Fws-Languedoc Flashcards
What is the administrative relationship between Languedoc and Roussillon?
Although culturally and topographically two distinct regions, they were joined administratively in 1972.
Who is responsible for the origin of viticulture in Languedoc?
Phocaeans in 600 BC
What is the Via Domitia?
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.
What is the origin of the word garrigue?
from Garric meaning oak, as in the dwarf Kermes oak trees that grow on the poor limestone soils of the Languedoc.
Which grape forms the historic backbone of red blends of the Languedoc?
Carignan
Minervois AOC is located where? What is the main grape used?
Languedoc, north of Canal du Midi; Syrah-based reds
Corbieres AOC is located where? What is the main grape used?
Languedoc, south of Canal du Midi; Carignan-based reds
What is the etymologic root of the word Languedoc?
Language of Oc or Occitan, Oc meaning yes, not related to French
What is the oldest city of France?
Marseille (Massalia in ancient times)
What 3 wine regions are located close to Narbonne?
Corbieres, Minervois, La Clape
Name the first university to study viticulture?
the University of Montpellier, founded in 1289 in Languedoc, under rule of Aragon Empire centered in Barcelona.
Describe mutage.
The typical process involves the addition of alcohol to the must so that the fermentation process is prematurely stopped (as in VDN production) [Wiki]
When does mutage occur in the production of vin doux naturel?
after the traditional maceration and pressing [Wiki]
When did the Canal du Midi open?
1681
What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1600’s?
sweet red wine for the Dutch
What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1700’s?
dry white wine for brandy (for the French army)
What was the main product of Languedoc vineyards in the 1800’s?
inexpensive table wine for domestic consumption transported by rail
What was the effect of phylloxera on Languedoc?
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
Where did French wine production co-ops first develop?
Languedoc, first in 1905, but still a significant factor
What percent of wine production in Languedoc is AOC level?
21%
What are the 4 administrative departments found in Languedoc?
Lozere, Gard, Herault, Aude (Pyrenees-Orientales is in Languedoc)
What are climatic seasons in Languedoc?
mild winters and hot, dry summers
What winds offset moisture from the sea breezes?
Tramontane and Mistral that blow from the north
Alluvial soils are best suited for what style of wine?
fruity white and rose
Garrigue soils produce what characteristics in the wines?
red and white wines of high acidity and red wines with polished tannins
What are the 3 topographical zones of the Languedoc?
coastal plains, hillsides and mountains, Atlantic corridor
Within the Languedoc, which geographic region produces most notable white and sparkling wines?
Atlantic corridor, cool and elevated
What is the oldest sparkling wine in the world?
Blanquette De Limoux, aged 9 months sur lie, made in brut or demi-sec
What is the primary grape in Blanquette De Limoux AOC?
Mauzac (with small amounts of Mauzac and Chenin Blanc)
What is the primary grape in Cremant De Limoux AOC?
Chardonnay (also with Mauzac and Chenin Blanc)
What is the largest producer of French IGP wines?
IGP Pays d’Oc produces nearly 40% of all French IGP production
VDN from Languedoc is made from which grape?
Muscat a Petits Grains Blanc
What is the typical orientation of vineyards in Languedoc?
east-facing
Is irrigation permitted in Languedoc?
yes, with a permit (during hot, dry summers)
What is the largest AOC in Languedoc?
the regional Languedoc AOC (not Cote du …)
What are the only two AOC’s in Languedoc devoted solely to white wine production?
Clairette Du Languedoc and Picpoul de Pinet
Name two Languedoc AOCs that permit Bordeaux grape varieties.
Cabardes AOC and Malepere AOC (western most appelations)
Which Languedoc AOC is known for equal combination of Atlantic breezes and humid winds of Mediterranean?
Cabardes AOC
Which Languedoc AOC is the most Western?
Malepere AOC
What is the biggest climatic risk in Languedoc?
violent storms that flood
Lladoner Pelut is most closely related to what grape?
Grenache
Which Languedoc AOC is noted for sizable contribution by Lladoner Pelut?
Saint Chinian
Which Languedoc AOC has two of the “Cru” appellations?
Saint Chinian: Berlou and Roquebrun
What is the oldest AOC in Languedoc?
Blanquette De Limoux (1938)
What is the oldest still wine AOC in Languedoc?
Fitou (1948-r) and Clairette Du Languedoc (1948-w)
What is the largest non-regional appellation in the Languedoc?
Corbieres
