France - South France Flashcards
What is the breakdown of quality production in the Languedoc? Which style of wine has become increasingly more popular?
In terms of volume, it’s dominated by IGP and simple wine. 15% is AOC production and 70% IGP.
Rosé, in response to increasing demand (+35% from 2010-2017)
What is the state of exports in the Languedoc?
Exports of AOC wine is growing rapidly (+15% 2011-2016) with the highest growth in the two biggest markets of the USA and China.
What is the trend of wine quality production in the Languedoc? What has been the evolution of this?
While it has historically been focused on inexpensive wines, largely from co-operatives, there has been a recent development of very ambitious wineries seeking to show high quality wines can be made here (eg Mas de Daumas Gassac, Bertrand’s Clos d’Ora and Château Puech-Haut).
In between these two extremes of inexpensive and super premium wines, the main development in the 20th century has been a focus on mid price wines seeking to reflect their origin - made from blends native to the area - and are marketed under specific appellations. This has been driven by a rise in small private producers, who have either left co-operatives and are making their own estate wines, or investors from other parts of France or abroad that have been attracted by the stock of old vines, the varied landscape and reasonable land prices.
Which promotional body is the Languedoc a partner in?
Sud de France (covers wine, food and tourism), which organises the ViniSud wine fair and promotions in export markets.
What is the most important producer type in the Roussillon? How has this been changing recently? Who are some examples of top producers?
Co-operatives.
An increasing trend to production of high quality wines by individual wineries. Some of these have been set up by those from outside the region, eg, Thunevin-Calvet from Bordeaux and Domaine de Bila-Haut owned by Chapoutier.
Outstanding, super premium wines are made by wineries such as Domaine Gauby and Le Soula.
What is the breakdown of where Roussillon wine is sold?
80% of dry wine (excluding VDNs) is sold in France.
China, Belgium and Germany are top three export destinations by volume.
Which promotional body is the Roussillon a part of?
Sud de France.
Where is Provence wine sold?
65% by volume is within France, half of which in supermarkets and a high proportion at cellar door.
The top export market is the USA, taking nearly half of all exports, followed by the UK at 13%. Exports have grown rapidly since the turn of the century, 500% in volume and 1000% in value.
What is significant about France’s rosé consumption?
At 36% of total global consumption they are the number one consumer in the world. Not only of French rosé but they’re also the largest importer of other countries, especially Spain.
How are Provence wines marketed?
With strong reference to the lifestyle of Provence and the Riviera, boosted still further in recent years by the purchase of well known estates, eg Château Miraval by well-known celebrities.
Which producer type plays the biggest role in Provence?
Négociants and co-operatives are key. 60% of production in the Var is by co-operatives, while large négociants account for 50% of production of Provence as a whole.
