France - Languedoc Flashcards

1
Q

Languedoc is divided into 3 parts.

What are they? How do they differ?

A

Coastal Plains
- Highest yielding areas
.

Hillsides and Mountains
- “Slopes”
- Syrah on the schist soils of Faugeres.
- Grenache on Belesta and Carignan on Fitou
.

Atlantic Corridor
- Here we find more Bordeaux varietals in 3 main AOP:
- Cabardes AOP: Cabardes has more Cab Sauv.
- Limoux AOP: has more Merlot.
- Malpere AOP: is Rd, and Rs from Bdx varieties.

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2
Q

3 Definitions of Garrigue?

A

1) Nutrient poor sedimentary limestone
2) Scrub vegetation
3) Aromatic profile of the wines

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3
Q

AOP of

Languedoc

A

{there are 20!!}
.

Languedoc AOP
(has 15 Geographical Designations)
(must be a blend of 2 varieties)

Clairette du Languedoc AOP

Cabardes AOP
(pronouced “Cah Bar Dezs”)

Corbieres AOP

Corbieres-Boutenac AOP
(“Cru” of Corbieres)

Faugeres AOP
(Schisct soil)

Fitou AOP
(Two areas: Maritime and Montagnieu)

Limoux AOP

Cremant de Limoux AOP

Malepere AOP

Minervois AOP

Minervois-La-Liviniere AOP
(“Cru” of Minervois)

Picpoul de Pinet AOP

Saint Chinian AOP
(Berlou & Roquebrun are the other “Crus”)

Muscat de Frontignan AOP
(aka: Frontignan, -or- Vin de Frontignan)

Muscat de Lunel AOP
(lightest style Muscat)

Muscat de Mireval AOP

Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOP

Terrases du Larzac AOP
(upgraded from GD to AOP in 2014)

La Clape AOP
(upgraded from GD to AOP in 2015)

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4
Q

What are the most recent AOP in Languedoc?

A

La Clape

Terrases du Larzac
(2014)

Piquepoul de Pinet
(2013)

Malepere
(2007)

Corbieres-Boutenac
(2005)

Cabardes
(1999)

Minervois-La Liviniere
(1999)

(2015)

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5
Q

What were the first AOP in Languedoc?

A

Muscat de Frontignan

Limoux
- for sparkling wines -
(1938)

(1936)

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6
Q

Languedoc AOP

(Rd, W, Rs)

A

Red - White - Rose

White
Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Bourboulenc, Clairette, Tourbat, Vermentino
Piquepoul Blanc (50% Max)
(must be 2 none >80%)

~60 hl/ha~
~11.5% min ABV~

Red - Rose
40% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre,
Lladoner Pelut
30% Max accessory Varietals

~50 hl/ha~
~11.5% min ABV~

(can be Nouveau)

  • Has 12 Crus - each with their own rules, “50 shades of Gres”
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7
Q

Geographical Designations of

Languedoc AOP

* Some sources say these are “Districts”
* Some sources say these are “Crus”
–(do not confuse with the “4 Cru of Languedoc _Region_”)

A

Sommeliers Majorly Pick 50 shades of Grey
(Sommieres, La Mejanelle, Pic-St-Loup, Quatorze, Gres de Montpellier)

====================

Sommieres - (Rd!)
.

La Mejanelle - (Rd!)
-within Gres de Montpellier
.

Quatourze - (Rd!)
- separated from the rest of Languedoc AOP
–this GD is down near Corbieres
.

Pic-St-Loup - (Rd, Rs)
-known for great acidity
- one of only 2 GD that is *_NOT_ Red Wine Only!*

Gres de Montpellier - (Rd!)
- contains 4 other GD:
(“Crystal Majorly Dreads George’s Orca”)
- Saint Christol; La Mejanelle;
Saint Drezery; Saint Georges d’Orques
.

Saint Christol - (Rd!)
- within Gres de Montpellier
.

Saint Drezery - (Rd!)
- within Gres de Montpellier

Saint Georges d’Orques - (Rd!)
- within Gres de Montpellier
.

Cabrieres - (Rd, Rs)
- one of only 2 GD that is *NOT Red Wine Only!
.

Pezenas - (Rd!)
.

Montpeyroux - (Rd!)
- within Terrasses du Larzac AOP

Saint Saturnin - (Rd!)
- within Terrasses du Larzac AOP
.

====================
.

GD’s upgraded to their own AOP since 2014:

* La Clape - (Rd, W)
- upgraded in 2015
.

* Terrasses du Larzac - (Rd!)
- upgraded in 2014
- huge diurnal temperature shift
- contains 2 Languedoc GD:
–(1) Montpeyroux
–(2) Saint Saturnin

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8
Q

Geographical Designations of

Languedoc AOP
that are NOT Red Only!

A
  • *Cabrieires**
  • (Rd, Rs)*
  • *Pic-St-Loup**
  • (Rd, Rs)*

Note:
- La Clape was on this list but was upgraded to its own AOP in 2015

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9
Q

What Geographical Designations of

Languedoc AOP are inside

Gres de Montpelier?

A

(Crystal Majorly Dreads George’s GREY Orca)

St Christol

La Mejanelle

St. Drezery

St. Georges d’Orques

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10
Q

Do IGPs of the Rhone and Languedoc overlap?

A

Yes

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11
Q

Where do you find Chardonnay in the Languedoc?

A

Only in Limoux

It is:

* required in Cremant de Limoux AOP - (50% min).

* allowed in Limoux AOP Blanc

* allowed in Limoua AOP Blanquette de Limoux - (10% Max)

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12
Q

What Geographical Designations of

Languedoc AOP are inside

Terrasses du Larzac?

A

Montpeyroux

St. Saturnin

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13
Q

What are the Two Parts of St. Chinian?

A
  • *Saint Chinian Berlou**
  • (in the West of Saint Chinian)*
  • 30% min Carignan
  • # 1 of the 4 crus of the Languedoc
  • *Saint** Chinian Roquebrun
  • (in the East of Saint Chinian)*
  • Same cepage as regular Saint Chinian Rouge
  • # 2 of the 4 Cru of the Languedoc
  • Twice the size of Berlou
  • One main producer, a Co-op

Note:
The other two Crus of Languedoc are:
-Corbieres-Boutenac
-Minervois-La Livière

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14
Q

4 Cru of the Languedoc?

A

Corbieres Boutenac

  • *Minervois La Liviniere**
  • (at higher altitude than the rest of Minervois)*

Saint Chinian Roquebrun

Saint Chinian Berlou

Note:
All of these “Cru” are Red Only!

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15
Q

Sparkling Wines of the Languedoc?

A

All are within the borders of Limoux!!

Cremant de Limoux AOP
-Traditional Method (as are all “Cremant de”)
-80-90% combined Chardonnay (50% min) + Chenin Blanc (10-40%)
-20% Max combined Mauzac + PN (15% Max)
*9 months min on lees

Limoux AOP - Blanquette de Limoux
-Traditional Method
-90% min Mauzac
-10% Max Chenin Blanc
*9 months min on lees

Limoux AOP - Blanquette de Limoux Methode Ancestrale
-Single fermentaion in bottle
-Sweet Style - “Asti like”
–Usually harvested later to get sugars higher
-100% Mauzac
*2 months min on lees

==========

NOTE:
Limoux AOP rouge is Merlot based

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16
Q

Cabardès AOP

(Rd, Rs)

A

Rouge - Rosé

40% min combined:
Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot

40% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah

also:
Cot, Cinsault, Fer

~50 hl/ha~

Rosé
~12% min ABV~

Rouge
~12.5% min ABV~

*released 4/15

17
Q

Clairette du Languedoc AOP

(W, VdL)

A

Blanc
Rancio - Vin de Liqueur

100% Clairette

~50 hl/ha~

Blanc
12% min ABV

45 g/l Max RS

Rancio
~14% min ABV~

*3 years aging from 11/1

Vin de Liqueur
~21.5% min ABV~
{17% actual}

9-40g/l RS

Wine must be “fortified” before the end of harvest year.
(96° neutral grape spirit of 5-8% of total volume.)

===============

Note:

  • This AOP is allowed in 12 communes which appear to be scattered all around Languedoc…
    • Adissan, Aspiran, Le Bosc, Cabrières, Ceyras, Fontés, Lieuran-Cabrières, Nizas, Paulhan, Péret, Saint-André-de-Sangonis
18
Q

Corbières AOP

(Rd, W, Rs)

A

Rouge - Blanc - Rosé

~50 hl/ha~

Blanc
40% min combined:
Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Bourbelenc, Macabeu, Vermentino
(must use at least 2)

also:
Clairette, Muscat a Pettite Grains,
Picquepoul, Terret Blanc

~11.5% min ABV~

Rosé
40% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
Llander Pelut, Carignan
(none more than 80%)

  • *Rouge**
  • (same as for Rosé)*

~12% min ABV~

Note:
Corbieres has one region that can append its name:
Boutenac.

It is Red Only!

19
Q

Corbières-Boutenac AOP

(Rd!)

A

Rouge Only!!

70% min combined:
Carignan (30-50%),
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
(none more than 80%)

~45 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

(Carignan must be hand harvested)

20
Q

What grape must be hand harvested in Corbieres-Boutenac?

A

Carignan

Note:

  • It is the most important grape of the “Cru” appelation of Boutenac.
  • Must be between 30-50% of the blend
21
Q

Faugères AOP

(Rd, W, Rs)

A

Pronounced: “Faux - Gheres”

Rouge - Blanc - Rosé

~12% min ABV~

Soil:
Schist

Blanc
Majority combined:
Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Vermentino
(must be 2)

also:
Clairette, Viognier

~45 hl/ha~

Rosé
50% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
Cinsault, Carignan
(none more than 80%)
(G, S, or M must be used)

~50 hl/ha~

Rouge
(same for Rosé)

~45 hl/ha~

Note:
- Carignan here will often go through Carbonic Fermentation to soften the tannins.

22
Q

Fitou AOP

(Rd!)

A

Rouge Only!!

50% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
Carignan
(none more than 80%)

~45 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Is comprised of two distinct areas that are not connected:
-Maritime: close to the coast.

-Haut Fitou/Montagnieu: higher elevation, and inland.

23
Q

Limoux AOP

(Rd, W, Spk)

A

Rouge - Blanc
Blanquette - Ancestrale

Blanc
Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
(must be barrel fermented!)

~50 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Rouge
45-70% Merlot

20% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Cot

35% Max combined:
Cab Sauv, Cab Franc

~50 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Metode Ancestrale
100% Mauzac

~60 hl/ha~
~10% min ABV~

Single fermentation inside bottle.
No Tirage - No Dosage

*2 months min on lees
3 bars min pressure

Blanquette de Limoux
(Traditional Method!)
90% min Mauzac
10% Max combined:
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc

~60 hl/ha~
~9.5% min ABV~

*9 months min on lees
3.5 bars min pressure

Note:
Cremant de Limoux is 20% Max Mauzac

24
Q

Cremant de Limoux

(Spk!)

A

Sparkling Only!!

80-90% combined:
 Chardonnay (50-80%)
 Chenin Blanc (10-40%)

20% Max combined:
Mauzac, Pinot Noir (15% Max)

~70 hl/ha~
~9.5% min ABV~

*9 months min on lees
*12 months min aging from date of tirage
3.5 bars min pressure

100 Liters / 150 kg Max press yield

Note:
Blanquette is 90% min Mauzac.
Ancestrale is 100% Mauzac.

25
Q

Malepère AOP

(Rd, Rs)

A

Means: “Bad Stones”
because you cannot build with it.

This AOP is freakish because it is Languedoc,
but it is primarily Bordeaux Varietals

Rouge - Rosé

~50 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Rosé
40% min Cab Franc

20% min combined:
Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cot,
Cinsault, Grenache

Rouge
40% min Merlot

20% min combined:
Cab Franc, Cot

also:
Llander Pelut, Cinsault, Grenache

26
Q

Minervois AOP

(Rd, W, Rs)

A

Rouge - Blanc - Rosé

~48 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Blanc
80% min combined:
Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne,
Macabeu, Bourboulenc, Vermentino

10% Max Muscat a Petite Grains

Rosé
50% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre,
Cinsault, Carignan
(none more than 80%)

10% Max white varieties

Rouge
50% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre,
Cinsault, Carignan
(none more than 80%)

Note:
Minervois has one region that can append its name:
La Livinière.

It is Red Only!

27
Q

Minervois-La Livinière AOP

(Rd!)

A

Rouge Only!!

80% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre,
Cinsault, Carignan

~45 hl/ha~
~12.5% min ABV~

28
Q

Picpoul de Pinet AOP

(W!)

A

Blanc Only!!

100% Picpoul
(aka: Picquepoul)

~55 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Was a G.D. of Languedoc AOP.
Granted its own AOP in 2013.

29
Q

Saint-Chinian AOP

(Rd, W, Rs)

A

Rouge - Blanc - Rosé
Berlou - Roquebrun

Blanc
Majority combined:
Grenache Blanc (required!),
Marsanna, Roussanne, Vermentino
(none more than 70%)

~45 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Rosé
Majority combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
Llander Pelut

~50 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Rouge
(same as Rosé)

~45 hl/ha~
~12% min ABV~

Roquebrun
(same as Rouge/Rosé)

~40 hl/ha~
~12.5% min ABV~

Berlou
40% min combined:
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre,
Llander Pelut
10% min Carignan

~40 hl/ha~
~12.5% min ABV~

30
Q

4 Muscats of the Languedoc?

A

Muscat de Lunel

  • *Muscat de Mireval**
  • most elegant
  • *Muscat de Frontignan**
    (aka: Frontignan -or- Vin de Frontignan)
  • makes both VdN or VdL
  • *Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois**
  • lightest style by far due to cooler climate
  • highest required min RS of all VdN (125 g/l)
31
Q

What is Muscat de Nöel?

What AOP of Languedoc can produce it?

A

A Muscat that must be bottled by December in the year it was produced.

In Languedoc it is made in:

  • Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOP
  • Muscat de Lunel AOP
32
Q

Muscat de Frontignan AOP

(VdL, VdN)

A

Vin de Liqueur - Vin Doux Naturel

100% Muscat a Petite Grains Blanc

~30 hl/ha~
~21.5% min ABV~
{15% actual}

Vin de Liqueur
234 g/l min Must Weight
185 g/l min RS

(fotified before fermentation)

Vin Doux Naturel
252 g/l min Must Weight
110 g/l min RS

(fortified after fermentation)

33
Q

Muscat de Lunel AOP

(VdN!)

A

Vin Doux Naturel Only!!

100% Muscat a Petite Grains Blanc

~30 hl/ha~
~21.5% min ABV~
{15% actual}

252 g/l min Must Weight
110 g/l min RS

There is also a Muscat de Nöel made here.
-must bottled before 12/1

34
Q

Muscat de Mireval AOP

(VdN!)

A

Vin Doux Naturel Only!!

100% Muscat a Petite Grains Blanc

~30 hl/ha~
~21.5% min ABV~
{15% actual}

252 g/l min Must Weight
110 g/l min RS

35
Q

Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois AOP

(VdN!)

A

Vin Doux Naturel Only!!

100% Muscat a Petite Grains Blanc

~30 hl/ha~
~21.5% min ABV~
{15% actual}

252 g/l min Must Weight
125 g/l min RS

  • Muscat de Nöel* is made here.
  • must bottled before 12/1