D3 France: South Of France Flashcards
Which area has more area under vine? Languedoc or Roussillon?
Languedoc
It has 220,000 of the 240,000 ha
Why do the regions of south of France have low yield requirements for AOC wines?
Because of the low rainfall and warm, Windy climate, causing high rates of evapotranspiration.
How does the Languedoc-Roussillon rank in terms of yields for all French wine regions? In comparison with champagne or Alsace?
It has the lowest Yields of all French regions, roughly half that of champagne or Alsace
What is the topography in the Languedoc?
Mainly located on a low lying alluvial plain
Although recently some more ambitious growers are reclaiming Vineyards on the hillside slopes with the intention of creating higher quality ones
What is the climate in Languedoc?
Mediterranean
With high levels of sunshine
Rain fall below 600 mm a year
Very warm summers
Under what category is a large volume of wines produced in Languedoc? What styles of wines are they?
IGP level
Made from and labeled as single varieties
What played a major role in the development of the wine industry in Languedoc, especially of the export market?
The building of the canal du midi which connected to Bordeaux in the late 17th century
Building of the railways in the middle of the 19th century which enabled wines to be efficiently transported to export markets and to Paris
How important our co-ops in the Languedoc?
They account for 70% of the areas production.
In the 1950s they were especially important, accounting for 90% of total production.
When and why did the Languedoc become the largest source of every day one in France?
Post 1973, once France no longer sourced wine from Algeria
What led to the removal of many vineyards in Languedoc?
Overproduction in relation to demand
What is the name of the wind in the Languedoc and Roussillon? What does it mean for grape growing?
Tramontane
North west wind that blows for about 200 days a year
It means that there is low disease pressure from fungal disease is
This reduces the need for spraying and the consequent cost
Has enabled the growth of certified organic one production
What percentage of Francis certified organic one production comes from the Languedoc and Roussillon?
1/3
What is the main climatic threat in the Languedoc?
Low rainfall, which can reduce production level considerably where irrigation is not installed
What are the most growing grape varieties in the Languedoc?
Carignan Syrah Grenache Noir Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cinsaut
Why is Carignan suited to the climate of Languedoc?
ripens late therefore needs to be grown in a warm climate with a long ripening season
…also buds late there by avoiding spring frost and
What characteristic of Carignan made it popular in the past?
It can produce high yields, 200 hL/ha and more
Why is Carignan not particularly suited to machine harvesting?
Because the bunches are firmly attached to the vine
What is important in order for Carignan to produce quality wines with high concentration? How does this happen naturally?
Yields have to be sharply reduced
This happens naturally when the vines become old, for example 50 years and more
What disease and pest is Carignan most susceptible to?
Powdery mildew
Grape moths
Why has the amount of Carignan planted in Languedoc decreased?
Because of the EU vine pull scheme
It is being replaced with other varieties
What do winemakers due to manage the High acid in my tannins of Carignan?
Use carbonic maceration
Or blending with other varieties
What styles of wines are generally produced from Carignan in Languedoc?
Typically unoaked Medium Ruby Simple black berry fruit High acidity High tannins
Describe a very good or outstanding example of Languedoc wine.
Made from old vines
Intense black fruit
Spice
Earthy notes
What was the traditional vine training in Languedoc? Why?
Bush vines
Well adapted to the climate, providing some shade to the bunches
Why are there more and more vines being planted with trellises in Languedoc?
All work has to be done by hand with bush vines
Trellises enable a high degree of mechanization
This reduces cost
Also deals with the lack of labor availability
Improvement in the quality of machine harvesting
Which winds in Languedoc tend to be machine harvested?
IGP
Some AOC wines can be machine harvested too where the topography allows
Describe the typical wine making for most inexpensive red wines in the Languedoc.
Grapes are crushed
Fermented on the skins for 5 to 7 days to limit extraction of tannins
Cultured yeast to ensure rapid and complete fermentation and consistent style
Mid range fermentation temperatures to preserve primary flavors
Wines stored for a few months in stainless steel or concrete
Wines made for early drinking but because of medium tenants can hold for 2 to 3 years
What winemaking method is also employed in Languedoc to produce fruity wines?Which grape varieties is it particularly useful for?
Carbonic maceration
Produces fruit he whines with medium to deep color and low tannins
Particularly useful with Tanic varieties like Carignan
How are high-quality, small volume wines made in Languedoc?
More use of sorting tables
Fermentation at warm temperatures
More use of ambient yeast
More use of barriques for the maturation
Produces wines intended to be capable of maturing in bottle
some are experimenting with concrete tanks and eggs and large format oak vats
What percentage of Languedoc production is IGP?
70%
Why is the pricing of IGP winds in Languedoc so attractive?
Higher yield is permitted means that production levels per hectare are higher and costs are lower
What has made the IGP Languedoc wines commercially successful in the last three decades?
Mini grape varieties permitted
Able to label the ones by the name of the grape variety
Ability to make a single variety wine
Inexpensive price band because of the High Yields
In France, what are the three forms of IGP that can overlap?
- Regional (IGP Pays d’Oc)
- Departmental (IGP Gard…the name of the Département)
- A smaller unit named after a historical or geographical feature (IGP Côtes de Thongue)
What is the name of the I GP which covers the whole of the Languedoc-Roussillon region
IGP Pays d’Oc
Which I GP is by far the biggest producer of IGP wine in France? What % of all French wine does it produce?
IGP Pays d’Oc
produces 10–15% of all French wine
What percentage of IGP Pays d’Oc wines are red? Whites? Roses?
Just over half a red
A quarter white
Just under a quarter rose
Describe the typical style of one produced under IGP pays a
Fresh, fruity expressions of the variety being used with little or no use of oak for maturing the one. They are good to very good in quality and inexpensive to mid priced.
What are the top for grape varieties used in IGP pays d’oc?
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Syrah
What percentage of the production of IGP Pays d’Oc wine is sold in France? Where is it mostly sold?
Half of the production is sold in France
Mostly in supermarkets
Hospitality sales are also significant
What are the top three export markets for IGP pays d’oc wines?
Germany
Netherlands
Belgium
What percentage of the production of AOC ones in Languedoc is red?
90%
What are the general rules around Languedoc AOC red ones when it comes to grape varieties?
They require a minimum of two grape varieties including one or more of the principal varieties. Most of them also give an upper limit for any one variety for example maximum 80%. This means that all AOC winds are genuinely blends.Most of them require the use of Grenache in the blend as well as Syrah and Mourvèdre
In which Languedoc AOC is Carignan a principal grape variety?
Corbières AOC
Fitou AOC
What are the maximum Yields for the regional Languedoc AOC?
50 hL/ha for reds
60 hL/ha for whites
Why are the yields usually lower in practice then what the appellation rules require for the Languedoc?
Because of the low rainfall and soil’s with low fertility
What are the AOC rules for wines labeled Languedoc AOC?
- The principal varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre
- Minimum of two varieties must be included in the wine, and at least one of the principle varieties
- No variety may be more than 80% of the blend
- Total combination of the principle varieties must make up at least 40% of the blend
- Other varieties permitted may not make up more than 30% of the blend (In specific AOCs, that percentage is much lower, usually around 10%)
In terms of style, quality and price, the red wines of the Languedoc can be grouped in three categories. What are they?
Regional appellation (Languedoc AOC) Named appellation (Corbières AOC) Sub appellation (Corbières-Boutenac AOC)
What is the topography in the Corbières AOC?
It is a hilly appellation. Two key mountain ranges provide sites for Vineyards on the slopes up to 450 m. These mountain ranges are;
- Touch
- D’Alaric
What provides a moderating influence on the climate in Corbières?
Cooling influence of altitude and cold northern wins which help to retain acidity in the grapes
What color are most of the wines from Corbières? What is the breakdown in varieties according to the regulations?
90% of the production is Red
At least 40% of the final one must be any of the principal grape varieties:
Carignan
Grenache Noir
Mourvèdre
Syrah
Other permitted varieties make up the rest of the blend, including Cinsaut.
Maximum Yields in Corbières?
50 hL/Ha
Name a sub appellation of Corbières. What are the grape varieties and percentage in the blend?
Corbières-Boutenac AOC Carignan Mourvèdre Grenache Must make up 70% of the blend
Where are most of the wines from Corbières sold? Percentage?
70% in France, and through supermarkets
30% exported
Main markets are China, Germany, Belgium
Grape varieties for whites in Corbières?
Bourboulenc Grenache Blanc Marsanne Roussanne Rolle (Vermentino)
What are 11 important named appellations in Languedoc?
Corbières Minervois Saint-Chinian Fitou Faugères Pic Saint-Loup Terrasses du Larzac La Clape Picpoul de Pinet Malepère Cabardès
Which 2 Languedoc appellations are the most westerly part of the area and have Atlantic influences? What type of grape varieties are growing along side the more typical Languedoc varieties here?
Malpère (only Atlantic influences. Cut off from Mediterranean by mountains)
Cabardès (gets both Atlantic and Mediterranean influences)
Bordeaux varieties
What are the rules around the grape varieties for Malepère AOC?
Must be a blend of at least two varieties
Minimum of 40% Merlot
What are the rules around the grape varieties for Cabardès AOC?
Must be a blend of 40% each of: -Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Merlot -And Grenache and/or Syrah
What are the main climatic zones based on and what do they allow for the Minervois AOC?
Altitude
Proximity to the Mediterranean sea
Allows a range of suitable sites to be found for grape growing for Red, Rose and white wine
What color wine is the majority of the production in Minervois AOC? What are the grape varieties and blend?
Mostly red and Rosé Grenache Noir Syrah Mourvèdre Dominant blend
Those 3 varieties plus Carignan and Cinsaut must be 50% of the final blend with no one variety exceeding 80%
What is the name of the sub regional appellation of Minervois AOC?
Minervois La Livinière AOC
In regards to Minervois La Livinière AOC, what makes the wines from this subregional appellation different their larger named appellation (Minervois AOC)?
Situated on a limestone terrace of gentle slopes at up to 400 m of altitude
This gives good drainage, exposure to the sun and some cooling influences from altitude
Cooler temperatures can lead to higher acidity levels in the ones.
Grape varieties are similar with the main three being Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache noir and they must make up at least 40%
Carignan and Cinsaut with the other three must make up at least 80% of the blend
Wines here are only red
What styles of wines and which grape varieties in Saint Chinian AOC?
Mainly Red and Rose Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre Must make up minimum 50%
Describe the two areas in Saint Chinian AOC.
Northern Zone Arid Fast draining schist = low yield Concentration Two AOC’s in this zone: Saint Chinian Roquebrun AOC Saint Chinian Berlou AOC
Southern zone
Clay and lime stone
Greater water holding capacity
Leads to higher yield and less concentration
Describe the two areas within Fitou AOC
2 separate areas with part of Courbières between them.
Coastal Low lying plains Clay and lime stone Good water retention Lines are less concentrated
Inland More mountainous Less fertile Fast draining schist Higher flavor concentration Focus on Carignan 10 to 40% Grenache minimum 20%
What is the name of the largest producer in Fitou AOC?
Mont Tauch co-op
Half of total production
What leads to wines of good Vince traction in Faugères AOC?
Situated at 250-400m
Well drained low fertility schistous soils
Max yields 50 hL/Ha but avg yields are low at 33 hL/ha
Which AOC has a large percentage of organic grape growing? What percentage of Vineyard land?
Faugères AOC
Where is most of the wines from Faugères AOC sold?
in France
Nearly 90%
Which AOC has a more continental climate than many of the other Languedoc appellations?
Pic Saint-Loup AOC
What grape variety performs well in Pic Saint Loup AOC? Why? Percentage of final blend?
Syrah
The climate, which is continental with considerable rainfall, is similar to the northern Rhône
50%
What is the name of the relatively new appellation in Languedoc which has attracted investment and is seeking to establish a reputation for high quality?
Terrasses du Larzac AOC
Super-premium producer in Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
La Peira
What is the style of wines produced in terraces du Larzac AOC? Why?
Red wines only
Must be a blend with at least three varieties which promotes complexity
High diurnal range giving ripe fruit flavors and fresh acidity.
What is the name of the recent appellation in Languedoc which is suitable to varieties such as Mourvèdre? Why?
La Clape AOC
Coastal area
Warm, sunny, arid and windy enables full ripeness
What style of wine is La Clape AOC well known for?
White wine
Must include a minimum of 60% of Grenache Blanc and/or Bourboulenc
Only make up a relatively small portion of the volume of wine produced
80% of production is red
What is the geography and topography of Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
Low-lying land close to the coast
What is the grape variety in Picpoul de Pinet AOC? Why is it useful?
Piquepoul
It’s retains acidity as it ripens which is useful in a warm climate.
What was the grape variety Piquepoul mostly used for previously?
For the base one for the local vermouth industry.
What led to the grape variety Piquepoul being used for table wines? In what decades?
The arrival of new technology and techniques in the 1970s and 1980s
gentle pressing
the ability to avoid oxidation
ferment at low temperatures
What led to the growth in demand of table wines made from Piquepoul?
Fruitier wines were being produced (temperature control, gentler pressing, etc)
Rapid growth in demand, initially from tourists in the area, and then in the export market
Maximum Yields in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
55 hL/Ha
Percentage of export for Picpoul de Pinet AOC? Top export markets?
65% export Tourists in the region account for a large portion of the domestic consumption Top export markets UK, nearly 60% of exports USA Netherlands
How important our cooperatives in Picpoul de Pinet AOC?
Account for around 90% of the production of the AOC
What is the name of the sparkling wine appellation in the Languedoc?
Limoux
What category of wine is Languedoc dominated by?
IGP and simple sine
70% IGP
Only 15% AOC
What style of wine has increased markedly in recent years in Languedoc?
Rosé
Up 35% between 2010 and 2017
Where is most of the growth in export coming from for Languedoc?
USA in China
Exports of AOC wine from Languedoc have grown by 15% in the five years to 2016
Name some examples of producers of top quality wines from Languedoc
Mas de Daumas Gassac
Domaine de Gerard Bertrand’s Clos d’Ora
Château Puech-Haut
What has the growth of AOC Languedoc wines been driven by?
- small private producers who, either have left the co-ops and are making their own estate wines
- investors from other parts of France or abroad attracted by the stock of old vines, the very landscape and reasonable land prices.
Which promotional body are the Languedoc and Roussillon a partner in? What does this promotional body cover? What do they organise?
Sud de France
Wine
Food
Tourism
ViniSud wine fair
Promotions in export markets
What is the landscape in the Roussillon region? Comparison to Languedoc?
dominated by the Pyrenees and many of the Vineyards are located on the slopes or foothills of the mountains
no extensive flat, coastal plain suited to high-volume grape growing, unlike the Languedoc
Describe the breakdown in one categories/styles in Roussillon.
1/4 is VDN Equal volumes of AOC and PGI Co-ops continue to be very strong, 75% of production Majority is Red Followed by Rose Small amount of white
What is the climate in Roussillon?
Warm, Windy, Mediterranean
Moderate rain full
High sunshine hours
What are the advantages of the climate in Roussillon? Disadvantages?
Combination of frequent winds and low rainfall helps to reduce the disease threats from fungal diseases
Also leads to more concentration in the fruit through reduce Yields
reduced yields reduces income
Drought can be an issue in dry years
Percentage of certified organic grape growing in Roussillon? Why?
15%, which is high
Enabled by warm, dry, windy and sunny conditions
List the most important grape varieties in Roussillon
Grenache Noire
Syrah
Carignan
Mourvèdre
Muscat blanc
Muscat of Alexandria
Macabeu
Vine training in Roussillon?
Historically vines were growing as bush vines
Many remain
They are well adapted to the climate
In recent decades, vines have been planted on trellises, though the amount of flatter land suitable for trellising is far less than in the Languedoc
What are the main two AOC’s for dry wines in Roussillon?
Côtes du Roussillon AOC
Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC
What is the name of the small appellation extending along the coast to the Spanish border in the Roussillon area? What other AOC does it share the same boundaries with?
Collioure AOC
Banyuls AOC
What is the topography of Collioure AOC?
Grapes are growing on steep terraces above the Mediterranean sea
What style of wine is made in Collioure AOC? Grape varieties? Yields?
Full-bodied dry red and white wines Red wines as are the great majority Grenache Noir Syrah Mourvèdre
Whites from Grenache Gris
40 hL/ha for both (but typically more like 20-25 hL/ha)
Why are yields in the AOC’s of the Roussillon usually much lower than what is required by the AOC regulations?
Heat
Low rainfall
Poor soils
Winds
What is the name of the IGP in Roussillon? What geographical area does it cover? What types of wines are produced?
IGP Côtes Catalanes
Covers the Pyrénées-Orientales département
Used for producers of red and white wines, including some super premium white wines (Domaine Gauby)
How are red wines made in Roussillon?
-Pressing the fruit and maceration on the skins
-Carbonic maceration
Depends on the style of wine desired
In the Roussilon, what is driving the production of high-quality wines by individual wineries (although co-ops still very important).
Some wineries have been set up by those from outside of the region, for example some producers from Bordeaux and the Rhône (Chapoutier)
Domestic versus imports market for Roussillon dry wines?
80% by volume is sold in France
What are the main export markets for Roussillon table wines?
China
Belshim
Germany
What percentage of Provence’s production is made up of rose?
90%
What percentage of France’s AOC rosé wine comes from Provence?
40%
Main grape varieties in Provence? Blends typical for Ros and Red?
Grenache and Cinsaut for Rose
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre, Carignan for red
What grape varieties are used in the small amounts of white wines made in Provence?
Vermentino (Rolle)
Clairette
What is the climate in Provence?
Warm Mediterranean with adequate rainfall in most years
What provides a Cooling influence in the Vineyards of Provence? What else does it help with?
Mistral wind
Also reduces the incidence of fungal disease
Does Provence have a lot of organic Vineyards?
Yes. More than double the National average
What is the disadvantage of the cold mistral wind in Provence?
Can interrupt flowering and fruit set, reducing Yields
What is a characteristic of the best sites with consistent yields in Provence?
Those that have shelter from the mistral
Apart from the Mistral Wind, what else helps to moderate climate in Provence?
Altitudes up to 400 m in inland sites
How are vines trained in Provence?
Traditional bush vines are being replaced with trellis vines
Advantages and disadvantages of bush vines versus trellised vines in Provence?
Bush vines offer more shade to the fruit which can be an advantage
Trellised vines make it easier to control the size of the canopy
Easier to achieve ripeness in terms of sugar level and ripe skins and seeds at the same time
Inter row access is easier for workers and machines
Trellised vines aid mechanization and reduce cost
What decisions will affect harvest date for Provence for a day?
Grapes usually picked earlier than for red wines to retain acidity
If short maceration it is important that the tannins are ripe to avoid bitterness
Choice of harvest date is critical to ensure fruit ripeness while retaining the desired level of acidity
Why are most rose ones from Provence pale in color?
Related to the low level of color in the skins of the common varieties of the region:
Grenache
Cinsaut
Tibouren
AOC regulations allow up to 20% of white varieties in the blend (if used, typically less than 10%)
Why can using white grapes in the blend be useful in Provence Rosé?
Can help reduce alcohol level
What are the two methods used to make Provence Rose?
Direct pressing (now most common) Short maceration of a few hours
Typical wine making steps in Provence rosé which lead to the fresh style?
- Musts are typically acidified to achieve good balance between fruit and acid
- For best quality, fruit is handled protectively by chilling it to 4°C
- Exclusion of oxygen during pressing and making to retain the fruity aromas and preserve the power color
- fermentation typically in stainless steel tanks
- Cultured yeast for consistent, fruity style
- Cultured yeast also help fermentation get off to a fast start without any off flavors
- Fermentation temperature is restricted to between 14 and 18°C to preserve delicate primary fruit aromas but avoid the banana aroma with low temperatures
- fermented to dry resulting in consistently dry style for the appellation (AOC rule now)
- malolactic conversion routinely blocked to retain acidity and preserve primary fruit
- can fine if colour too deep
- stored on lees for 2-3 months in stainless before bottling
What is the name of the press which is specialized for Provence rosé?
Inertys by Bucher Vaslin
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using whole bunches in rosé wine making in Provence?
- Less stress on the grapes during harvesting, especially at the coolest times
- Fruit can be sorted in the vineyard
- Whole bunch pressing is gentler, extracting if you were solids and phenolics
- More juice is produced at lower pressure because of the presence of stems which create channels for the juice
- Requires a large well trained picking team to harvest and select correctly
- Increasingly difficult to find and retain labor
- Labor might not be available in the early morning
- More expensive and slower to harvest
- Whole bunch pressing is more time-consuming because if you were bunches can be loaded into the press
What are the advantages and disadvantages of machine harvesting and short maceration or hold in press for rosé wines in Provence?
- Fast
- Much cheaper than hand harvesting
- Does not require a large picking teams
- Grapes can be picked at night for cooler temperatures
- Short as possible delay between picking and refrigeration and/or pressing
- Machine harvesting requires an up-to-date, well-maintained machine and a skillful driver
- Grapes are disturbed by the shaking mechanism of the machine so whole bunch pressing is not possible
- Destemmed grapes require a higher pressure to extract the same amount of juice as whole bunch pressing
What is the name of the largest population in Provence?
Côtes de Provence AOC
What styles of wine are produced in Côtes de Provence AOC? Maximum Yields?
90% is Rosé
Red and white wines also permitted
55 hL/Ha but closer to 45 hL/ha in reality
What are the grape varieties permitted for rosé ones in Côtes de Provence AOC?
Grenache Noir Cinsaut Mourvèdre Syrah Tibouren
Name one of the sub zones of Côtes de Provence AOC
Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire AOC
Name the two appellations of the Var department which makes similar styles of rosé wines to Côtes de Provence AOC? What both of these have as a principal grape variety along with the other usual varieties?
Coteaux Varois en Provence AOC
Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC
Counoise
What is the name of the Provence appellation in the far north west of the region, close to the Rhône river, which makes mostly red wines? From what grape varieties?
Les Baux de Provence AOC
Grenache Noir
Syrah
Mourvèdre
The three varieties must make up 60% minimum of the blend
Which Provence appellation used to produce more red wines then rosé, but is now producing more rosé by volume?
Bandol AOC
Why has the area under vine reduced quite a bit in this century in Bandol AOC?
A combination of competition for land and the difficulties of working on the slopes
Describe the topography and soil’s in Bandol AOC
- Vineyards are on south facing slopes protected from the wind
- Slopes are steep and have to be terraced to reduce erosion
- Soils are typically Rocky and made of limestone and Clay and have low fertility
Which grape variety usually features in the wines of Bandol? Why?
Mourvèdre
Because of the very warm micro climate the grapes ripen reliably
Maximum yields and aging for the wines of Bandol AOC?
Red wines
50 to 95% Mourvèdre
Aged in order for 18 months
Rose
20 to 95% Mourvèdre
Maximum Yields 40 hL/Ha
Name a famous producer from Bandol AOC
Domaine Trmpier
What percentage of the production is made by co-ops in Bandol AOC
50%
Name three small, historic appellations that became AOC‘s from the 1930s onward in Provence. Why are they under pressure? Where is most of the wine sold?
Bellet AOC Cassis AOC (mainly whites) Palette AOC (mostly made by Ch. Simone)
These are mostly on the coast and are under pressure from building development
Wine is mostly sold locally to tourists
What classification was established in Provence and granted to 23 Estates? When?
Cru classé
1955
18 Estates remain
The list has never been revised
What percentage of Provence’s wine by volume is sold in France? In what type of establishments?
65% sold in France
Half of that is sold in supermarkets
High proportion sold at cellar doors
What country is the number one consumer of rosé wines in the world? And the number one importer?
France
At 36% of total world consumption
They don’t only drink French roses but also are the largest importer of roses from other countries, especially Spain
What is the top export market for Provence?
USA which takes nearly half of all Provence wine exports
Followed by the UK
How are the roses of Provence marketed?
With a strong influence to the lifestyle of Provence and the Riviera
This has also been boosted further in recent years by the purchase of wine in states like Château Miraval by well-known celebrities
Are co-ops and negotiations important in Provence?
They continue to be important
Nearly 60% of production in the Var is by co-ops
Large Negociants account for 50% of the production in Provence
