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WSET Diploma & CMS Advanced 2025 > France: South West France > Flashcards

France: South West France Flashcards

1
Q

How does the climate of the regions of the Dordogne differ from that of Bordeaux?

A

More continental with less of an Atlantic influence.
Warmer summers and slightly less rainfall.

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2
Q

What styles of wine are made in Bergerac AOC?

A

White, dry and sweet (33%)
Rosé (17%)
Red (50)

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3
Q

Outline the soils of Bergerac.

A

Clay, limestone soils with some gravel

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4
Q

What are the principle black grape varieties of Bergerac AOC?

A

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Cot, and Merlot

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5
Q

What are the assemblage requirements for Bergerac AOC?

A

Min. 2 principal varieties, with principal varieties accounting for at least 50% of the blend.

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6
Q

What are the principle white grape varieties of Bergerac AOC?

A

Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle

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7
Q

What are the max. permitted yields for Bergerac AOC?

A

Blanc: 67 hl/ha
Rosé: 62 hl/ha
Rouge: 60 hl/ha

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8
Q

In what vessels are Bergerac wines typically matured?

A

Typically stainless steel tanks or older oak casks.

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9
Q

What are the key differences between Bergerac and Côtes de Bergerac AOCs?

A
  • Côtes de Bergerac is restricted to the principle black grape varieties; does not permit the blending of other ‘accessory’ grape varieties.
  • Lower permitted yields for CDB
  • Higher amount of min. abv for CDB
  • Producers of CDB more commonly use oak barrels for maturation
  • Rosé is not produced under the CDB AOC
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10
Q

What are the max. permitted yields for Côtes de Bergerac AOC?

A

Blanc: 55 hl/ha
Rouge: 50 hl/ha

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11
Q

Where is Bergerac?

A

The Dordogne, South West France

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12
Q

Outline the domestic and export markets of Bergerac wine.

A
  • 90% sold in France, supermarkets are the largest market (just under 50%).
  • The largest export markets are Belgium, China and the UK
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13
Q

Monbazillac
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac, The Dordogne
Sweet wines only, may be affected by noble rot (SGN).

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14
Q

What are the sweet wine appellations within Bergerac?

A
  • Monbazillac
  • Saussignac
  • Rosette
  • Haut-Montraval
  • Côtes de Montraval
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15
Q

Saussignan AOC
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Sweet wines only

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16
Q

Rosette AOC
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Sweet wines only

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17
Q

Haut-Montraval AOC
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Sweet wines only

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18
Q

** Côtes de Montraval**
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Sweet wines only

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19
Q

Pécharmant
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Red wines from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cot.

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20
Q

Montraval AOC
Location?
Styles of wine produced?

A

Bergerac
Dry whites and reds

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21
Q

What are the dry wine appellations within Bergerac?

A

Bergerac AOC
Côtes de Bergerac AOC
Pécharmant AOC
Montraval AOC

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22
Q

What makes Monbazillac AOC suitable for sweet wine production?

A
  • The region lies between the River Dordogne and one of its tributaries.
  • This location, plus the funnelling of moist air (mists and dew) along the rivers, creates high levels of humidity.
  • In warm late summer and early autumn, the humidity is burnt off by the sun creating good conditions for noble rot.
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23
Q

What are the principle grape varieties of Monbazillac AOC?

A

Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon and Muscadelle

The final wine must consist of at least 80% of the principle varieties.

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24
Q

What are the max. permitted yields of Monbazillac AOC?

A

30hL/ha

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25
Q

What are the harvest requirements for Monbazillac AOC?

A

Grapes must be harvested in tries.

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26
Q

How do the wines of Monbazillac differ from Sauternes?

A

Fermentation in barrel with new oak is much less common than in Sauternes. Wines are cheaper, with less oak influence.

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27
Q

Côte de Duras
Location?
Styles of wine?

A

South West France; between Entré-Deux-Mers and Bergerac.
Red and white; known for zesty, dry Sauvignon Blanc

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28
Q

What are the principle grape varieties of Cahors AOC?

A

Min. 70% Cot (Malbec), plus Merlot and Tannat

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29
Q

What are the reasons for Cahor’s reduction of area under vine?

A
  • Competition with Bordeaux
  • Phylloxera
  • A devastating frost in 1956
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30
Q

Outline the climate of Cahors.

A
  • Continental climate with influence from the Atlantic
  • Less than 800m of rain each year
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31
Q

Why is Malbec more successful in Cahors than Bordeaux?

A

The drier climate means that Malbec ripens more regularly than Bordeaux

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32
Q

What percentage of Cahor’s producers are organic?

A

17%; above average for France

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33
Q

What is the river flowing through Cahors AOC?

A

The river lot

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34
Q

Describe the soils of Cahors AOC.

A

Three alluvial terraces.
Rich and fertile, poorer mid-slope, poor limestone plateau (350m).

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35
Q

What is the most common training system in Cahors?

A

Single Guyot
To a lesser extent, Cordon trained.

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36
Q

What is Malbec also referred to?

A

Cot

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37
Q

Outline the viticultural characteristics of Malbec (Cot).

A
  • Mid-ripening
  • Vigourous
  • Susceptible to coulure
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38
Q

Describe the style of a Cahors AOC wine.

A

Typically deep ruby in colour, with medium to pronounced levels (depending on quality level) of violet, red and black plum fruit, medium to medium (+) acidity and medium (+) to high tannin.

Premium examples aged in oak. Some prefers old foudres.

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39
Q

Cahors; stem or destem?

A

Destemming is required by the appellation (to eliminate underripe stems that could add aggressive tannins).

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40
Q

What slows the maturity of Malbec of Cahors?

A

In the past, a lack of maturity was most likely to be due to cool seasons, but today it is as likely to be due to a lack of water preventing full ripeness.

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41
Q

What are the key winemaking differences between a early-drinking and a premium Cahors wine?

A
  • Early-drinking; Merlot is used in the blend; typically 7–10 days on the skins for limited extraction of tannins
  • Premium; Typically 15–25 days on the skins for greater extraction of flavour and tannins, more common use of oak.
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42
Q

What are the key businesses involved in the production of Cahors?

A

Private companies produce 80% of Cahors and a single co-operative produces 20%, the Cooperative des Vignerons d’Olt, which belongs to Vinovalie that operates in four wine regions.

43
Q

What change in marketing did Cahors AOC make in 2007?

A

Cahors has marketed itself as ‘Cahors Malbec’ since 2007

44
Q

Outline the domestic and export markets of Cahors AOC.

A
  • Supermarkets and direct sales account for 70% of the wine sold by volume in France.
  • Exports make up 30% by volume and are growing.
  • The top market by volume and value are are the UK, Canada and the USA.
45
Q

Name two significant producers of Cahors AOC?

A

Ch. du Cèdre and Ch. de Chambert.

46
Q

Name the regions in green and purple.

A

Green; Cahors
Purple; Gaillac

47
Q

Name the following regions:

A

Yellow: Madiran
Pink: Béarn
Dark blue: Jurançon
Light blue: Irouléguy

48
Q

Which Département is Cahors AOC located in?

A

Lot

49
Q

Which Département is Madiran located in?

A

Gers, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Hautes-Pyrénées

50
Q

Describe the climate of Madiran AOC.

A
  • Continental with Atlantic influence
  • High rainfall in late Winter and Spring (1000ml)
  • Warm, sunny and dry Autumns
  • Warm days and cool nights
  • Hot, dry southern Föhn wind
51
Q

What are the soils of Madiran AOC?

A
  • Slopes; Clay, limestone with good drainage
  • Flatter land; Clay, clay loam soils
52
Q

Outline the viticultural characteristics of Tannat.

A
  • Mid-ripening
  • Vigorous
  • Susceptible to Botrytis, mites and leafhoppers
53
Q

Describe the style of Madiran AOC.

A

Deep, ruby colour.
Blackcurrant, blackberry, oak
High tannin, high acidity
Full body, Med-high alcohol

Earlier drinking styles are also made

54
Q

What are the assemblage requirements for Madriran AOC?

A

Tannat must account for at least 50% of the blend.
Accessory varieties include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Fer (Fer Servadou).

55
Q

What are the vine training systems used in Madiran AOC?

A

Cordon de Royat or Guyot.

56
Q

Why is destemming important in the production of a Madiran AOC?

A

Tannat is already very tannic. Including the stems would include more tannin, sometimes astringent and bitter

57
Q

What are the max. permitted yields for Madiran AOC?

A

55hL/ha

58
Q

What are some common techniques to soften the tannins of Madiran AOC?

A
  • Shorter maceration times
  • Ageing in oak
  • Bottle age
  • Micro-oxygenation
59
Q

Who pioneered the technique micro-oxygenation and why?

A

In 1991 Patrick Ducournau pioneered the technique of micro-oxygenation, seeking to soften the tannins in Tannat wines of Madiran

60
Q

How might an early/easy drinking style of Madiran AOC be made?

A

Early drinking styles are achieved by picking only the ripest grapes, gentle pressing and the use of micro-oxygenation.

61
Q

What are the élevage requirements for Madiran AOC?

A

The wines may not be released until November 1 of the year following the harvest

62
Q

Outline the domestic and export markets of Madiran AOC.

A

80% sold in France (50% in supermarkets).
Top export markets are Belgium, Germany and Canada.

63
Q

Name two producers of Madiran AOC.

A

Alain Brumont and Ch. d’Aydie

64
Q

Name two of the most important co-operatives in Madiran.

A

Cave de Crouseilles and Plaimon

65
Q

What is the average altitude of Jurançon?

A

300m

66
Q

Where is Jurançon located?

A

South West France, in the foothills of the Pyranees

67
Q

What are the principal grape varieties of Jurançon?

A

Gros Manseng and Petit Manseng

68
Q

How much of Jurançon’s production is dry wine?

A

30%

69
Q

What are the three styles of Jurançon?

A

Jurançon Vendages Tardives (sweet)
Jurançon (Medium sweet)
Jurançon Sec (Dry)

70
Q

Describe the climate of Jurançon.

A
  • Mild, humid climate
  • Relatively high rainfall (1200ml)
  • The Föhn wind; hot, dry wind
71
Q

What influence does the Föhn wind have on Jurançon?

A

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 temperature. The heat and the wind help to produce over-ripe berries for the sweet wines.

72
Q

What are the common hazards experienced in Jurançon?

A
  • Untimely rainfall (interrupting flowering/fruitset and harvest)
  • Humidity = downey mildew
  • Spring frosts (due to altitude)
73
Q

Describe the vineyards of Jurançon.

A

Vineyards are often planted on slopes for good drainage. They’re often so steep they require terracing.
Vines are trained high.

74
Q

How do growers in Jurançon prevent damage from Spring frosts?

A

The budding zone is trained well above the ground

75
Q

What are the soils of Jurançon?

A

A mix of sand, clay and limestone.

76
Q

Outline the harvest process in Jurançon.

A
  • Hand-harvested, in a series of selective pickings.
  • First selection: October, mainly for dry wines
  • The second and third selections: November and December for sweeter wines.
77
Q

What is passerillage?

A

French word for the process by which passerillé grapes are dried, shrivelled, or raisined on the vine, concentrating the sugar in grapes—an alternative to wines whose sugars have been concentrated by botrytis.

78
Q

What are the viticultural characteristics of Petit Manseng?

A
  • Early budding (prone to Spring frosts).
  • Mid-late ripening
  • Thick skins, open bunches; resistant to botrytis rot
  • Aromatic, retains high acidity
  • High levels of potential alcohol
79
Q

How does Gros Manseng differ from Petit Manseng?

A

Achieves higher yields
Less aromatic intensity and concentration. Principally used for dry wines.

80
Q

What are the assemblage requirements for Jurançon/Jurançon Sec?

A

All three styles of Jurançon must be made with a minimum of 50% of Petit and/or Gros Manseng

81
Q

What are the max. permitted yields for Jurançon Sec?

A

60hL/ha

82
Q

What are the max permitted yields for Jurançon?

A

40hL/ha

83
Q

What is the min. residual sugar for Jurançon?

A

40g/L

84
Q

What are the max. permitted yields for Jurançon Vendages Tardive?

A

40hL/ha

85
Q

What is the min. residual sugar for Jurançon Vendages Tardive?

A

Min. 55g/l, but usually much higher.

86
Q

What are the assemblage requirements for Jurançon Vendages Tardives?

A

100% Petit/Gros Manseng

87
Q

What are the harvest requirements for Jurançon Vendages Tardive?

A

Grapes for Jurançon Vendanges Tardives may not be picked before 2 November.

Manual harvesting required.

88
Q

What are the élevage requirements for Jurançon Vendages Tardives?

A

VT wines may not be released until June 15 of the second year following the harvest

89
Q

How is a sweet wine from Petit Manseng in Jurançon usually made?

A

Typically fermented in barriques and aged in them for 12–18 months.
Top quality wines typically use old oak, although new oak is occasionally used.
MLF typically does not happen as the pH is too low and the acidity too high.

90
Q

What are the key businesses involved in the production of Jurançon wines?

A

The production of wine is divided between the co-operative Cave de Gan (64%) and private companies (36%).

91
Q

Name a significant producer from Jurançon.

A

Domaine Cauhapé

92
Q

How many IGPs are there in South West France?

A

14

93
Q

What is the biggest IGP appellation in South West France?

A

Côtes de Gascogne

94
Q

Where is Béarn AOC located?

A

South West France. East of Bayonne in the Pyranees-Atlantiques Département.

95
Q

What are the white grape varieties of Béarn AOC?

A

Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng and Raffiat de Moncade

96
Q

What are the black grape varieties of Béarn AOC?

A

Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc

97
Q

Where is Irouléguy AOC?

A

Pyrénées-Atlantiques département, South West France.
On the border with Spain.

98
Q

What are the assemblage requirements for red wines in Irouléguy AOC?

A

Min. 50% Cabernet Franc and Tannat + Cabernet Sauvignon

99
Q

What are the white grape varieties of Irouléguy AOC?

A

Courbu, Petit Courbu, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng

100
Q

What styles of wines are made in Irouléguy AOC?

A

Red, white and rosé

101
Q

What are the principal black grape varieties of Gaillac AOC?

A
  • Syrah
  • Duras
  • Prunelard
  • Fer
102
Q

What are the white grape varieties of Gaillac AOC?

A

Len d’El, Mauzac, Mauzac Rosé, Muscadelle
Ondec and Sauvignon Blanc

103
Q

What styles of wine are made in Gaillac AOC?

A

White (sweet and dry)
Rosé
Red
Sparkling

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