France - South West Flashcards
What is the general climate of Cahors?
Despite being 250km inland, it still receives some influence from the Atlantic. However, the climate is slightly warmer and drier than Bordeaux.
Lower rainfall means there is less need for spraying than in Bordeaux, and at 17%, the proportion of organic viticulture is well above the average for France as a whole.
Which varieties are grown in Cahors?
Malbec, which suffers less from coulure and mildew and ripens more regularly than Bordeaux.
Tannat is authorised, though it makes up less than 10% of the blend usually.
What soil types can be found within Cahors?
The vineyards, next to the River Lot, range from being on rich, alluvial soils (higher yields, lower concentration), via the mid slope (poorer soils - lower yields, higher concentration) to the highest plateau at just below 350m (low nutrient limestone, resulting in lower yields and higher concentration).
What is the most common form of vine training and harvesting in Cahors?
Single Guyot, but others are also used (bush-vines, cordon trained).
Machine is widely practiced where vineyard land allows it.
Hand harvesting takes place depending on market price of the wines, machine accessibility, weather conditions and availability of labour. Return on investment is often the decisive factor.
What is the general climate of Madiran?
Has some Atlantic influence with a relatively high rainfall, 1000mm which falls mainly in late winter and spring.
Warm, sunny summers and dry autumn’s with warm days and cool nights and a hot, dry southern Föhn wind enables Tannat to fully ripen most years.
What is the general topography of Madiran? What styles of wine are produced as a result?
It comprises four large, roughly parallel ridges oriented north-south, with steep, west facing slopes.
Soils are mainly clay and limestone with good drainage, producing grapes that make tannic wines suitable for long bottle-ageing.
On flatter land, clay and clay-loam soils predominate, and the resulting wines are less tannic and can be drunk earlier.
What are the top varieties of Madiran AOC?
Tannat 72%
Cab Franc 19%
Cab Sauv 9%
Fer Savadou 2%
What is the typical profile style, quality and price of Madiran?
Wines intended for ageing are deep ruby, with pronounced blackberry and blackcurrant plus oak flavours, high tannins, high acidity with a full body and alcohol that ranges from the top of medium to high. These are very good to outstanding and mid to premium.
Wines for earlier drinking have lower tannin and concentration.
What vine training is common in Madiran?
Cordon de Royat or replacement cane
What is the general climate of Jurançon? What effect does this have on viticulture?
Mild, humid climate with high rainfall, around 1200mm distributed throughout the year and can affect flowering, fruit set and harvest.
Vines are planted on slopes for their fast draining attributes to off-set this risk.
The region is strongly influenced by the Pyrenees as this gives rise to a Föhn wind. This hot and dry wind blows in spring and autumn, about one day in three, drying the air and ventilating the canopy (and bunches in autumn), as well as boosting the temperature. The heat and wind helps produce overripe berries for sweet wines.
Due to the altitude, spring frosts are a risk. The budding zone is trained well above ground to help mitigate this risk.
What is the general topography of Jurançon?
Some slopes are steep enough to require terracing, increasing initial investment and maintenance.
The best sites are south and south-west facing for maximum sunlight interception, aiding ripening.
What are the top varieties of Jurançon?
Gross Manseng 65%
Petit Manseng 30%
Other local varieties 5%
How is harvest carried out in Jurançon?
Grapes are picked by hand and, for the sweet wines, in a series of selective pickings, raising cost.
The first selection is in October, mainly for dry wines but also some sweet for early consumption. The second and third selections (Nov and Dec) are used for progressively sweeter wines. These two selections take place after the grapes have had a chance to dry out on the vine (passerillage). Possible due to autumn sunshine and the wind.
