(FWS) Southwest France/Languedoc Flashcards
1
Q
What style of wine is Bergerac AOC authorized for? Name all grapes allowed
A
Red and Rosé must contain at least two types of the following grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon & Franc, Merlot, Côt (Malbec), Fer Servadou, Mérille (aka Périgold)
2
Q
True or False: Bergerac AOC wine must be greater than 10% abv and max crop is 3.3 tons/acre
A
True
3
Q
This dry white AOC must contain at least two of the following varieties: Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle, Ondenc, Chenin Blanc, plus up to 25% Ugni Blanc
A
Bergerac Sec AOC (if Ugni Blanc is present, Sauvignon must also be present in at least the same amount)
4
Q
What is Bergerac Sec AOC’s max yields and min. abv?
A
Max yields= 3.6 tons/acre (60 hl/ha)
at least 10% minimum alcohol/volume (abv)
5
Q
Describe and talk about Saussignac AOC (grapes used, style, R.S, max yields)
A
(liquorex), Grapes used: Semillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle,
R.S must be > 4.5% (45 g/L); wine must be 12% alc.
Max yields: 1.5 tons/acre; Style: Late Harvest or Bortrytis
6
Q
Describe and talk about Rosette AOC (grapes used, R.S,max yields)
A
Sémillon, Sauvignon, and Muscadelle.
R.S must be between 0.8-5.4% (8-54 g.L)
Wines must achieve at least 11% alcohol and max yields is 2.4 tons/acre (40hl/ha)
7
Q
Describe Monbazillac AOC
A
Style can be “Mouelleux” (grapes must be late harvest and/or botrytized but must be harvested by hand); R.S= 4.5% (45g/L)
“Liquorex” (hand harvested, botrytized grapes and needs to achieve R.S 8.5% (85 g/L)
Grapes: Semiilon, Sauvignon Blanc & Gris, Muscadelle
Min. for both wines set at 12% abv; max yield is 1.8 tons/acre (30hl/ha)
8
Q
What is the AOC that is NE of Toulouse and east of Fronton and authorizes red, rosé, and dry, sweet sparkling whites?
A
Gaillac AOC
9
Q
What is the name of the river in Gaillac where its vineyards flank both sides of it?
A
Tarn river
10
Q
Name a few non-mainstream varieties that Gaillac grows
A
(white) Len de l’El (also called Loin de l’Oeil
(red) Duras, Prunelard, Fer
11
Q
What is the main grape and which two are also allowed to make up the blend in Cahors AOC?
A
Min. 70% Malbec with up to 30% Merlot and/or Tannat added to blend.
12
Q
True or False: The inky black wines of Cahors were favored by notable elite such as King Henry 2nd of England, Emperor Peter of Russia, and Pope John 22nd.
A
True
13
Q
Name a few tasting notes one might get from tasting a Cahors
A
Tobacco, plum, prune, (hint of) green apple
14
Q
Name two synonyms of Malbec
A
Côte
Auxerrois
15
Q
Name some factors that influences the climate in Cahors
A
Influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea with warm southerly breezes impacting and prolonging a sunny, dry Autumn.
The Lot River also tempers the climate by providing frost protection to those vineyards close to it.
16
Q
In what year did the winter freeze wreak havoc upon vineyards of Bordeaux & SW France in general?
A
1956
17
Q
True or False: Bordeaux did not re-plant Malbec after the freeze year- but Cahors did and as a result, most Malbec vines in AOC are 60 years of age
A
True
18
Q
What is the two grapes MUST comprise more than 50% of the blend in Jurançon Sec?
A
Petit Manseng
Gros Manseng
19
Q
What style is Jurançon sec? (what is sugar % at harvest?)
A
Dry whites (harvested at 18.7% sugar)
20
Q
Name the other grapes allowed in Jurançon sec other than Petit Manseng and Gros Manseng?
A
Courbu
Petit Courbu
Camaralet & Lauzet (obscure grapes)
21
Q
What style is Jurançon moelleux/liquoreux white? (What is sugar % at harvest?)
A
A sweet wine white made according to same blending formula as Jurançon Sec; but these grapes are hand-harvested very late in the season at 21.2% sugar.
22
Q
True of False: Max yield per ton for Jurançon Sec is 2.4 tons/ acre (40hl/ ha) while Jurançon moelleux/liquoreux is 3.6 tons/ acre (60hl/ ha)
A
False: (other way around)
23
Q
Wine law mandates for Jurançon moelleux/liquoreux for at least ____ passes and finished wines must contain at least ______ g/ l
A
two passes; 35 g/ l (3.5%) residual sugar
24
Q
Jurançon sec finished wines cannot contain more than ______ g/ l
A
4 g/ l (0.4%) residual sugar
25
What are the only two grapes that are allowed for Vendage Tardive or Late Harvest Jurançon (moelleux/liquoreux)?
100% Petit Manseng and/or Gros Manseng
26
Harvest for VT or Late Harvest Jurançon cannot begin until at least _____ weeks after the first day of the AOC Jurançon harvest and the grapes must be _____ % sugar when picked.
five weeks; 27.2% sugar
In additon, wine must be held for 18 months before being submitted to a tasting panel that will confer AOC status
27
What is the southern-most AOC of southwest France and also the only AOC from the Basque country? (What styles are authorized?)
Iroulégy AOC (red, white, rosé)
28
True or False: Autumns in Iroulégy are mild and extended thanks to warm southern breezes
True: vineyards here are found on terraced slopes sheltered from the north winds allowing grapes to both ripen and mature
29
In Iroulégy, reds and rosés must contain at least 50% _____ and _____ (together); Tannat can complete the blend.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc
30
Is de-stemming reds required in Iroulégy AOC? (What is min. % abv)
Yes- de-stemming is mandatory; min. 10% abv
31
Name the three white grapes used in Iroulégy AOC? What is min. % abv and max yields?
Petit Manseng, Gros Manseng, Courbu
Min. 10.5% abv and max yield 3.3 tons/acre (55hl/ ha)
32
Name the three distinct soil types of Iroulégy?
sandstone
limestone
clay
33
Pacherenc du Vic - Bilh and what AOC both cover the exact same geographical area, but PdV-B is for whites and the latter is solely for red.
Madiran AOC (not only a wine growing area, but also a village.... just like Vic Bilh)
34
Madrian AOC's growing area is equidistant between the Atlantic and the Pyrenees mountains. Which two AOC's are adjacent?
Tursan AOC (NW of Madiran)
Saint-Mont AOC (N & NE of Madiran)
35
Describe the "Foehn effect":
Autumns are mild and extended thanks to warm southern breezes. The Landscape is divided between forest and vineyard. Climate is influenced by both Atlantic and Pyrenees to provide a temperate growing season with amply sunshine
36
True of False: Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec (dry white) must contain at least 60% Courbu, Petit Courbu, Petit Manseng and/or Gros Manseng
True (but separately, neither can represent more than 80% of the blend)
37
Name the rest of the balance of grapes that Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec can have besides the main four
Arrufiac, Sémillon, and/or up to 10% Sauvignon
38
True of False: Pacherenc du Vic Bilh (moelleux and liquoreux) follows the same blending formula as the sec version and the max yield is 2.4 tons/ acre (40 hl/ ha)
True - max yield for PdVB sec in comparison is 3.6 tons/ acres (60 hl/ ha)
39
What is difference between PdVB (sec) vs. PdVB (M/L) in regards to min. abv and Residual sugar?
PdVB sec= 11% min. abv; < 3 g/ L (0.3%)
PdVB m/l= 12% min. abv; min. 35 g/L (3.5%)
40
Madiran wines must contain > 70% of what grape? ( What three grapes may complete the blend?)
Tannat (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Fer Servadou) - but many producers usually bottle 100% Tannat
41
What is a local synonym for Cabernet Franc? (Fer Servadou?)
CF = "Bouchy"
FS = "Pinenc"
42
Explain "Micro-oxygenation"
Minute amounts of oxygen are slowly bubbled through the vat of wine. This causes tannin molecules to bond with other tannin molecules and lose aggressive edge on the palate.
43
Who invented "Micro-oxygenation" and why?
Patrick Ducournau (1991) - technique became popular as it mimics the time-consuming barrel-aging step preciously required to soften the wines of this region.
44
When was AOC/AOP Languedoc created?
2007 (Coteaux du Languedoc red, rosé was first created in 1982 and white (2005) which led to Languedoc AOP)
45
What red & rosé AOC was created in 1982 and is sandwiched between Minervois and Faugères? (When was white authorized?)
Saint Chinian AOC (whites authorized in 2005)
46
For AOP Languedoc what is the %'s for red, rosé, white respectively?
Reds- 79%
Rosé- 21%
White- 8%
47
Name some red grapes authorized for AOP Languedoc
Grenache Noir, Lladoner Pelut, Syrah, Mourvèdre (min. 50%), Cinsault, Carignan (max. 40%)
48
Name some white grapes authorized for AOP Languedoc
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Marsanne, Rolle, Clairette, Picpoul
49
True or False: Languedoc represents a more extensive zone of production than the AOC Coteaux du Languedoc (which only covered terroirs in the central and northern Languedoc)
True (rather confusingly, the two names will continue to co-exist until AOC Coteaux du Languedoc disappears in 2017.)
50
True or False: Grenache (and its cousin Lladoner Pelut) along with Syrah and Mourvèdre are the main varieties used for reds and roses of AOC Languedoc
True (Secondary varieties: Carignan & Cinsault)
51
What are the main white varieties used for AOC Languedoc? (Secondary whites?)
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, Rolle, Clairette, Picpoul (Maccabeu and Viognier for whites)
52
Name the districts that can be added to the prefix AOC Languedoc
Sommières, Pic St Loup, St. Christol, Grés de Montpellier, St Georges d'Orques, St Drézery, La Méjanelle, *Montpeyroux, *St Saturnin (* independent AOC located within Terrasses du Larzac) Cabrières, Pézenas, Quatourze
53
Name the two oldest still wine AOC's in the Languedoc (what year were both established and what styles do they produce?)
Clairette du Languedoc AOC (still white) and Fitou AOC (still red) were both established in 1948.
54
Where is Faugères-cru AOC located? What %'s Red, Rosé, White?
Within the foothills of the Cévennes Mountains; 12 miles/20 km north of Béziers
(Red-85%, Rosé-13%, White-2%)
55
In Faugères-cru AOC, vineyard parcels are tucked in between woodland, garrigue, escarpments and hills all planted on what type of soil?
Grey-white schist
56
In what year was Faugères-cru red/rosé established? (Whites?)
1982; (2005)
57
Name the AOC established in 2013 that has vines descend down to the Etang de Thau (Lake of Thau), the only barrier between the vines and the sea. (Soil type?)
Picpoul de Pinet AOC (Limestone w/ some quartz and schist in the north)
58
True of False: Climate in Picpoul de Pinet AOC is influenced by sea breezes which moderate temps and Co-ops make up 80% of production while harvesting is done by machine at night.
True
59
Name the five red grapes authorized by Faugéres AOC
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan
60
Name the seven permitted white grapes for Faugéres AOC
Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Marsanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Viognier
61
The Faugéres-cru is one of six crus in Languedoc- name the other five
Corbieres-Boutenac
Saint Chinian Berlou
Saint Chinian Roquebrun
Minervois la Livinidre
La Clape
62
Name the red grapes they use for Saint Chinian AOC
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Lladoner Pelut (min 70%) Carignan, Cinsault
63
Name the white grapes they use for Saint Chinian AOC
Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Vermentino (90%), balance from Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Viognier, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc
64
True or False: Saint Chinian soil's can be split into two with schist in the south and clay/limestone in the north
False (switch it around)
65
There are two Languedoc cru appellations in Saint-Chinian: which one is the east? West?
East - Roquebrun
West- Berlou
(both of these crus are at northern tip of the zone)
66
When was Terrasses du Larzac AOC established and what is the style and grapes authorized?
est. 2014 ; Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (min. 60%); Carignan & Cinsault (max. 30%)
67
True or False: Terrasses du Larzac is similar to Pic St Loup in that it possesses a more meditteranean climate.
False- Continental climate (coupled with a higher level of average rainfall (32in/ 800mm)
68
True or False: Vineyards of Terrasses du Larzac have some of the highest diurnal temperature differences in Languedoc.
True- vineyards at foot of Larzac plateau experience 45 F (25 C) temperature difference between night and day during summer.
69
Describe the soil type of Terrasses du Larzac
clay, stone, iron-rich reddish clay (Ruffe) and limestone from the Causse du Larzac or Larzac Plateau
70
Name the AOC that is situated north of the Canal du Midi between Carcassonne (to the west) and Narbonne (to the east). What are the soils like?
Minervois AOC; clay, limestone, some sandstone, marble and schist
71
What are Minervois AOC styles?
Red (94%)
White (2%)
Rosé (4%)
72
Name all the reds used for Minervois AOC?
Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre (min. 60%);
Carignan, Cinsault, Terret, Aspiran, Piquepoul (min. 40%)
73
Name all the whites used for Minervois AOC
Marsanne, Roussanne, Maccabeu, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Vermentino Muscat à Petits Grains
74
What AOC lies in the northern portion of the Minervois in the foothills of Montagne Noire?
Minervois La Livinière
(one of six crus of Languedoc)
75
What AOC is the biggest, non-regional appellation in Languedoc and the fourth largest in France? (When was it established and what are soils like?)
Corbières AOC (1985) - takes its name from the jagged, limestone hills that dominate the region (w/ some schist, red clays, galets, and marl)
76
Name the Languedon cru AOC that lies within the protective flanks of the Alaric mountains to the NW and the Massif de Fontfroide to the east
Corbières Boutenac
77
What are the red grapes of Corbières Boutenac? What are max % for grapes?
Carignan (max 50%) followed by Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Lladoner Pelut, Cinsault max. 20% for red, max. 70% for rosé
78
What are the white grapes of Corbières Boutenac?
Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc followed by (Marsanne, Rousanne, Vermentino, Clairette, Terret, Muscat (max 10%)
79
What AOC in Languedoc is only AOC where there is an equal split between Mediterranean and Atlantic varieties? (When was AOC in established?)
Cabardès AOC (est. 1999)
80
How does the wind play a role in Cabardès AOC?
The wind's noticeable- cooler Atlantic breezes meet the more temperate and humid winds of the Mediterranean. They blow alternately in an evenly divided struggle with neither triumphing over the other.
81
What is the soil type for Cabardès AOC?
Limestone (with granite & gneiss on higher slopes)
82
What are the styles for Carbardès AOC?
Red (90%) and Rosé (10%)
83
What are the grapes allowed for Carbardès AOC?
Merlot, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc (min. 40%)
Syrah Grenache (min. 40%)
Côt (Malbec), Fer Servadou, Cinsault (max 20%
84
What AOC is most westerly appellation of Languedoc and is flatter and more open than the other Atlantic-influenced appellations of Carbardès and Limoux, but is subject to the same cool westerly breezes
Malepère AOC
85
What AOC is the southernmost of the "Atlantic corridor" appellations and encompasses five different AOC's: two for still & three for sparkling.
Limoux AOC
86
What are the red grapes used in Limoux AOC
Merlot, Côte, Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
87
True or False: Muzak, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay are authorized for Limoux AOC still whites and sparkling
True
88
What grape is permitted for Crémant de Limoux sparkling but not for AOC Limoux red?
Pinot Noir
89
What is the oldest sparkling wine in the world? (grape varieties allowed?)
Blanquette de Limoux (min. 90% Muzac , up to 10% Chenin Blanc & Chardonnay)
90
How long are wines aged in Blanquette de Limoux and what is dosage? (What year was AOC established?
Nine months sur lie
Dosage (brut or Demi-sec)
(est. 1938)
91
This AOC uses: Chardonnay (min. 40%), Chenin Blanc (20-40%) with a max 90% of both. Muzak and/or Pinot Noir are allowed to complete the blend. (What year was it established?)
Crémant de Limoux AOC (est. 1990)
92
True or false: Most Crémant de Limoux AOC blends, in practice, have a high proportion of Chardonnay (60% is common), Chenin Blanc (30%) with the balance in Muzak. Pinot Noir is new - and only recently has been used for the blends.
True
93
A rosé style has been permitted since 2006 and is achieved by blending a max of 10% of what grape?
Pinot Noir (to the assemblage)
94
What grape is used for Blanquette Mèthode Ancestral?
100% Muzac
95
Name the two ways that Blanquette Mèthode Ancestral can be made
1) Partially fermented must chilled in Dec. & bottled in March under waning moon. Result is lightly sparkling wine which is slightly cloudy due to yeast still in bottle.
2) Modern approach- chill partially fermented must and then bottle with addition of yeast and disgorge after 2-3 months aging period.
96
R.S for Blanquette Mèthode Ancestral should lie _________% with min. ______ months before release.
6-8%; with min. 2 months before release
97
This AOC for still whites represent some of the best Chardonnay produced in Languedoc.
Limoux AOC, white still (est. 1993)
production is small, but overall quality level is high
98
Name the grapes used for Limoux still whites
Mauzac (min. 15%)
Chardonnay
Chenin Blanc
99
Name a few regulations for Limoux AOC (Still whites)
Hand-harvested, Barrel fermentation, aging in barrel until at least May following the vintage (min. 7 months)
100
Name the grapes used for Limoux AOC still reds
Merlot (min. 50%)
Côt/ Grenache/ Syrah (min. 30%)
Carignan (max 10%)
Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc (up to 20%)
101
Name a few regulations for Limoux AOC
a blend of at least three varieties with the %'s of each quite rigorously defined, machine or hand-harvesting, age in tank or barrel min. 7 months
102
True of False: Limoux AOC red wines tend to be tight and lean
True
103
What AOC was established in 1948 and one of the oldest appellations in Languedoc? (Geographically, it's an enclave of the Corbières)
Fitou AOC
104
Name the two sub-zones of Fitou AOC (where are they in Fitou?)
- Fitou Maritime (close to the coast)
- Haut Fitou (18 miles/30km further inland, midst the mountains)
105
What is the Massif de la Clape? (What AOC's landscape is dominated by this?)
a limestone outcrop sandwiched between the city of Narbonne and the sea (La Clape cru)
106
La Clape Cru was established in _______ and in the last ten years has gained a reputation as high quality in Languedoc. (What are its soils?)
2015 (Limestone with sandstone and red iron-rich soils)
* Also one of the hottest and driest parts of France as vines constantly get battered by winds and the soil is nothing but stones.
107
What are the wine styles for La Clape-Cru AOC?
Reds (90%); Whites (10%)
108
Red grapes authorized for La Clape-Cru AOC?
-Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre (min. 70%)
-Carignan, Cinsault
109
White grapes authorized for La Clape-Cru AOC?
-Bourboulenc (min. 40%)
- Claierette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Rousanne, Picpoul, Rolle plus Carignan Blanc, Maccabeu, Terret, and Ugni Blanc
110
What is the name of the single variety that all Languedoc VDN's are made from?
Muscat à Petits Grains Blanc
111
Name all four Languedoc AOC VDN Muscats
Muscat de Lunel, Muscat de Mireval, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois
112
True or False: Fermenting must is fortified w/ a neutral grape spirit to finish the wine with 15% alcohol and a min. 11% R.S for three Languedoc AOC VDN Muscats.
True (Lunel, Mireval, Frontignan)
113
What is the one Languedoc AOC VDN that is an exception and is the sweetest? (R.S?)
Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois AOC (12.5% R.S)
114
What is mutage? (Is it made oxidative or reductive?)
The process of arresting a fermenting must through the addition of grape spirit (reductive)
115
Is irrigation and/or machine-harvest permitted for AOC VDN?
No irrigation and hand-harvest only
116
True of False: IGP's enact strict regulations on all grape-growing, winemaking, and bottling methods, yet this provides significant more freedom to winemakers than is found within AOC regulations.
True; they have more freedom and can harvest higher yields, use oak chips, plus vintage and name of grape can go on label.
117
What is France's single most important IGP? (how
IGP Pays d'Oc (accounts for 67% of all French IGP production)
118
Other than IGP Pays d'Oc, what are the other five IGP regional designations for France?
1) IGP Val de Loire
2) IGP Atlantique
3) IGP Méditerranée
4) IGP Comté Tolosan
5) IGP Comtés du Rhodaniens
119
What is the name of the IG where "production is little controlled" in France?
Vins Sans IG (labeled "Vin de France"; wines without a geographic indication)
120
True or False: Northern France is #1 producer of Vins Sans IG.
False: Southern France is #1 of Vins Sans IG
