France - Languedoc, Roussillon and Provence

Question 1

Climate in Languedoc and Roussillon

Answer 1

Mediterranean climate:

• early springs
• hot dry summers
• long autumns
• rainy winters

Mistral and Tramontane winds can still have a cooling effect during summer heat.

Question 2

Soils in Languedoc and Roussillon

Answer 2

There are a range of soil types:

• rich in river valleys
• alluvial sand in the Rhône delta
• clay and gravel in the plains
• Limestone is a common factor throughout soil types

Question 3

Languedoc

• production
• departments covered

Answer 3

Languedoc produces

• 1/4 of the total French production,
• however only 10% of the total AC wines,
• 60% of the total Vin de Pays production

It covers the départements: Gard, Aude, Hérault and Pyrenées-Orientales.

High importance of viticulture for the region’s economy.

Question 4

Which AC’s belong to Languedoc?

Answer 4

Fitou AC
Corbière AC
Languedoc AC (incl. La Clape, Montpeyroux, Pic Saint Loup, Picpoul de Pinet)
Coteaux de Languedoc
Minervois AC (incl. La Livinière AC)
Faugères AC
Saint Chinian AC

Question 5

What kind of wines are produced in Languedoc AC?

Answer 5

Spicy, full bodied reds, blends with Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Picpoul de Pinet is a white sub-appellation producing wines exclusiveley from the Piquepoul Blanche grape. These wines are high in acid and have an aromatic lemon character.

Question 6

Which ACs belong to Roussillon?

Answer 6

Côtes du Roussillon AC
Côtes du Roussillon villages AC
Limoux AC

Question 7

Limoux AC:

• appellation for …
• climate and topography
• white grape varieties
• black grape varieties

Answer 7

Limoux AC is an appellation for white and red wines.

Cool region at high altitude -> predominantly for sparkling wines.

White wines: Mauzac, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay
Red wines: Carignan, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc