FWS Roussillon Flashcards
Where is Roussillon located?
Within the Pyrénées-Orientales, bordered by Languedoc to N and NE and Spain in the S. Open to the Med in the E. Perpignan is the capital.
What are the local economic hardships facing Roussillon’s wine producers?
An area overshadowed by Languedoc, torn between Catalan and Occitan cultures, rugged terrain causing wild boar problems, and the need for expensive agrochemicals to combat mildew.
What is the historical significance of Roussillon’s wine industry?
Historically part of the Aragon empire, with Spanish grapes and style wines until the 1990s, now transitioning from VDN to dry wine production.
What percentage of France’s VDNs does Roussillon produce?
80% of France’s VDNs.
What types of wines does Roussillon currently bottle?
High-quality complex reds and textured, aromatic whites.
What is the topographical feature of Roussillon that influences its climate?
Rimmed by mountains on 3 sides, creating an amphitheatre effect.
What is the prevailing wind in Roussillon and its effect?
The Tramontane, which desiccates berries, increases sugar, decreases yields, dries the soil, and mitigates humidity.
What are the three rivers of Roussillon?
The Agly, the Têt, and the Tech.
What types of soil are found in Roussillon?
Iron-rich, sand, red, water-retaining clay.
What are the key grapes of Roussillon?
Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris.
Why are grapes hand harvested in Roussillon?
Grown in gobelet to protect from Tramontane and 80% of vineyards are on slopes.
Define ‘mutage’ in the context of Vin Doux Naturel production.
The process of adding a 96% neutral grape spirit to the must during fermentation.
What is the largest Roussillon AOC by volume?
Côtes du Roussillon AOC.
What is the grape composition for reds in Côtes du Roussillon AOC?
At least 2 grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan.
What characterizes the Côtes du Roussillon Villages AOC?
Higher quality red wines with 5 DGCs, Grenache-based wines with at least two varieties.
What types of wines are produced in Collioure AOC?
Dry white, rosé, and red wines.
What is unique about the Maury AOC?
Red wines are Grenache-based and extreme wind and sunshine affect viticulture.
What grape varieties are used in Muscat de Rivesaltes AOC?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc and Muscat d’Alexandrie.
What types of VDNs are produced in Rivesaltes AOC?
White, red, and rosé VDNs, mostly oxidative ‘Tuilé’ or ‘Ambré’.
What characterizes Banyuls AOC?
White, red, and rosé VDNs from steeply terraced slopes of schist with old vines.
What is a ‘Grenat’ in relation to VDNs?
Red VDNs that have aged reductively in Rivesaltes and Maury.
What does ‘Tuilé’ refer to in winemaking?
Slightly oxidised red wines with a clay-tile colour.
What is the meaning of ‘Hors d’Age’ in the context of VDNs?
VDNs that have aged for a long time under controlled oxidation.
What defines ‘Rancio’ wines?
Red and white VDNs and dry wines that are fully oxidised, brown in colour with walnut and orange peel flavours.
Roussillon
