Fws-Languedoc

Question 1

What is the administrative relationship between Languedoc and Roussillon?

Answer 1

Although culturally and topographically two distinct regions, they were joined administratively in 1972.

Question 2

Who is responsible for the origin of viticulture in Languedoc?

Answer 2

Phocaeans in 600 BC

Question 3

What is the Via Domitia?

Answer 3

The Via Domitia was the first Roman road built in Gaul, to link Italy and Hispania across what is now southern France. It was constructed in 118 BC by the proconsul, Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus.

Question 4

What is the origin of the word garrigue?

Answer 4

from Garric meaning oak, as in the dwarf Kermes oak trees that grow on the poor limestone soils of the Languedoc.

Question 5

Which grape forms the historic backbone of red blends of the Languedoc?

Answer 5

Carignan

Question 6

Minervois AOC is located where? What is the main grape used?

Answer 6

Languedoc, north of Canal du Midi; Syrah-based reds

Question 7

Corbieres AOC is located where? What is the main grape used?

Answer 7

Languedoc, south of Canal du Midi; Carignan-based reds

Question 8

What is the etymologic root of the word Languedoc?

Answer 8

Language of Oc or Occitan, Oc meaning yes, not related to French

Question 9

What is the oldest city of France?

Answer 9

Marseille (Massalia in ancient times)

Question 10

What 3 wine regions are located close to Narbonne?

Answer 10

Corbieres, Minervois, La Clape

Question 11

Name the first university to study viticulture?

Answer 11

the University of Montpellier, founded in 1289 in Languedoc, under rule of Aragon Empire centered in Barcelona.

Question 12

Describe mutage.

Answer 12

The typical process involves the addition of alcohol to the must so that the fermentation process is prematurely stopped (as in VDN production) [Wiki]

Question 13

When does mutage occur in the production of vin doux naturel?

Answer 13

after the traditional maceration and pressing [Wiki]

Question 14

When did the Canal du Midi open?

Answer 14

1681

Question 15

What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1600’s?

Answer 15

sweet red wine for the Dutch

Question 16

What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1700’s?

Answer 16

dry white wine for brandy (for the French army)

Question 17

What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1800’s?

Answer 17

inexpensive table wine for domestic consumption transported by rail

Question 18

What was the effect of phylloxera on Languedoc?

Answer 18

Initially, phylloxera caused extensive destruction, but rapid replanting on American rootstock allowed a recovery while the rest of the country was still affected by the infestation

Question 19

Where did French wine production co-ops first develop?

Answer 19

Languedoc, first in 1905, but still a significant factor

Question 20

What percent of wine production in Languedoc is AOC level?

Answer 20

21%

Question 21

What are the 4 administrative departments found in Languedoc?

Answer 21

Lozere, Gard, Herault, Aude (Pyrenees-Orientales is in Languedoc)

Question 22

What are climatic seasons in Languedoc?

Answer 22

mild winters and hot, dry summers

Question 23

What winds offset moisture from the sea breezes?

Answer 23

Tramontane and Mistral that blow from the north

Question 24

Alluvial soils are best suited for what style of wine?

Answer 24

fruity white and rose

Question 25

Garrigue soils produce what characteristics in the wines?

Answer 25

red and white wines of high acidity and red wines with polished tannins

Question 26

What are the 3 topographical zones of the Languedoc?

Answer 26

coastal plains, hillsides and mountains, Atlantic corridor

Question 27

Within the Languedoc, which geographic region produces most notable white and sparkling wines?

Answer 27

Atlantic corridor, cool and elevated

Question 28

What is the oldest sparkling wine in the world?

Answer 28

Blanquette De Limoux, aged 9 months sur lie, made in brut or demi-sec

Question 29

What is the primary grape in Blanquette De Limoux AOC?

Answer 29

Mauzac (with small amounts of Mauzac and Chenin Blanc)

Question 30

What is the primary grape in Cremant De Limoux AOC?

Answer 30

Chardonnay (also with Mauzac and Chenin Blanc)

Question 31

What is the largest producer of French IGP wines?

Answer 31

IGP Pays d’Oc produces nearly 40% of all French IGP production

Question 32

VDN from Languedoc is made from which grape?

Answer 32

Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc

Question 33

What is the typical orientation of vineyards in Languedoc?

Answer 33

east-facing

Question 34

Is irrigation permitted in Languedoc?

Answer 34

yes, with a permit (during hot, dry summers)

Question 35

What is the largest AOC in Languedoc?

Answer 35

the regional Languedoc AOC (not Cote du …)

Question 36

What are the only two AOC’s in Languedoc devoted solely to white wine production?

Answer 36

Clairette Du Languedoc and Picpoul de Pinet

Question 37

Name two Languedoc AOCs that permit Bordeaux grape varieties.

Answer 37

Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC (western most appelations)

Question 38

Which Languedoc AOC is known for equal combination of Atlantic breezes and humid winds of Mediterranean?

Answer 38

Cabardes AOC

Question 39

Which Languedoc AOC is the most Western?

Answer 39

Malepere AOC

Question 40

What is the biggest climatic risk in Languedoc?

Answer 40

violent storms that flood

Question 41

Lladoner Pelut is most closely related to what grape?

Answer 41

Grenache

Question 42

Which Languedoc AOC is noted for sizable contribution by Lladoner Pelut?

Answer 42

Saint Chinian

Question 43

Which Languedoc AOC has two of the “Cru” appellations?

Answer 43

Saint Chinian: Berlou and Roquebrun

Question 44

What is the oldest AOC in Languedoc?

Answer 44

Blanquette De Limoux (1938)

Question 45

What is the oldest still wine AOC in Languedoc?

Answer 45

Fitou (1948-r) and Clairette Du Languedoc (1948-w)

Question 46

What is the largest non-regional appellation in the Languedoc?

Answer 46

Corbieres