearly 90% are red
(Think hard C for Corbiéres and Carignan) At least 40% of final wine must be any of principal varieties (Carignan, Grenache N, Mourvèdre, Syrah) w/ remainder coming from permitted varieties, including Cinsaut (max 20%)
Max yield for red, rosé, and white is 50 hL/ha
How do the regulations for sub-appellation Corbières-Boutenac AOC compare to the main appellation Corbières AOC
Requires Carignan, Grenache N, and Mourvèdre to make up 70% of the blend (vs 40%)
Where are the wines of Corbières AOC mainly sold?
What are the top export markets?
Predominantly sold in FR (70%) and through supermarkets
30% by volume is exported, w/ China, GER and Belgium being top markets
What are the main white grapes of Corbières AOC
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne or Rolle (Vermentino)
Describe the climate of Minervois AOC
Implications
Extensive appellation w/ a range of climatic zones based on altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea
Allows a range of suitable sites to be found for grape growing
What grape(s) can be used in Minervois AOC
Most red and rosé wines are Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre blends
Together, these 3 varieties plus Carignan and Cinsaut must be 50% of the final blend w/ no 1 exceeding 80%
Describe the Minervois La Livinière AOC
For red wine only
Situated on a limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400m, w/ good drainage, exposure to the sun, and some cooling influences from altitude
Cooler temps = higher acidity levels (than general Minervois AOC)
Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache N must make up at least 40%, and these + Carignan and Cinsaut must make up at least 80%
Describe Saint-Chinian AOC
Large appellation in Languedoc, sited between Minervois and Faugères, producing mainly red and rosé
Blends principally of Grenache N, Syrah, Mourvèdre (min 50%)
Has 2 areas
N zone w/ arid, fast-drying schist soils resulting in low yields and wines of higher concentration
Within this, there are 2 sub-zones: Saint-Chinian Roquebrun AOC and Saint-Chinian Berlou AOC
S area where solis are clay and limestone w/ greater water-holding capacity, which produces higher yields of less concentration
Describe Fitou AOC
Adjacent to Roussillon but in Languedoc
1st AOC of Languedoc, formed 1948
Made up of 2 areas w/ a part of the Corbières AOC between them
Coastal area is relatively flat, low-lying plains w/ clay & limestone w/ good water retention. Wines here tend to be less concentrated than those from inland
Inland area is more mountainous, has less fertile and fast-draining schist soils, resulting in wines of potentially higher flavor
Focus is on traditional varieties Carignan (must be 10-40%) and Grenache Noir (min 20%)
What is the largest producer of Fitou AOC
The Mont Tauch co-op, responsible for ~1/2 of total production of the appellation
What was the 1st AOC of the Languedoc? When was it formed?
Fitou AOC
1948
Describe Faugères AOC
Location
Terroir
Yields
Age req’s
Where sold
Situated at 250-400m on well-drained and low fertility schistous soils in the Languedoc
Results in wines of very good concentration
Max yields allow higher production (eg 50 hL/ha for red), average yields are low (33 hL/ha)
High proportion of organic grape growing (40%)
Wines have to be aged for 1 yr before release
Sold almost entirely in FR (nearly 90%)
Describe Pic Saint-Loup AOC
Climate
Rainfall
Notable grape(s)
Style(s)
In Languedoc, but has more continental climate than many of the other AOCs there
Cold winters and warm summers, considerable rainfall (1000mm/ yr)
Climate is similar to N Rhône, and Syrah performs well here; must be 50% of final blend
Only makes red and rosé wines
Describe Terrasses du Larzac AOC
Location
Vineyard location and implications
Style(s) of wine
Grape(s)
In Languedoc
Relatively new AOC, gaining status in 2014
Vineyards range in altitudes: some 120-200m, others up to 400m
High diurnal range (up to 20C/68F in summer) gives ripe fruit flavor w/ fresh acidity
AOC for red wines only
They must be a blend w/ at least 3 varieties, promoting complexity in final wine
