Dordogne and SW France

Question 1

Describe the location and climate of the Dordogne.

Answer 1

The Dordogne - East of the vineyards of Entre-Deux-Mers with a similar climate to Bordeaux, with less moderating maritime influences.

Question 2

Describe the two main appellations in the Dordogne.

Answer 2

Bergerac - major appellation for both red and white wines made from similar varieties as Bordeaux
Monbazillac is a source of good value botrytised sweet wines made from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Question 3

Name the 4 main appellations in SW France.

Answer 3

Cahors
Côtes de Gascogne (Southeast of Bordeaux)
Madiran (South toward the Pyrenees)
Jurançon - (foothills of the Pyrenees)

Question 4

Describe the wines of Cahors.

Answer 4

East of Bordeaux and located on either side of the River Lot and were historically described as ‘black’ wines with high tannins.
Malbec is the most important grape. Merlot and Tannat are also planted here.
Best wines are aged in oak, deeply coloured, high in tannin with intense dark berry fruits. They mature slowly to reveal notes of cedar and earth.

Question 5

Describe the wines of Côtes de Gascogne (Southeast of Bordeaux)

Answer 5

IGP wines that are light bodied white wines and made of the Ugni Blanc grape (aromas and flavours of green apples)

Question 6

Describe the wines of Madiran (South toward the Pyrenees)

Answer 6

red wines made from the tannat grape are deeply coloured and high tannins. These wines need long ageing. Modern winemaking techniques lead to concentrated black fruit and high levels of softer, riper tannins.

Question 7

Describe the wines of Jurançon.

Answer 7

(foothills of the Pyrenees) where both dry and sweet white wines are made.
Petit Manseng- high acid and the grapes remain free of botrytis and undergo passerillage. The wines have pronounced apricot and grapefruit aromas, sometimes accompanied by spicy new oak notes.